Tips for Picking a Preschool

It’s a bridge every parent must cross at some point; finding a safe and secure preschool that

ensures rich and fulfilling days for their child.

While many people focus on cost and location as main factors when choosing a place for the kids, there are several other critical factors parents should consider.

Ms. Wanda's recently been through the process in her family, finding a program for her grandson.

“First, parents should really pay attention to the environment when they visit any early learning program to make sure it’s welcoming, secure, and clean,” explains Wanda McCown, director for the Opportunity School Edwards Campus. “The next thing parents should look for is teacher engagement. It’s important that teachers communicate well with the children; you should see teachers getting down on the child’s level.”

McCown also suggests checking out the classroom environment at new preschools to make sure they are geared to children with developmentally appropriate materials for that age group.

“Parents should inquire about the curriculum and how much training the teachers receive throughout the school year, “says McCown. “A program that fosters play-based learning is also a critical element parents should seek out.”

Play-based learning incorporates different ways to play as an integral part of the learning process. It allows children to make their own decisions and choices about how and what they play, keeping them moving and helping them with hands-on experiences such as building with blocks or exploring different parts of the playground or classroom, all while having fun.

“I have seen first-hand how watching a child work with their hands on something they enjoy makes a difference in the way they learn a new skill,” says McCown. “Children are quickly learning through play how to manage everyday life situations. It is through this play-based learning that they are building the social and emotional skills that will help them as they grow and interact with their peers.”

A school’s physical setting, both inside and outside, should also be a key consideration for parents. Classrooms should be geared toward development with toys and activities that create a prime environment for child-led learning, while outdoor areas should provide areas to not only run, jump, and climb, but to learn.

“Opportunity School, for example, has converted its outdoor play area into an outdoor classroom with learning stations. This helps learning flow from the inside out,’ says McCown.

It’s also critical for parents to find a preschool that provides a strong support structure for both children and parents along with family engagement activities.

Finally, parents should seek out an early learning program that’s nationally accredited.

“The benefits of an accredited program include teachers with significantly more professional development, curriculum that is individualized, classroom environments that are more specific to the developmental needs of children, and teacher/student ratios that are lower than the minimum standards,” explains McCown.

Parents who understand these quality indicators for a preschool are much better equipped to find a high-quality program that ensures the very best for their child.