Preschool can significantly enrich your little one’s childhood experience. It also plays an important role in cultivating your child’s mental, physical, social and emotional well-being. But with so many available options, how do you choose the best preschool program for your child? Finding the preschool that’s a good fit for your child can seem like an overwhelming task. The following tips can serve as your guide to pick a preschool that’s right for the entire family.
Think about your goals
Before you begin your preschool search, determine your goals and ask yourself what you want your child to gain from the preschool experience. Do you want your child to start learning the fundamentals of academics? Are you excited for them to start reading and counting? Do you want to prepare them for a smooth transition to kindergarten? Or do you want them to enhance their social and emotional skills by spending more time with other kids? Thinking about these goals can help you determine the preschool that best fits your child.
Consider your priorities
When choosing a preschool, it will also help to consider your priorities such as the school’s location, class schedule, programs and curriculum. Is it important that the preschool is located near your workplace or near your home? Are you looking for a preschool that offers a morning or an afternoon program? Does the teacher to student ratio matter to you? How about the cost, is it also an important consideration? If it seems tough to find a preschool that meets all these factors, decide which ones on your list are the deal breakers and keep them in mind as you go along your preschool search.
Do your research
Now that you have figured out the things you are looking for in a preschool, the next step is research. The internet is an excellent resource for finding the preschools that offer what you’re searching for. Do an online search and check the websites of different preschools. See what they have to offer in terms of program and curriculum. Also, take time to read reviews and see what other parents have to say. If you see several complaints or “red flags”, take it as a warning sign.
You can also seek feedback and recommendations from other parents, as well as family and friends. They can share helpful insights on the best preschools around your local community.
Visit the centers in person
To get a better sense of the way a preschool operates, it is best to visit them in person. Seeing a preschool for yourself helps you determine if it is a good fit for your child. It’s also a great idea to bring your child with you. During your visit, focus on the teachers and staff. Notice how the teachers interact with the students. Observe if they care about the children and if they genuinely love what they are doing. Talk to the director and ask about the teachers’ training and background in childcare.
Tour the entire preschool and make sure it is a safe and secure environment for children. Take a peek inside the classrooms and see if they are conducive to learning. Also check if there is enough space for kids to move around and if there are adequate materials and age-appropriate toys available for use.
Consider your child’s needs
Each child is unique. Therefore, it’s important to find a preschool that meets your child’s specific needs. For example, if your little one is still struggling when it comes to potty-training, look for a preschool that can handle these challenges. The important thing is to find an environment where your child can thrive and succeed.
Ask your child their opinion
Before making a final decision, seek your child’s opinion and ask them which preschool they prefer. Having them choose where they will be happy and comfortable will ensure that their experience in preschool will be worthwhile and meaningful.
Picking a preschool that’s best for your child shouldn’t be overwhelming with the help of this guide. And if you’re looking for the best preschool in Houston for your little one, please visit the Montessori School of Downtown.