How to Choose a Preschool

When the time comes to choose a preschool, it can often be daunting. With so many choices, how does a parent understand the differences between various and similar preschool programs, what will be the best “fit” for their child, and how to weed out the good preschools from the bad? Here are some suggestions for getting your child’s academic career off in the right direction… 

If possible, give yourself plenty of time to research, visit and investigate preschools in your area. Ask your friends, family, coworkers, church members and anyone else you can think of for suggestions and referrals - you don’t have to act on everyone’s opinion, but you will start to gather information and have some places to begin your search. You’ll also likely hear success and horror stories that will give you a little background and ideas for things to look out for and avoid as you hunt for your child’s school. 

Make yourself a list of what your priorities are and use this as a guide while you search. Think over things like location, focus of the school (do you want your child to be exposed to a second language, pre-academic and school readiness programs, etc.), activities (in-school and field trips), how many hours a day? A week? For some parents, issues like the demographic make-up of the staff and children, cost, how involved or active parents can be, and the facility will all be considerations while searching for a preschool. For others, the reputation of the school and how it influences future academic career and social status will be a factor. Try to be as honest and extensive as you can in your initial list. Then, look over the list and decide which factors are absolutes and which you are willing to have a little flexibility over.