Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child

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I am so excited to bring this post to you, courtesy of Anna Crowe Bates of Noodle, about choosing the right preschool for your child.

Noodle is the leading website helping parents and students make better education decisions. Using our interactive search tools, families can find the right kindergarten, liberal arts college, French tutor, or any other learning resource based on individual interests, strengths, and needs. In addition, they can read expert-authored articles, ask questions and get answers from some of the leading minds in education, and connect with others in their communities.

When it comes to securing the best educational foundation for your child, the process doesn’t end with choosing the right preschool. A crucial aspect to consider is the availability of reliable before and after-school childcare services. This additional support ensures a seamless transition for your child from the school environment to a nurturing and engaging space beyond regular hours. Parents often find comfort in establishments like The Learning Academy, where comprehensive care extends beyond traditional classroom settings. By seamlessly integrating education and childcare, The Learning Academy provides a holistic approach that fosters continuous growth and development for your child. It’s not just about choosing the right preschool; it’s about creating an educational ecosystem that caters to every aspect of your child’s needs, and they excels in providing such a well-rounded experience.

Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child

There are so many options when it comes to preschools. It is sometimes difficult to navigate the system keeping in mind the right fit for your child and family specifically. I know when searching for preschools for my son, I had a long list of ‘must-haves’ in mind, and wish I had known about Noodle’s Preschool Search Engine! Anna highlights family needs, environment, potty-training and education philosophy below.

What to keep in mind

The first year of school for your child is filled with many amazing moments. It’s a time of emotional, physical, social, and intellectual development. It’s also a tough time for parents facing the challenge of finding the “right” preschool for their family. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for every family searching for a preschool. So, we’ve put together these tips for what you should look for when choosing the right preschool for your child:

Family Needs

Ask yourself: why are you enrolling your child in preschool? Does your child need more educational stimulation than your current childcare provider? Does your child need more interaction with other children? There is no wrong answer. Think about what works best for your family. Do you need a preschool close to home or work? Is cost a factor? Consider all of these questions before pursuing your preschool of choice.

Environment

The school environment plays a major role in the preschool experience. Children learn how to coexist together at preschool. They also are going through the learning process together. When touring a preschool, consider if the outdoor area looks clean and safe and if the classrooms are warm and inviting.

Potty Training 

Not all preschools require students be potty trained before the first day of school. As parents, we sometimes struggle with potty training (check out my tips here). Don’t add more stress to the mix by giving yourself a deadline. Children often become motivated when seeing other children succeeding in potty training, so the end is near! However, if this is a concern for you, be sure to ask what the specific requirements are for the preschool you’re looking at.

Education Philosophy 

From traditional to progressive,and  academic to play-based, choosing a preschool for your child has become similar to choosing a college. The different philosophical frameworks are based around knowledge, skills, attitude and expectations. By choosing the a preschool philosophy for your child, you’re also setting the stage for your expectations at home. For example, the Waldorf philosophy is centered around imagination and creative thinking while traditional schools are more structured. It depends on what you feel more comfortable with.

Now what?

Now, you’ve narrowed it down to favorite preschools and it’s time to contact the school. Before reaching out, be prepared with a list of questions. Here are a few to ask:

1. Do you have extended hours?
2. What will the tuition rate be for my child?
3. What other expenses will be needed throughout the year?
4. What parent involvement is required?
5. Is your preschool licensed or certified?

This last question is so important not only to your sanity as a parent, but also to the safety of your child. Preschool regulations vary from state-to-state so it’s great to have an understanding of how these rules work within your state.



 

Photo credit: Children with arms up: depositphotos.com, thumbs up: depositphotos.com

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