How to Choose a Preschool

Choosing a preschool is one of those all-important tasks that set the tone for your child's educational future. Gone are the days all you had to think about was leaving your child to play with others all day, coming home covered in sand and apple juice. Today's preschools have only some time to play, but also devote a great deal of time to early learning. This is why you cannot just close your eyes and point to a name in the Yellow Pages. You can to research, visit, scrutinize and think carefully when it comes down to choosing a preschool for your child. Here are some tips to help you in the decision-making process:

1. Start by making a list: And like Santa, you are going to have to check it not just twice, but several times. The list should be a compilation of preschools from reputable publications, family and friends, neighbors and more. You should also check with the National Association for Early Childhood Education
   
   
2. Set up a time to visit: This is perhaps the most important step of all. After all, anyone can sell you a bridge to China over the phone, but before you seal the deal, you would need to see it for yourself. Same rules apply here. It is important to not only see how clean the facility is, but also to observe the children currently enrolled. Are they playing happily or sitting in rows like zombies in the latest horror flick? Are there more students than harried teachers to chase them? What is the overall atmosphere of the school? You can get all of the written information you want, but you will know from your visits whether this is a school you will comfortable leaving your child in.
   
   
3. Find out about operating hours: This is particularly significant for parents who work. A preschool that only operates for half a day may not work for you. You should be sure that the hours of operation, including drop off and pick up times, work for your schedule of care you need in conjunction with the hours your work.
   
   
4. Pay attention to the curriculum: In today's educational system, children start learning very early. You want to be sure that even the smallest children are learning age-appropriate skills in preschool and not simply watching TV and drinking juice (something most adults only dream of getting to do at work all day). There should be a learning plan of some sort in place for each age group and should include a well-rounded variety of activities for the children.
   
   
5. What about food? If the preschool provides meals, what kind of food are they feeding your child? This is important because the last thing you want to find out on your way home from a grueling day at work is that your child has been stuffed with candy and sweets for most of the afternoon and does not want a real meal. If they don't provide meals, make sure you pack a nutritional meal with plenty of healthy options.

to see which schools on your list are properly accredited. In addition to accreditation, preschools should also be licensed by the state. This information is usually found within the school's handbook or informational sheet. It is important to ensure that any school you are considering has all of the proper licensing before you move forward.

The most important tip is to follow your gut instinct. You take every one of these tips into consideration, but still feel uncomfortable for reason. Pay attention and don't send your child anywhere you feel they may not thrive. Visit as many preschools as you need to so that you can find the perfect place for your child.