Tips For Choosing A Preschool
A good preschool should encourage a child’s positive self–concept and provide a variety of experiences and choices that foster children’s physical, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and social development. Specifically, when visiting preschools, prospective families should look for the following:
A good preschool should encourage a child’s positive self–concept and provide a variety of experiences and choices that foster children’s physical, cognitive, linguistic, emotional and social development.
Children have a choice among materials, equipment and activities to stimulate exploration of their interest. Look for blocks, puzzles, books, a quiet space, art materials, etc.
The school maintains a safe, clean and healthy environment with adequate indoor and outdoor spaces for the number of children in the program.
The curriculum is varied and adapted for children of different learning styles and stages of development. Children are not all expected to learn the same thing at the same time in the same way.
Teachers gently guide children in their emotional or social challenges to communicate appropriately, learn to problem–solve their conflicts, and develop mutual respect and compassion for their peers.
Teachers work with parents by encouraging participation, communicating openly, and supporting parents in guiding their children’s development.
Teachers encourage positive behavior and by guiding and redirecting children to make choices that do not harm others, creating predictable routines, and providing positive feedback to children.
Children play outside every day to stimulate development of gross motor, social and problem-solving skills. Both inside and outdoors, children are given many social opportunities throughout the day.
The school maintains amazing staff–child ratios (at least 1 adult for every 8 two–year–old children, or at least 1 adult for every 10 three– and four–year–old children).
The teaching staff has required educational qualifications and experience and is committed to ongoing training and professional development.
Children and parents look forward to the child going to school.
Children and parents and feel and convey a strong sense of community with the teachers and other families in the school.