There are plenty of preschool programs out there, but not all are created equally. There is a huge difference between a day care facility and a pre-primary school, though both exist under the larger umbrella of childcare programs.
Preprimary programs are groups or classes that are designed to provide educational experiences for young children, including kindergarten, preschool, and nursery school programs. As many as three-fourths of young children in the U.S. participate in preschool.
Finding the right preschool is not as simple as asking for recommendations or searching online for positive reviews. Finding the right preschool for your children requires a combination of research, visits, and asking the right questions.
Five Questions to Ask When Choosing a Preschool
- What is the school’s educational philosophy?
There are many benefits of academic preschool as opposed to a daycare facility. Parents should look for a preschool that offers a rich learning experience to children, helping them with all forms of age-appropriate development. Academic preschool activities include learning through play, practicing color, shape, alphabet, and number recognition as well as basic social skills. Grade school readiness should be an important goal when it comes to the preschool curriculum. - What is the educational background of the teachers and staff?
Naturally, you want your child’s teachers to be experienced and fully qualified to care for children as well as teach them. Ask about teachers’ training, experience, and understanding of basic child care. - Is there a nap time?
Young children need to rest for a period during a busy day. Find out how nap time is enforced and whether you need to bring your own supplies or if the school provides a mat, sheet, and pillow. If these things are provided by the school, find out how often they are washed. - Are meals and snacks provided?
Inquire about healthy food options, as well as allergy issue and dietary restrictions. - How is discipline enforced?
Ask about classroom rules as well as the types of disciplinary actions that are taken so that you and your child know what to expect. Find out how the teachers encourage positive behavior.
Did you know that 70% of at-risk children are more likely to be arrested for committing a violent crime if they did not get a quality preschool education? A quality preschool is one that encourages learning and provides children with the necessary skills to achieve success throughout the rest of their academic years