Knowing how to find a preschool that aligns with your parenting style and educational requirements can be tough enough, but in today’s world, families also need to focus on safety. While we can’t always predict accidents, your local preschool program should take the initiative to provide ample protection for students. How can you tell if your child will be getting a high-quality education and be safeguarded against harm? Look for the following signs.
Your school informs you about surveillance and safety measures they take
While 70% of at-risk children are more likely to be arrested for committing a violent crime if they don’t receive a good preschool education, no child should ever become a victim of a crime at school. One of the most obvious signs of school safety is that the facility shares the measures they take. When asked, school officials should be able to tell parents precisely how they protect their students. Academic preschool programs should limit premises access and monitor exterior doors and the perimeter. They should also monitor the interior of the school.
It’s not just about keeping dangers out of the school. Classrooms should be childproofed and follow proper safety procedures, which you may be able to pick out from a facility visit. Of course, your school should have fire alarms and fire doors in every room. You’ll want to ask about fire drills and how children are educated in regard to safety to make sure staff members are being proactive with students.
The staff members are highly trained and remain there long-term
You may not initially consider turnover as a factor when you’re figuring out how to find a preschool for your child, but it can be more telling than you realize. A high level of turnover usually signals some internal issues with staff retention or hiring. If teachers are under-qualified or are unhappy, end up leaving after a relatively short time. In general, look for a preschool that has higher retention rates, as this usually means more personal investment from the teachers and better bonding with the students.
In addition, teachers and staff members should be trained in first aid and CPR. The facility should meet licensing standards, and staff members should be eager to provide you with any certification or copies of documents you may need.
The environment reflects school policies and is a clean, healthy place
Overall, the school should practice what it preaches. Classrooms should be clean and free of hazards, while staff members should encourage hand-washing and other cleanliness habits. There should be reminders of these practices throughout the facility to ensure lifelong healthy practices. Above all else, the school’s policies and practices should line up. Visiting the school before you enroll your child can give you an excellent idea of what you can expect as a parent.
Knowing how to find a preschool can be a real challenge for any family. In your quest to find an academic-based preschool that’s right for your family, you can’t forget about safety features like these. While we all hope for the best, it’s important that schools are prepared for the worst. That way, your child will be as safe and healthy as possible throughout their time in preschool.