Choosing a Preschool
When it comes to choosing a school, the more we know the better
we are at finding the school that's right for each individual
child. And finding the best preschool for your unique child
requires research. Most of parents need to find a good preschool
for their little ones before kindergarten either for childcare,
education or both. This is in part due to the increasing numbers
of working mothers of very young children. The result is a large
amount of parents who are searching for guidelines to selecting a
quality preschool program.
There are several different types of childcare settings and
even different learning philosophies within the field of Early
Childhood Education. When you choose a preschool program, it is
important to consider the program, the preschool staff, and the
characteristics of your child; as well as the preschool's physical
environment; and which combination of these factors will provide
the best experience for your child. A vital role of parents lies
in the careful selection of a preschool to ensure that the program
gives your child the right start.
Characteristics of the
Child
Some children are more comfortable in large groups and will do
well in preschools that have large classes. However, if your child
is uncomfortable in a crowd, look for a preschool that offers
small classes. A child who is especially fond of vigorous physical
activities and outdoor play may need a preschool that has good
outdoor space and equipment and that emphasizes physical
activities in its schedule. Since children's temperaments vary,
each child's level of comfort in large or free-play activities
should be considered when trying to meet his or her special needs.
Whereas most active, outgoing children may react positively to
situations where multiple activities are going on within one area,
other children may feel more comfortable and safe when
participating in more structured activities.
Characteristics of the Program
The directors of good programs usually encourage parents
looking for a preschool to visit at any time with their children,
but calling ahead for an appointment shows courtesy to the staff
and will ensure that the director has time to talk with you.
Parents should visit as many preschools as possible before making
a choice. If you are making such visit, give yourself time to get
a feeling for the classroom's general atmosphere and the extent to
which children appear comfortable and involved. A good educational
and organizational climate is usually indicated by friendliness
among the staff and children. Children in a good preschool are
usually not easily distracted by visitors and continue to be
absorbed in their work or play. When children rush toward visitors
and stay close to them, abandoning their activities, it very
likely indicates that activities fo not stimulate or interest the
children enough.
Ask the following questions about the preschool:
- Does the program have a clear written statement of its goals
and philosophy?
- Do the goals address all areas of a child's development,
including his or her social, emotional, intellectual, and
physical development?
- Does the preschool offer a balance of individual,
small-group, and large group activities; and spontaneous play
and teacher-guided activities?
- Is there a balance between rest and quiet periods and
vigorous outdoor activities?
- Do the preschool's activities encourage self-expression;
help children to develop various motor skills; and regularly
expose the children to literature the language arts, music,
science, and nature?
- Do the staff encourage and respond to children's natural
interests in reading, writing, and counting?
- Does the preschool provide snacks and meals that are
sufficiently nutritious?
- Do the staff pay attention to, and follow up on, the
children's interests in the world around them?
- Do the content and materials of the preschool program
reflect cultural diversity and nonsexist attitudes?
Characteristics of the Staff
Questions to ask about the program staff include:
- Are the teachers trained in early childhood education?
- Does the director have experience as a teacher?
- Does the ratio of adults to children comply with state
requirements? (Check with the local branch of the state agency
that regulates preschool programs.)
- Have the staff been stable over the years?
- Do the staff welcome parents as visitors and participants,
communicate regularly with them, and respect their preferences
and ideas?
- In their work with children, do the teachers express warmth,
interest, and respect for each child?
- Are the teachers engaged with the children most of the time?
Characteristics of the Physical Environment
Questions to ask about the
physical setting:
- Is there an attractive, spacious outdoor area for safe,
vigorous activities?
- Is there a sufficient supply of equipment?
- Are children always supervised when outdoors?
- Can children find small, quiet places in the room if they
want to?
Conclusion
As a parent, you will want to assess how well a preschool
program will satisfy your needs and preferences. When looking for
a preschool, you can start by contacting a local child care
resource and referral agency. Most preschool programs must conform
to state regulations and satisfy minimum standards of health and
safety. Even so, it is a good idea to ask the staff whether the
program is up to date with its state license and is accredited by
the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Studies also suggest that preschools are more likely to offer
high-quality programs when the number of children is enough to
allow the staff to get to know all the children and their
families. Whenever possible, it is helpful to speak to other
parents who have children in the program about their experiences
and recommendations.
1. Interview Caregivers
Call First
Ask....
- Is there an opening for my child?
- What hours and days are you open and where are you located?
- How much does care cost? Is financial assistance available?
- How many children are in your care?
- What age groups do you serve?
- Do you provide transportation?
- Do you provide meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)?
- Do you have a license, accreditation, or other
certification?
- When can I come to visit?
Visit Next (Visit more than once, stay as long as you can!)
Look for....
- Responsive, nurturing, warm interactions between caregiver
and children.
- Children who are happily involved in daily activities and
comfortable with their caregiver.
- A clean, safe, and healthy indoor and outdoor environment,
especially napping, eating and toileting areas.
- A variety of toys and learning materials, such as books,
puzzles, blocks, and climbing equipment, that your child will
find interesting and which will contribute to their growth and
development.
- Children getting individual attention.
Ask....
- Can I visit at any time?
- How do you handle discipline?
- What do you do if a child is sick?
- What would you do in case of an emergency?
- What training have you (and other staff/substitutes) had?
- Are all children and staff required to be immunized?
- May I see a copy of your license or other certification?
- Do you have a substitute or back-up caregiver?
- May I have a list of parents (current and former) who have
used your care?
- Where do children nap?
- Do you know that babies should go to sleep on their backs?
2. Check References
Ask other parents....
- Was the caregiver reliable on a daily basis?
- How did the caregiver discipline your child?
- Did your child enjoy the child care experience?
- How did the caregiver respond to you as a parent?
- Was the caregiver respectful of your values and culture?
- Would you recommend the caregiver without reservation?
- If your child is no longer with the caregiver, why did you
leave?
Ask the local child care resource and referral program or
licensing office....
- What regulations should child care providers meet in
my area?
- Is there a record of complaints about the child care
provider I am considering and how do I find out about it?
3. Make the Decision for Quality Care
From what you heard and saw, ask yourself....
- Which child care should I choose so that my child
will be happy and grow?
- Which caregiver can meet the special needs of my child?
- Are the caregiver's values compatible with my family's
values?
- Is the child care available and affordable according to my
family's needs and resources?
- Do I feel good about my decision?
4. Stay Involved
Ask yourself....
- How can I arrange my schedule so that I can...
- Talk to my caregiver every day?
- Talk to my child every day about how the day went?
- Visit and observe my child in care at different times
of the day?
- Be involved in my child's activities?
- How can I work with my caregiver to resolve issues and
concerns that may arise?
- How do I keep informed about my child's growth and
development while in care?
- How can I promote good working conditions for my child care
provider?
- How can I network with other parents?
These steps are only the beginning. Gather as much information
as possible to help you find the best care for your child. To find
the Child Care Resource and Referral Program nearest you, call
Child Care Aware: (800) 424-2246. For more complete guidelines on
health and safety in child care, call the National Resource Center
for Health and Safety in Child Care: (800) 598-KIDS (5437).
Where To Get More Information:
Child Care Action Campaign
330 Seventh Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10001o (212) 239-0138
Child Care Aware (800) 424-2246
ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and
Early Childhood Education
University Illinois
805 West Pennsylvania Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801-4897o (217) 333-1386 or
(800) 583-4135
http://ericps.ed.uiuc.edu/ericeece.html\
Family Resource Coalition
200 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1520
Chicago, IL 60604 or (312) 341-0900
National Association for the Education
of Young Children (NAEYC)
1509 16th Street NW Washington, DC 20036 (202) 232-8777 or (800)
424-2460
National Association of
Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies
2116 Campus Drive SE
Rochester, MN 55904 o (507) 287-2020
The National PTA
330 No. Wabash Avenue, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60611-3690 or (312) 951-6782
National Association of State Boards of Education
1012 Cameron Street
Alexandria, VA 22314 o (703) 684-4000
National Resource Center for Health
and Safety in Child Care
(800) 598-KIDS(5437) |
