Early childhood education has immeasurable value in developing a child’s intellectual, physical, and social development. However, it can be difficult to choose the right preschool for your child, and your family as a whole. You may wonder what aspects of preschool education you should prioritize as a parent. While the answers are different for everyone, there are a few key components you should look for when choosing a preschool for your child. Keep the following categories in mind as you compare your educational options, and download our checklist for choosing the best preschool to make a decision that’s right for your family!
✅ Safe and Engaging Environment and Facilities
A preschool’s proximity to your home or work is only one aspect to consider when deciding on a preschool for your child. If you’re able to visit the location or take a virtual tour, you can get a better sense of the physical environment your child will experience every day. Look for large windows, child-sized furniture, learning stations, and both indoor and outdoor play areas while you’re viewing the facilities.
✅ Nurturing, Experienced Staff Members
The preschool staff makes a huge difference in your child’s daily experience. If you’re able to meet staff members, take time to get a feel for their personalities. You’ll want to be sure they are warm, nurturing, and experienced in early childhood education. If you feel welcomed and engaged by everyone you meet, chances are your child will, too! High quality preschools require highly-qualified lead teachers, which is a great way of ensuring that your child will be engaging with an experienced and trained educator.
✅ A Research-Backed Educational Curriculum
A set educational curriculum is how a preschool introduces kids to literacy, S.T.E.A.M. education, the arts, physical activity, and more! When you ask about a preschool’s curriculum, make sure they’re using an established, research-backed educational program that is built specifically for younger learners. A preschool’s curriculum should ultimately support kindergarten readiness by providing scaffolded, sequential learning experiences for preschoolers. A strong curriculum meets kids where they are but also facilitates growth as they begin to grasp essential concepts and skills.
✅ Attention to Health and Safety
Your child’s health and safety are always most important, so you’ll want to choose a preschool that allows you to relax and feel at ease, knowing that your child is in good hands. While the health and safety of children involve many different components, one of these is building security. When you’re considering a potential preschool, ask about security measures taken to protect students, as well as the drop-off and pick-up protocols.
A reputable preschool will be able to outline the policies and procedures they implement to keep your child safe. In terms of your child’s health and wellness, the preschool you choose should have protocols for reducing virus transmissions, such as air filters and deep cleaning equipment. It should also prioritize protecting children with food allergies and other acute childhood illnesses. You may have additional questions about nutrition, outdoor exercise, and emotional wellbeing that you’d like to have answered as well. Feel free to ask questions and learn more about a potential preschool’s approach to keeping kids safe and healthy.
✅ Strong Parent Involvement and Communication
Parent-teacher communication is essential, and with the help of technology, it’s even easier to be informed in real-time about your child’s day. Choose a school that has a dedicated parent communications app to help keep parents informed about their child’s schedule, meals, naptime, playtime, social interactions, and emotional and physical wellbeing. The preschool you select should also offer opportunities for parents and caregivers to volunteer in the classroom when it’s safe to do so. Finally, it’s imperative that you be able to meet with your child’s teacher at least twice yearly for a conference. Together, you can discuss your child’s progress, growth milestones, any need for intervention, and their learning plan for the remainder of the year.
✅ An Aligned Educational Philosophy
Like individuals, every educational institution has its own philosophy, values, and approach. To find the right preschool for your child, it’s best to choose a school that has a similar educational philosophy as your family. As you are comparing preschools, think about the philosophical beliefs that are most important to you. Do you believe in strong positive reinforcement? Is ritual and routine important to your family? Do you want an academic or play-based approach in your preschool or perhaps a balanced blend of the two styles? Do you prefer child-directed activities to make up most of the day or teacher-directed learning mixed in? Once you’ve solidified what you’re looking for, ask potential schools about their educational philosophy.
✅ Available Enrichment Programs
Some comprehensive preschools will offer a full suite of supplemental enrichment classes or activities on site that consist of a variety of subjects. Find a preschool that offers a diverse mix of enrichment courses including foreign languages, sports, visual arts, performing arts, technology, and even cooking classes!
The Gardner School’s Approach To Early Childhood Education
When you’re ready to choose a preschool for your child, download our checklist for choosing the best preschool to keep track of each school you’re considering. Once you’ve determined the right choice for your child, rest easy knowing you’ve investigated many of the major comparison points between schools. The Gardner School brings a rich learning environment to our students to help foster their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. We’d love to show you how our trusted preschool can check off every box on your preschool wish list.
