First-time parents especially want to entrust the care of their children to caring and qualified teachers. To help you find the right fit for your child’s preschool education, we want to offer some guidance on what traits and qualifications to seek in a caretaker or preschool teacher.
Exceptional preschool educators can build a strong foundation for each student’s learning journey and help your child meet developmental milestones and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Here are six key qualities to look for to help identify exceptional preschool teachers:
They Have a Passion for Early Childhood Education
A passion for working with young children and connecting with families is one factor that every teacher should share. A passionate teacher is able to approach each day with excitement, and their enthusiasm shines through in their interactions with children. As you tour a school and meet with the preschool teachers that are in your child’s age classroom, ask them about their role, why they do it, and what they love most about their job. The answers to those simple questions will likely reveal traits and qualities that you’re looking for.
The Gardner School invests in our teachers to ensure they always feel supported and are provided with ample opportunities for growth. Valuing and appreciating our teachers create a ripple effect that benefits everyone, including each and every student.
They are Recognized for Teacher Excellence
You can tell a lot about a community by what it celebrates. When you’re considering a preschool, look for organizations that prioritize the recognition of its teachers. When you arrive at a preschool location, you can check the halls or main office to see if there are pictures, posters, certificates, or awards highlighting teacher excellence. Another great place to look for teacher recognition is through the online presence of the school. Check the preschool’s blog or website to see if staff members are regularly featured or recognized.
They Work in a High-Quality Teaching Environment
Keep an eye out for preschools that strive to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) or other accreditation programs. These designations indicate that a school has met rigorous requirements to provide a quality education for your children. It’s crucial that our teachers learn the latest in early childhood development. That’s why The Gardner School provides in-service programs, staff meetings, orientation programs, and other opportunities. When teachers are growing in their skills and knowledge, our students enjoy the benefits; and parents can feel great knowing that their little ones are receiving an outstanding education with the most innovative teaching techniques.
They Have Strong Communication Skills
Exceptional educators are not only great at communicating with children but also excel at keeping parents informed about their child’s progress, daily activities, and any concerns that may arise. Be sure to ask about the tools a school uses to keep open communication with the families they serve. Also, be sure to inquire about parent-teacher conferences and open-door policies during the day and not just during drop-off and pick-up.
They Are Organized
Managing a classroom full of energetic children could easily turn into chaos without the right teacher. Exceptional teachers use their abilities to keep a classroom calm, which can also help to maintain daily routine and structure. As you tour a school, listen in the hallways and look inside classrooms to get a sense of whether or not a sense of order and calmness is maintained. An organized and organized classroom can be comforting for a child, especially when they are in a brand new setting.
They Are Committed to Health and Safety
One of the things parents care most about when considering childcare or preschool is the health and safety of their child. The best way to ensure your child stays safe is to choose a preschool that requires teachers to have multiple safety certifications. Don’t feel shy about asking if the staff is certified, as your child’s safety comes first! Safety certifications you should ask about include Child CPR and General First Aid. These certifications are especially important for children with allergies, disabilities, or other special needs. When visiting a preschool, look for first aid kits in each space where children play. Quick medical attention can go a long way in preventing infections and can help calm a child who may feel frightened and overwhelmed.
A Preschool With Teachers You Can Trust
Finding a childcare experience with teachers and staff who will give your child a strong start on their learning journey doesn’t have to be complicated. To make a decision that’s right for your family, be sure to download our checklist for choosing the best preschool.
The Gardner School understands how difficult it is to entrust the help of your child’s care and education to someone else. We make it a priority to hire the most qualified, empathetic, and highly skilled team members. Our employees are carefully vetted and subject to a rigorous interview and screening process to provide the very best in education for your child. To learn more about us and meet our teachers, schedule a tour today.
