Looking for a new preschool for your family can be a stressful and timely process. You want to make sure that the preschool will be treating your child like the precious jewel they are. You also want to assure that the preschool’s core values align with yours.

Choose the Perfect Preschool

Having the right preparations can help ease some anxiety about finding a new preschool. Remember the following 7 questions:

1. What is the School’s Educational Philosophy?
2. Are the Teachers Certified?
3. What is the School’s Discipline Procedure?
4. Can the School Accommodate Your Schedule?
5. Are the Teachers CPR and First-Aid Certified?
6. How Much Play-Time Do the Children Have?
7. What is the Teacher to Student Ratio?

1) What is the School’s Educational Philosophy?

The educational philosophy needs to align with your core values and beliefs. You don’t want to find out that you don’t agree with the curriculum six months after enrollment. The school’s educational philosophy can give you insight into what your child will be studying most of the day.

2) Are the Teachers Certified?

Many preschools don’t require the teachers to be certified. Some require a college degree, while some do not. If the teacher’s education is important to you, then you’ll want to confirm that they have the required qualifications to teach your child.

3) What is the School’s Discipline Procedure?

Every preschool has different discipline procedures. How does the school inform the parents about disciplinary actions? Do you want to be notified immediately if your child misbehaves, or are you okay with being informed after class?

Pro Tip: When looking for a new preschool, you’ll want to make sure that the preschool’s disciplinary actions are in line with your parenting style.

4) Can the School Accommodate Your Schedule?

Most parents have pretty chaotic schedules, from work to running errands and extra-curricular activities. Do you work early or late hours? You’re going to want to check that the preschool will be available during the times that you need childcare the most.

5) Are the Teachers CPR and First-Aid Certified?

Nobody wants to think about their child in an emergency situation. However, accidents do happen. Therefore, it’s critical to make sure that the teachers taking care of your children have up-to-date CPR and First-Aid Certifications.

6) How Much Play-Time Do the Children Have?

Small children especially need ample time to play. When a child is transitioning from being at home every day to a preschool, they shouldn’t have to be quiet and serious for the entire day. It’s also beneficial for children to play with other kids their age to develop positive social habits.

7) What is the Teacher to Student Ratio?

Will your student be getting enough one-on-one time with their teacher? If a teacher is overwhelmed because the ratio is too high, then chances are your child will be overwhelmed, too. Every preschool is different so you want to make sure you’re comfortable with the ratio.

Ease Into a New Preschool

Once you find the preschool that aligns with your beliefs, you don’t have to start your child in full-time classes immediately. Make the transition as seamless as possible by starting part-time and easing your child into full time as they become more comfortable.

Contact Us to learn more about how to vet and select the right new preschool program for your child.