What to look for when considering preschools…
One of the most important parts of kindergarten readiness is making sure your child is at the right preschool! Their preschool should be one of the key places your child grows academically, socially and emotionally. Here are a few things to look for when picking a preschool for your child:
Balance between play and academics
Of course you want your child’s school to be developmentally appropriate and include lots of learning through play, but it is also important for your child to experience some academics and structure while at preschool. If your child doesn’t have exposure to these things, it makes the transition to kindergarten VERY challenging. Make sure to ask what a typical day looks like and what academic concepts your child will learn before moving to kindergarten (ideally learning to write their name, identify letters and sounds, counting and numbers, shapes, colors, rhyming, etc). Check out my full list of kindergarten readiness skills HERE!
2. Schedule
You want to make sure your child gets to experience a full week of school, and ideally a full day, before transitioning to kindergarten. Ideally by the time your child is 4 they will be enrolled 4-5 days a week and can be there most of the school day (9-2ish). This way the transition to a full school day, 5 days a week, won’t be as challenging and tiresome.
3. School Community
Look around at the other children and parents when you tour schools. Could you see your child being friends with these children? Do these parents look like your new social circle? The more of a community you build for you and your child, the better. Also ask if there are volunteer opportunities and social gatherings. The stronger the school community and the more involved you can be, the more enriching an opportunity it will be for your whole family.
4. Teachers
Make sure you ask about their experience and background! Some preschools don’t have super high standards when it comes to hiring preschool teachers and it is important to know your child will be learning from someone who is qualified and knowledgeable about early childhood education.
