The Atlanta

Preschool Directory

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Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child

by Susan Press

Copyright 2011, Pre-K Media.  All rights reserved.

We live in a time where each decision we make comes with such a variety of possibilities that it can be overwhelming.  Making choices for our children can be even more daunting because we care so very much for them and always want the best for them.  Choosing a preschool can be weighted by the additional pressure of finding a place that will prepare your child for the future.  Conversations on playgrounds, at playgroups, in the pediatrician’s waiting room, can fill our minds with even more worry about finding space in the “right school”.   This article is written in an attempt to focus you in your search and hopefully lighten the stress as you do this. There are many good schools and enrollments shift constantly.  Openings can magically appear especially if you can let go of specific timetables.  Take care of yourselves by not joining with any prevailing angst over limited space. Make your best choice and then politely persist in securing a spot for your child.

Early childhood schooling follows the flavor of early childhood parenting.  Keeping this in mind as you visit schools can help to narrow your search.  Look at the teachers you are meeting to see if you feel comfortable with their manner and style.  If you feel good in the presence of these teachers, most likely, so will your child.  As in any profession, you will find a wide variety of personalities. Your goal for your child, while in preschool, is to feel safe and enjoy this first school experience.  If the teacher in charge matches your parenting style, it will be easier for your child to separate from you and take direction from someone not “you”.

Ask about the time the staff members have been with the school.  A lack of frequent staff changes is a good sign.

Find out how discipline is handled.  Pose “what if questions” and ask how the teacher in charge might handle different types of behavior issues.

Next, try to match your child’s personality to that of the school as a whole.  If your child tends to be shy and more comfortable in small groups, as are many children, find a school with limited class size.  Does your child enjoy “outdoor” time and gross motor activities?  Look at the outdoor area and equipment and ask about the time given to outdoor play.  Young artists will appreciate a school with a high priority for arts and crafts.  All children are happiest with a wide selection of play materials.  Look at the toys and games.  Are they in good condition and do they vary day to day?  Is music included in the daily schedule?

Ask about the school’s policy regarding parent visits.  An open door to parents, especially while your child is adjusting to the new setting shows an understanding of the importance of parents in the lives of young children.

If you are in need of extended hours after the basic program has ended, ask about the activities and staff responsible for this part of the day.  What will your child be doing at the end of the day until you come?

There are definite advantages to choosing a school that offers a program for each of the preschool ages.  Young children will often feel more secure away from home if they can attend the same school until kindergarten.  Ask about the skills covered at the Pre-Kindergarten level.  Kindergarten teachers like entering students to be able to: write their names using the appropriate upper and lower case letters, count to 12 and recognize those numbers and as many letters, upper and lower case as they are able, begin to understand and use the sounds of each letter, hold and use scissors successfully, recognize basic geometrical shapes, and follow general directions as found in many preschool workbooks. 

Some schools help you begin your child’s education by offering a Parent-Child Class where you may attend class two to three times a week with your child.  This allows you to support your child personally as he or she tackles the concepts of sharing and taking turns; what it is like to go to school.

As always, trust your own instincts.  You will have a sense of what feels right for your child. If you do choose a school that your child does not like, there are no laws against pulling back and changing direction.  Best wishes in this wonderful adventure!