How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child
Sending a child to a daycare or preschool for the first time is a scary and anxious time in the life of most parents. Choosing the right preschool is an important part of easing parental worries and helping both parents and children feel comfortable. Here are some tips for choosing the right preschool.
- Look for accredited centers. Accreditation assures the center is committed to following higher standards than the minimum required by the state. Centers accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) go through the highest level of critique.
- Read licensing inspection reports. Contact the local Department of Children and Families to inquire about citations and complaints on file for any centers of interest. Some states post this information online, allowing parents to read full inspection reports.
- Find a program that follows low teacher to student ratios. The best ratio for infants and toddlers is one teacher to every three children if not the only adult in the room, or one teacher to four children if multiple adults are present. Preschool aged children should be in groups of no more than ten children per one adult. Additional staff must be available to cover bathroom breaks and lunches so children are never left without adequate supervision.
- Investigate the education, experience and qualifications of the director, teachers and other staff. In general, look for a program with the highest qualified staff and the right personality to work with children, also plays a big factor.
- Are the hours, schedule and location convenient? Finding a program that meets the family's needs is important.
- Trust instincts. If for any reason there is discomfort at a center or with a teacher, find another program.