Parents often wonder about the benefits of early childhood education. The truth is there are actually quite a handful of advantages that kids can gain from their preschool experience. Preschool offers opportunities for intellectual, emotional, social and physical growth.
It also teaches children essential skills that will help them in the future. And because every child is unique, choosing a preschool is a decision that is not to be taken lightly. Read on and consider these points to help find a school that is a good match for your child.
Determine your goals
Before making a decision, think about why you want your child to get a good education. What specific needs need to be met? Do they need more opportunities to develop their social skills? Do you want them to get a head start on learning? Do you want them to get used to a structured routine so that transitioning to kindergarten will no longer be a challenge?
The answers to these questions play a significant role in finding which school is right for your child.
Consider the basics
To avoid becoming overwhelmed by the process of selecting a preschool, create a list of all your priorities. Think about how preschool will fit into your daily life as a family. For example, one of the things you’ll have to consider is your child’s drop off and pick up schedule. Does the preschool have to be near your home or workplace? Are you looking for a preschool that offers morning or afternoon classes, or both? Answering questions like these will help you narrow down your selection.
Seek out feedback and recommendations
Your close friends, family and other parents can provide insight into the reputation of some of the preschools in your local community. Feel free to approach them and ask for recommendations. Consider their opinions when narrowing down your preschool options.
Do your research
Try to obtain more information about the preschools you are considering. One of the best places to do that would be the internet. Visit their websites and find out more about their philosophies, curriculum, and programs! Also, take time to read through parent reviews to see if there are any red flags. Check if there are comments about the school’s safety, health violations and other issues.
Visit the preschool
Once you have narrowed down your options to about 2 or 3 preschools, it’s time to visit each one in person. It is also a great idea to bring along your child so they can see the site. During your visit, be sure to take the time to talk to the school director and teachers. Learn more about the programs they offer. Observe if it has a safe, friendly and welcoming environment.
Try to get a better sense of the way it operates by checking how the children and teachers interact. Are the children enjoying their activities? Is there healthy interaction between kids and adults? How about the materials and toys? Are they educational and kid-friendly?
Encourage your child to get a feel of the environment and see if it’s a place they feel comfortable in. Allow them to play in the playground and notice how they react to the preschool. It will help you determine whether the school is going to be a good fit or not.
Choosing the right preschool for your little one does not have to be overwhelming. You can always refer to these tips to guide your decision. The important thing is that you pick a school that will cater to your child’s needs – academically, emotionally, socially and physically, which is exactly what Cornerstone Learning Center offers. For more information, please feel free to give us a call or visit our website.