How to Choose a Preschool

Are you struggling trying to understand what's good and what isn't for your little beginner's education? Here is a handy reference on how to decide who should care for and teach your child. Below are questions and ideals you'll want to talk to the preschools about as you start the process of the finding the right one.

Does the preschool:

1. have assorted activity and discovery centers for learning?
2. have toys for several age groups?
3. have a variety of toys with a variety of shapes and textures?
4. allow for creative play such as puppet shows and dress up clothes?
5. have monthly or weekly themes such as seasons, holidays, or animals?
6. take the children on both fun and educational outings?
7. promote sharing, caring, and helping others?

Those are the types of questions you'll want to keep in mind.

If you have a certain belief that is practiced in your household that you also want carried with your child throughout the day, also take that into consideration when you interview preschools. Ask them if and how they will follow those beliefs.

Write down any other personal questions you may want addressed. Any concerns you may have should always be addressed. As someone who has worked with many children, I know firsthand that the care provider will not think any of your questions are dumb. When concerning your child, all questions are important, no matter how small or large. Don't be afraid to ask about anything. It's better to ask now, then find out the hard way later.

If your child has any allergies, be sure the facility is free of the allergens.

A child with any medical conditions will need a facility that is properly equipped to handle such problems. If your child is being cared for by someone who does not know how to handle medical conditions, this could be very dangerous. Be sure the facility knows and understands how to deal with your child's condition properly. If not, that is not the right facility, even if everything else was perfect.

Ask about dress codes. If the preschool facility has a dress code, your wallet and your child will need to be ready for this. Think about whether or not this would be an issue for your family. Take your child with you when you buy or pick up the outfit. Let your child know that it is a special outfit for school. Let your child know that it is special to wear the outfit. If you don't like it, don't let your child know that.

There are also different types of teaching methods from Montessori, to Head-Start, to technological, to child-led teaching and many more. Just type "teaching methods" into Google. MSN, Live, Yahoo, or your favorite search engine. Research some of them. This will help you gain a better perspective of what you are looking for.

Once you have all these concerns written down, use them in an interview with each preschool. Take notes as the care providers and directors answer your questions. Compare them all to each other later. Choose the one that is best suited to the needs of your child.