Tips for Choosing the Best Type of Preschool for Your Child

When it's time for you to choose a preschool for your child being aware of the different types of teaching methods will help you to make the right decision. Often parents do not realize that there are different types of preschools, each one with their own style and approach to education. The following are several of the more popular types of preschools.

The Pre-K Program
The basis of a Pre-K style preschool stresses the skills needed for early reading readiness and pre-math. By building a strong foundation in preschool the transition into kindergarten and elementary school is easier for the child. This approach to preschool is considered an academically based program.

The Montessori Method
A Montessori preschool is based on a much freer, independent approach to learning. Acting more as a facilitator, the role of the teacher is to prepare a learning environment where the children are free to choose activities that interest them. The teacher, called a guide, encourages each child to explore and discover on their own, providing educational guidance rather than strict academic instruction. Emphasis is placed on the connection and importance of all living things. Generally a Montessori preschool classroom has children of various ages interacting with one another. By acting as role models the older children benefit and at the same time the younger children are learning from them.

The Waldorf Approach
Based on the belief that each person in his made up of three aspects, the body, soul and spirit, the Waldorf approach to preschool provides a homelike nurturing environment. Children are encouraged to use all five of their senses as they engage in daily activities and creative free play. Some of the daily activities may include baking bread, dressing up and pretending, and building box houses.

The Reggio Emilia Method
Preschools that share the belief of the Reggio Emilia method of teaching view each child as a competent learner. Teachers do not follow a set curriculum, instead they follow the interests of the children. The Reggio Emilia approach to learning believes that interaction with parents, teachers, the community, and other students provides the best environment for learning.

The Bank Street Approach
The Bank Street approach to preschool focuses on the belief that every child is in active learner, artist, explorer and experimenter. Children are given many opportunities to play with toys and learning materials that allow them to use their imagination creatively. The Bank Street approach believes that children need to study and learn about the world they live in so that they can make sense of the situations and people they encounter in life.

Visit the Preschools That Interest You
Before deciding which preschool your child should attend, visit several that interest you the most. Preschools should allow parents, and parents of prospective students, to view the classrooms and see teacher interactions. Ask how many children are in each classroom and the ratio of adults to children. Always check to make sure that the preschool is licensed and accredited.

Being an informed parent is the first step to choosing the best preschool for your child.