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Each year, more and more children are starting early childhood programs and tapping into their educations at an early age. In 2016, about 54% of early childhood education students attended full-day preschool programs — up 47% percent from 2000.
You want your child to have the best opportunities for education and learning possible, so you want a preschool that will let their academic and creative minds take off. But, with all the options out there, it can be hard to pick the right one. Here are nine things to consider when making the decision.
1. Location
Whether it’s close to home or work, location matters. You want a preschool that is easily accessible and has the hours that fit your family’s schedule. Selecting one with before- or after-hours programs can be ideal for families who must be at work in the morning or late in the afternoon.
You also want to sure the school is in a safe area. Research what the surrounding area looks like, what resources are available — such as emergency resources and what its reputation is. The environment inside the school is essential, but so are the surroundings.
2. Price
Cost and payment options are also important considerations when selecting a preschool. Even though a school may be the perfect fit, if the price is too high, it’s too high. Average costs of early childhood education programs and preschools in most places range from roughly $370-$1,100 a month, but in Brooklyn and Manhattan they regularly cost up to $2,800 per month. For most of us, this isn’t easy. Having a budget and sticking to it will assist in making a financially wise decision.
The way a school asks you to pay can also factor into your decision. Some may offer payment plans that divide tuition costs over the course of the year to make payment easier. Others offer assistance or have you pay all at once. However, payment is conducted, it’s important to know if there are options.
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3. Staff and Teachers
If you have the opportunity, schedule a visit with the teacher who could be instructing your child. You want an educator who is going to support and put your child’s health and well-being first.
You also want someone who has all the characteristics of a great educator. Qualities to look for include how passionate they are, how they discipline, how high their expectations are and how organized they are.
4. Classroom Environment
You want to make sure the environment in the classroom is one that’s welcoming and comfortable as well. This is another thing you can observe on a visit to the school.
Also, take note of how your child reacts during this visit. If it doesn’t look like a good fit, regardless of reputation or accreditation, do what is best for your child.
5. Communication Styles
How do the school and teachers like to communicate? Does it work with your lifestyle? If you’re going to be working, are they going to be able to get a hold of you? Or, if you have a cluttered inbox, are their messages going to come through?
The way a preschool communicates between parents and teachers should be open and honest. This goes with relaying student, personal and administrative information.
6. Educational Philosophy and Learning Approach
Is the institution more by-the-book or hands-on? What will your child’s day look like? What skills and values will your child be learning? Montessori, for instance, is often popular because it focuses on all aspects of a child’s education and the child as a whole rather than just trying to meet standardized testing criteria.
No matter which preschool you end up choosing, you want one that’s going to teach your child how to be an excellent student and a well-rounded person.
7. Curriculum
In addition to the way the preschool teaches, it’s important to consider what subjects they’ll be introducing to your child. Depending on the type of curriculum emphasis, some preschools may emphasize creative arts, reading skills, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) or religion.
It may be too early to know if your child has an innate ability or affinity for a certain subject, but knowing what opportunities come with which preschool will give you a better idea of how prepared your child is going to be for the next level and further schooling.
8. Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials are great resources for making decisions. First, they come directly from parents who have or have had children in specific programs. Second, they often detail specific, honest examples and demonstrate the effectiveness of the school.
9. Your Child’s Readiness
Just because the neighbor’s children are in school, doesn’t mean you’re not a good parent because your child hasn’t started. Preschool and early childhood education programs are most successful when a child is ready to learn.
Encourage your child to get involved in voicing their opinion about their education and schooling. It should be a fun and enjoyable experience for them — not another chore.
Trust Yourself
Above all, go with what your heart is telling you. You know what is best for your family and your child when it comes to providing them with the best life possible. Preschools are just there to reinforce the love and care you already bring to your children’s lives.
Jennifer Landis is the woman behind Mindfulness Mama, where you will find a combination of articles on all of the things I know and enjoy like healthy food, yoga, exercise, and parenting. Follow her on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and About.Me.
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