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Finding the Perfect Preschool
April 5th, 2011 | 
Author: By Katie Hurley, Guest Writer, Practical Parenting, (@praticalmom)
Preschool is the new college. Parents-to-be everywhere are putting their unnamed children on preschool waiting lists to ensure the best possible choices when the time comes. In two to three years. The possibilities are endless: Montessori, developmental, academic, religious based programs, co-op, nationally recognized chains; the list goes on. You hear the chatter on the playground, in the supermarket, during weekly religious services and just about everywhere else. In fact, there is so much chatter that it can be difficult to determine which preschool might actually be the right fit, leading many parents to follow the pack and join the most popular lists. The truth is, each child is an individual. It makes sense to meet and get to know your child before choosing their first school experience. After all, it will have a lasting impact.
The first logical step in finding the right preschool is touring the facility, more than once. Most preschools have a set time where they offer tours to groups of parents. Take that tour and then ask for a private tour. When in doubt, blame your busy partner who just couldn’t make it to the group tour. It’s important to see preschools in action at different times throughout the day (not when they’re on best behavior).
Pay attention to the physical space. Are the classrooms clearly defined (i.e. not mixed age groups) and spacious? Is there ample room to run, play and ride trikes outside? Is there a play structure and is it in good condition? If you live in a colder climate, what do they use for an indoor play area? What do they play? Preschoolers need exercise.
Take a moment to look around and notice the lighting and colors. The best preschool classrooms are the ones that rely on natural light. Children respond almost immediately to fresh air and sunlight, even in the winter. Bright colored walls like yellow, green, orange, etc. can also brighten the mood in the classroom (for both students and teachers). It might seem trivial, but lighting and color are actually very important components of a preschool classroom.
Try to take a moment to get to know the Director; the Director sets the stage for the entire school. If the Director is hard reach by phone because he/she often visits the classrooms, that is a very good sign. If you notice that the Director spends a lot of time behind the desk, you might want to keep looking. The Director should get to know each of the children and their families (I was a school Administrator for many years, I still remember them all). A Director who is active in the classrooms is supportive of the teachers. Another sign of a good Director is that he/she is willing to answer questions and does not dismiss parental concerns.
Find out about the transition plan. Emotional readiness comes at different ages for kids. The fact that your child turned three and is potty trained doesn’t necessarily mean that he/she will separate easily. Some preschools allow parents to take part in a gradual transition process while others have a strict “goodbye at the door” policy. Only you can determine what is right for your child. If there isn’t much of a transition and you feel that your child will struggle with the separation, keep looking. You want your child to feel safe, comfortable and cared for. That can be hard to achieve if he/she is left screaming at the door while you are ushered away (trust me, I’ve been there).
Tours and interviews can go quickly; come prepared with a list of questions (do not be afraid to be the only person asking questions, someone has to do it). Below are a few to get you started:
- What is the daily schedule?
- How often and by what method do teachers communicate with parents?
- Are teachers willing to schedule additional conferences if concerns arise?
- What is the rate of attrition? Happy teachers stick around longer.
- How do teachers handle peer conflict? If one child is repeatedly having difficulty with another child (which is preschool talk for bullying), what is the protocol?
- How often can (or are parents expected to) volunteer?
- Who provides the snack? What are some examples?
- If the flu, stomach flu, or some other serious virus is going through the school will parents be notified? (If you have an asthmatic child, or one prone to croup or other illnesses, this is important)
- What kind of fund-raising do they do?
- Is it OK for parents to observe their children at school?
One important thing to remember is that new doesn’t necessarily equal better. You might find a brand new school with untouched toys and a huge play structure that just doesn’t feel right. It can take a while for a preschool to really thrive. Remember to always focus on your child’s individual needs.
The last step is to talk to other parents with children enrolled in the preschool, but remember to take it with a grain of salt. Everyone has ups and downs when it comes to preschool. Instead of asking a general question such as, “Do you like this preschool?” try to focus on specifics. Say something like, “Can you give me an example of a typical day there? What do you like the most about the teaching staff? Is there anything you would change?” Information gained from parents currently enrolled (not parents who sent a child there three years ago) might really shape your decision. Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics, or to call back another time if you have more questions.
Finding the perfect preschool for your child is a difficult task. Do the research, ask the questions and make the phone calls. Above all else, trust your parental instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. But the right preschool is out there if you just keep looking.
Katie Hurley is a Child, Adolescent, and Family Psychotherapist and Parenting Consultant in Los Angeles, CA. She is the lucky mommy of a four year old daughter and 2 year old son, and has a rock and roll husband who makes her life complete. Find more great parenting advice at Katie’s website, “Practical Parenting” Katie also writes a weekly column for Mommy Moment and can be found on Twitter @practicalmom
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I think getting to know the director is a very important step. In my daughter’s first preschool the director was awesome, always friendly and willing to help and answer questions. She left and another lady took her place. The new lady was terrible and I pulled my child out shortly after the switch in directors.
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