My son turned 3 this past week...{big sigh}... He is a big boy now (as he loves to tell me 100 times every day!)...{another big sigh}...And I am looking for a Preschool for him to attend next year. I cannot believe how fast time flies! I remember people telling me that before I knew it my son would be in school... and I did not believe them!
I have a couple of tours set up of perspective preschools this week. I am excited to see them, but don't really know what to look for in a good preschool.
So tell me:
What kinds of things do/did you look for in a good preschool?
What kind of questions should I ask?
5 comments:
As much as parents want academics, a play-based curriculum is the best for preschoolers. I would want that. I would ask about ratios of students to teachers -the lower the better. I would also ask if they are NACYE certified or are members of NACYE. Finally, I would want to know their policies on dicipline, potty, food, etc. And of course price is always a factor.
I would also ask friends, church members, MOPS, etc to tell you what they know - good and bad.
I have been on the same journey, as you know, and I looked for very different things in the 3 year old class and the 4 year old class. So, be sure to ask about both classes. The 3 year old class I made sure I met the teachers and that they were warm and engaging. And for the 4 year old class I asked a lot about curriculum and the kindergarten readiness. But over all, I noticed that there is a very different feel to each preschool, and you will find the one that fits you and your family.
I visited about 3 preschool's when were looking, and honestly, I liked all of them. The teachers were nice, the kids seemed like they were having fun. So ultimately it came down to price for me. But the suggestions above are great - especially Kindergarten readiness, because that's pretty much the point. And play-based learning, I agree, is best for preschoolers.
Yes, play-based curriculum for a 3-year old. Low ratio and warm teachers. Most importantly for a boy find somewhere that likes boys, especially if he is the energetic kind. Lots of gross-motor play. Good luck!
Thanks for all your great advice! We toured two preschools yesterday, that a both close to home and I am so excited that we found one that we really like! :)
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