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Finding the right preschool for your child can be a daunting and intimidating task. There are many factors to consider, most importantly, the character and disposition of your child. Start by asking yourself what you’re looking for in a preschool and the type of learning environment you would like your child to be immersed in. Everyone wants a clean, welcoming, fun, and organized environment. However, with the nuanced educational approaches, associated costs, application deadlines, and the effect on entry to kindergarten, how does one navigate the varying factors to make a final decision?
1. Intimidation, be gone!
Chances are, you’re being told that preschool choice will set in motion your child’s educational future. Beth, a mother of two children age 6 and 3, has gone through the preschool admissions process in both NYC and LA. She says, “Of course! It’s very intimidating! It’s my child I’m talking about. I’m trusting other people to enrich my child’s life. These are people I’ll be working closely with for a few years. It’s a big deal.”
The planning process and “playdate” interviews may start before you are even aware you should be considering preschools for your child. By the time you do, the most in-demand schools may be filled.
If that isn’t daunting enough, many private preschools range in tuition from $6,000 – $27,000 a year with application deadlines a full year beforehand. It is overwhelming to even know where to begin your research. Here are some pointers to get started:
Build a calendar
It can be helpful to create a visual calendar dedicated to the preschool admissions process since sometimes these steps begin earlier than you would assume. The calendar should include visitation hours and open houses, application deadlines, observation visits, and interviews.
Friends and Family
The best resource might be your existing network. Reach out to other parents and caregivers to gather ideas, best practices, and personal experiences.
Elizabeth, a mother of two kids age 2.5 and 6 months, found that in addition to her online research, word-of-mouth advice from other parents was the most helpful resource. “It’s been both supportive and informative to have a space to ask questions and share experiences, woes, and frustrations with friends going through the same process.”
Community Spaces
Many parent groups are formed through interactions in community spaces such as the neighborhood playground, religious institutions, or local YMCA. If you don’t have an existing circle of parents, you can find or create a group of people with shared interests through MeetUp.com.
Another method would through be the schools themselves. Preschools often put up flyers and/or send representatives to community and public spaces to build awareness for their schools. This is a good time to ask questions about the school’s methodology and to get a feel of the culture of the school.
2. Research, bring it on!
Once you’ve gotten past the fear factor, you can start breaking down information to solidify what kind of environment you want for your child. It’s important to consider philosophy and program structure.
Program Philosophy
There are many educational philosophies and approaches, and each preschool will claim its method is the best. Only you can decide what the right fit is for your child and family. Going into this process, it’s important to not only ask yourself if you prefer a more exploratory and hands-on approach to learning, or for the environment to be more traditional and academic focused, but to really understand what these terms mean.
Start reading up on some of the more popular methods such as Montessori, Waldorf, HighScope, Co-Ops, Bank Street and Reggio Emilia and give yourself time to understand the different theories. Since many preschools incorporate a combination of methods into their approach; defining and understanding these terms will help you ask the right questions when you do meet with school representatives.
Do not be afraid to request multiple site observations and classroom visits.
Program Structure
Consider the energy level and personality of your child. Would your child benefit more from a full-day or half-day program? Daily or a few days during the week? How holistic do you wish your child’s preschool to be? Will you be supplementing their early education with sports or art programs?
Answering these questions can give you insight into what types of programs best fit your child and family. It will help you eliminate and evaluate schools during the process.
3. Don’t give up!
Preschool directors can be instrumental in assisting in the kindergarten application process and even help secure a seat for your child in your preferred school. Preschools recognize that this process is about building a relationship and ensuring success for your child. You can eliminate some of the stress of cutthroat competition for a spot in the most prestigious preschool by enrolling your child in the preschool that is the best fit for him or her. It may even play in your favor.
Don’t let cost be the only deciding factor
Many preschools offer tuition assistance programs and encourage parents from all socio-economic backgrounds to apply, putting the value of an inclusive and diverse environment above a family’s income level.
There is no “wrong” choice
There are many options and possibilities for your child. Preschool is the time to continue cultivating learning and to instill the joy of discovery while exposing children to the structures of classroom environment.
Have conversations within your networks, ask questions to school representatives and directors, schedule observations, create an organizational system and explore potential resources. Whether you are looking for a classroom with wooden toys or a classroom pet, ultimately listen to what feels right for your child, because the right option will be there.
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