How to Choose a Pre-School

• Step 1

  Research schools in your area. Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations and do an Internet search to compile a list of possible pre-schools for your child, including address and phone number. If proximity to home or work is important to you, mark the schools that are closest.

• Step 2

  Make a list of needs that you hope to have a school fulfill. Do you need a program for a 2 year old or a 4 year old? Are you interested in a few days a week or every day? Short days or long? For older children, are you more interested in a program that is more--or less--academically inclined? Pre-schools vary widely in terms of philosophy, educational goals, hours and other issues, so it is important to consider what you might want for your child.

• Step 3

  Consider your child's personality and learning style. Is your child outgoing or shy? Does he love groups or prefer playing with just one other child? Is he active or quiet? Finding the right "fit" for your child's personality is important, and the way class time is scheduled, number of students in a class and other issues in a pre-school setting can either work well for your child or not. Thinking about the way your child learns and interacts before choosing a school can help make the experience more successful.

• Step 4

  Visit schools without your child. Go during a time when you can observe the kind of class that your child would attend if she were a student at that school. Talk to the administrators about their philosophy for the school. Observe the students. Do they seem happy? Are their physical needs met? Do the teachers and other adults seem caring and competent? Are the facilities up to date and clean? If you are interested in the pre-school, try to find a parent to speak with about her experiences with the school.

• Step 5

  Consider the cost of the schools, which may vary widely. How will you pay? Does the school have payment plans, or do you need to pay for the entire year up front? Pre-school can be costly; be sure to check your budget to manage payments. Check into additional costs. Does the school charge for food or trips? Know before you go.

• Step 6

  Interview at the school. Many schools like to meet with potential students to determine if the school is the right one for the student. Watch for your child's response to the school? Does it seem like a place he likes and would like to spend time? Did he respond well to the teachers and administrators? Your child's positive feelings about a school in advance of going will help make the transition from home to pre-school smoother and more successful.

• 3
• Follow your gut. If a school seems "off" for your child, it probably is not the right place for her. Ask about teacher/student ratio. The general rule for pre-school is the lower, the better. Make sure your child is ready to go to school. If she is very shy or young for her "grade," it might be best to wait.
• Follow your gut. If a school seems "off" for your child, it probably is not the right place for her.
• Ask about teacher/student ratio. The general rule for pre-school is the lower, the better.
• Make sure your child is ready to go to school. If she is very shy or young for her "grade," it might be best to wait.
• If you hear bad things about a school, listen and do careful research. Rumors may be founded on reality. Avoid schools that promise your pre-schooler will learn to read or do math. Not all pre-schoolers are developmentally ready for these activities.
• If you hear bad things about a school, listen and do careful research. Rumors may be founded on reality.
• Avoid schools that promise your pre-schooler will learn to read or do math. Not all pre-schoolers are developmentally ready for these activities.

References & Resources

• Signs of a Good Preschool