How do I find a good preschools

Question

Does any have any helpful info on when to start looking for preschools. Any tips on what I should look for?

Answer 1

go online and research schools in your area. Then pick out a the ones that interest you the most. You can eliminate some schools on your list by phone. call and ask questions lots of question. A good school will be more than happy to answer your question. Then visit the ones you kept on your list after the phone calls. A good place to start searching is greatschools.net. GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 2

do your research and then vistit the schools just to make sure.

Answer 3

I definitely agree with the others about checking out schools online. Once you find the one's you like call and ask questions. Some key things are, price, services included, activities done with the children, and any safety issues you may have. Always ask if you need an appointment to visit or if you can drop by at any time. In most cases if they say you need an appointment be cautious. I've personally found that this translates into, "We need to get everything perfect and hide our flaws before you come in." Once you arrive make sure you pay attention to the teacher's attitudes towards the children and the expressions on the children's faces. Looking at the children you can tell right away if it is a good facility. Keep an eye on cleanliness and safety measures too. Hope this helps you. Good Luck!

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Answer 4

Start looking early! Think early spring. I work for a preschool which offers a 3 and 4 yr old program and we are usually close to full by May. The first step I would suggest would be finding out if your school district offers Universal Pre-K (UPK) It is a free 1/2 day preschool that follows the school calendar, may have bussing and is most likely housed in the building your child will attend kindergarten in. At my UPK Program we encourage our parents to come to an open house before the school year starts to see the facility and meet the teachers. We are also always welcoming to families during regular school hours so that parents can pop in and see how a normal day runs. Bring your child with you!!! If he/she hides behind you at one place and feels secure enough to pick up a toy and join in in another place, that's a pretty good sign. Our preschool started out very small and now has 4 locations and a total of 10 classes. If the program is successful people will be more than willing to refer a friend, so ask your neighbors where their children went, or chat up a fellow mommy at the library. Questions I would suggest are class size (Smaller means more one on one time with your child and is usually less scary for a child.) Also, how long is class time? A full day can be exhausting and result in cranky kids later in the day. Where do teachers get their lessons from? Is there opportunity for parent involvement? Ask about Field trips and other special events. (Our school goes on a trip that is integrated with the lesson plans once every 2 months. We also have the most ADORABLE Pee Wee Prom to end the year.) In the end, trust your gut. Send your child where you feel he/she will be nurtured in a safe environment where you feel welcome.

Answer 5

Do all the above suggestions.  Most importantly, look through the windows on the first day you drop off your child.  What's happening?  Is he/she getting along?  Are the teachers ignoring him/her?  It doesn't hurt to try and then take your child out if it doesn't work out.  It took me about 3 or 4 schools until I found the right one.

Answer 6

you should go onine an search and make sure you check and get an appointment to visit the school before enrolling your child in it

Answer 7

I believe Montessori schools always had a wonderful and sound philosophy.  They would be under Preschool or School in your yellow pages.  Another place to look would be a large church - I will be taking my son to the Lutheran Church near here for preschool.