What do you look for in a preschool?

Question

I need to start searching for the right preschool. Any suggestions on what you looked for, or what you like or dislike about the school your child goes too? THANKS. (My daughter will be 3 next year)

Answer 1

it might be too late for next year, school s have already registered for next year.

Go visit all school s in your area.

Answer 2

First be sure to  visit any facility you are considering both on an announced visit and an unannounced visit. (If the facility doesn't allow this than walk away!)

Check to see if the facility is licensed - if they are they will have a copy of their license. This State issued license means that the facility has been expected by the Child Care Bureau of your state, the fire inspector, and the health department. Without all three of these departments approval a facility does not meet the required quidelines. Also ask to see a copy of the license book. Law requires that all licensed facilities have a copy available for parents. Because of space here's a quick list of other things.

Check ratio - no more than 10 3-5 yr olds per teacher

Watch interactions between teachers and children

Ask if the facility has been accredidted

Look at menus

Ask about training and credentials of staff

Ask about discipline policies

Ask if there is a parent commitee and what do they do for the center

Ask about late fees. Often if a center closes at a certain time they will charge per minute after that time.

Be sure there is a working phone

Talk to other parents

Set up a time to visit with your child

Look for cleanliness

Is the playground fenced

Do the toys seem safe

Is there a curriculum

Ask for a copy of the parent handbook

I hope this helps a little

Answer 3

Personally I would look for a child care center that is play-based.  Children learn best through hands-on experiences and play.  I would tour several places to see how the teachers and aides interact with the children.  See that the teaching is all hands-on.  Watch to see how adults talk to children.  There are ways that adults can interact with children during play that teaches them.  For instance, a child is stacking blue blocks and red blocks in two towers, the teacher might ask why the child separated the blocks. The child might say that this one is blue and this one is red.  Then the teacher can build upon that experience, and the child does not know that they are learning.  Young children need to be able to "do" to learn, not be talked at.

Answer 4

Check this out ..... http://www.wigglegigglelearn.com/informe...

Answer 5

-Make sure they are OFSTED registered.

-See if they are on or completed any quality assurance schemes.

-What are staffs qualification-majority shjould be level 3 or above and leader should be level 4 (or working towards)

-Check they all have up to date first aid, health and safty and safe guarding children certificates.

-Does it look safe? Are doors locked, windows high enough so children dont clib out, playground secure etc.

-Are staff trainined in the Early Years Foundation Stage that begins in September? Can they show you what they do with the children (eg: short term plan)

-Do you feel welcomed when you walked through the door?

-Is it clean?

-Do the other chidlren look happy when you were visiting?

If you want read the OFSTED inspection reports to find out about various preschools-www.ofsted.gov.uk this will give you rough idea on the standard of the one you choose.