Where do I begin to find the right preschool for my son?

Question

I heard that there are waiting lists for perschool... is that true? If so, am I lagging? My son will be 3 yeard old in January and I would like him to start ASAP. I just don't know where to start? How do I make sure that it's a GOOD preschool?

Answer 1

There are waiting lists for a lot of preschools. I would start looking ASAP start calling places your interested in and ask them if they have a waiting list, they are all different. To make sure its a good place: Take tours, ask questions, ask other parents, etc.

Answer 2

A good preschool will allow you to observe a class, and often will permit your child to participate in a class as a "guest."   This will give you a good feel as to whether the school is the right fit for your child.   You will definitely need to trust your instincts.  Some preschools are very academic, with lots of focus on learning.  Others are more about learning a daily routine, and self-care skills.   It's up to you to decide what would work best for your child.

Answer 3

most preschools do not have openings all year. THat would mean someone else dropped from the program  , moved, got ill or something.

Now is the time to look for next year, visit schools, and make a decision.

In my area, children need to be 2yrs. 9 months old to start preschool. THey need to be independently potty trained.

THey need to be able to go in the bathroom alone and take care of themselves.

We do not allow kids to visit for the day or 2 and be a part of the class.

THe other children are already in the program and have learned what is expected of  them. To put  a new person in for one day requires one adult to be with them the entire time.

THat is not fair to the class.

Our class is based on legal numbers of children per adult and we can not exceed that .

So an extra child is not possible.

GEt out there and go looking.

Most schools have already registered for fall,so you might be looking at a waiting list already for september.

Answer 4

Yes, I work at a preschool and we do have a waiting list. You will know if it is the right school as soon as you walk in. You need to spend the day going from school to school getting a tour. You can easily tell by the children and teachers, by the toys, classroom, get a copy of lesson plans. In mostly just by word of mouth.