So, I’ve begun my search. And about gave my husband a heart attack in the process. The first school I came across cost a ridiculous amount of money each month. I just thought – how on earth are we going to afford this? We’ve got a screaming deal for daycare at the moment. But after a conversation with Melissa, preschool means school rather than daycare. We’d be switching out one cost for another – at least for a few days a week. Might be more manageable than I thought. And preschool is worth it – we’d have to make it happen – she needs it – especially with two working parents.
The search continues. I’ve been doing most of the work online. Montessori or Waldorf? High/Scope or Bank Street? Which of these mean religion is a part of the day (not in the Carroll preschool plan)? Which is just a glorified daycare? Is it just finger paints and naptime? Will they help her learn to read or just put her in a room with books (or no books – which would be torment for her) and let her have at it? Check out this picture. My kid lives for her books...
Why am I scared to death of this? Why does it feel like if I screw up here and choose the wrong place Allyson is doomed for all eternity? Might be a little catastrophic of me to think this way – but it’s my kid. I’m all she’s got because she can’t make this decision herself. So I’ll do my best and try to find the right place for her and the one that doesn’t put us in a “Top Ramen for dinner” situation (okay – we’re really not destitute – I’m just exaggerating – but these places are freakin’ pricey!).
I came across this list of questions to ask when searching for a preschool and I thought it would be a good start.
- Is the classroom child oriented? When you first see a classroom sometimes you are impressed by the new wall to wall carpet and toys. If the walls are nicely decorated and everything looks good, it makes the school seem professional. Although it's tempting for all of us to form impressions this way, I suggest that you ignore the beauty of the environment. The most important thing that you should look for is there a wide choice of interesting activities for both large and small motor skills. Also, gauge how much play space the school allows. Is there enough room for the children to move about freely?
- Are the children free to enjoy the activities or are they expected to sit still for long periods of time? Children who can move about experience the joy of learning. Children learn by doing and that always means that there is some kind of energy being expended.
- Are all the children treated the same? Group learning and story time are great, but every child is different in his approach to learning. Children who are the same age are not at the same level - academically or physically. Does the teacher treat the students as individuals?
- What is the student- teacher ratio? There should be one staff member for ten students at age four. The younger your child is, the higher the teacher to child ratio should be.
- Are parents encouraged to stop by and participate in the school? A school that has nothing to hide encourages parent involvement.
- Is the environment safe? Are the chairs, tables, shelves and even toilets child sized? Is there an adequate security system to keep out unwanted people? Are all harsh chemicals and pesticides kept away from children?
- What is the attitude of the staff and director? Do they have time to talk to you and the children? Are they confidant or defensive when you ask questions?
- What is the role of the teacher in the classroom? Is the teacher a conductor of constructive activity or a dictator to be obeyed? When a child has a problem does the teacher understand how the child feels and thinks? Does the teacher enjoy the children? A sense of humor is always a plus.
- How do the children get along with each other? Do the children bully or hit each other? Aggressive behavior is a sign that the children have to sit long periods of time with little to do. Often times they hit each other and fight when they are not kept constructively busy.
- What type of discipline is used? Are the teachers using negative body and verbal language to control the children? An ideal situation is when the rules and etiquette are clearly understood by the children. The best type of punishment is a short time out. Any child who has greater discipline problems needs to have to teachers and parents works out a solution.
- What does your child think of the school? Although you may not want to take your child to all the schools you visit, you should make her part of the decision process when once you have narrowed down the schools to your top two or three. This will make the transition from home to school so much easier for your child. At the end of the day, most important person to listen to is your child. Trust your intuition. Teachers and directors expect you to ask questions, so be bold and ask them. Your decision may mean the difference between your child succeeding or failing in school.
Off I go into the world of the preschool search. Don't know where it will take me. If you have any advice I'd be happy to hear it.
Stay tuned for updates.
~Becky
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