Without a preschool education, almost 25% of at-risk children were found to be more likely to drop out of high school, according to a study by the Ounce of Prevention Fund. However, kids who do attend preschool are not only less likely to drop out of high school, but they’re also more likely to graduate from college, own a home, and start a happy family of their own.
Selecting the best preschool for your child can be a tough decision, especially if this is your first time sending a child off to school. It’s important that they have the best education and socialization available, but all of the options available to you can be overwhelming. For first-time parents new to the process, here are some specific questions you should be asking when evaluating prospective schools.
What is the educational background of teachers and staff?
Above all else, you should be making sure that your child’s teacher is qualified. A daycare might not require extensive educational preparation for its employees, but the vast majority of preschool institutions have a grade school readiness mindset that requires teachers to have a certain level of education and experience.
How is discipline handled?
The exact answer to this question is less important than whether it aligns well with your own beliefs about nurturing children. Discipline is something that everyone does a little bit differently. Your method of disciplining your children may not be the same as another parent’s, and discipline in the classroom may need to be approached differently than discipline inside your home. Before you send your child off to learn, it’s important that you fully understand what the school’s disciplinary program looks like and how that will affect your child. Young children are often testing boundaries, and you need to know how those incidents will be handled.
Do the students take naps regularly?
Growing children require more sleep than older school-aged children, so it’s essential to make sure your child is getting enough rest during the day to keep them happy, healthy, and alert. A quality preschool experience is one that allows for equal parts learning, active play, and rest time for children. It’s also important to know whether the school supplies nap mats and pillows or if you’re responsible for those materials.
Are references available?
The best way to ensure your child is getting a high quality education is to ask others who have sent their children to the same institution. A school should be ready and willing to provide references from parents past and present. This is an excellent way for you to determine the pros and cons of a particular school and a critical step to finding the right preschool for your child.
The search may feel overwhelming right now, but it can be broken down into individual steps. The importance of kindergarten and grade school preparation makes the process worthwhile. If you’re a new parent getting your son or daughter ready for school, then start looking for the best preschools near you before classrooms start to fill up.