Summer may have only just started, but many families are already looking forward to fall. If it’s almost time for your child to start attending preschool, you may be overwhelmed with the process of deciding on a school and enrolling. Knowing what to look for in a preschool can be tough enough, but submitting enrollment forms and waiting to hear if there’s a spot open can be downright nerve-wracking. The following list of tips and tricks will help take some of the mystery out of this process and help you feel totally prepared when enrolling in local preschool programs.
Focus On Your Priorities
Before you inquire about enrollment, you’ll need to determine what’s actually important to your family. Do you want a local preschool program with a distinct focus on academics, or would you rather the emphasis be on playing and learning? Would you rather the class sizes be small and separated by age group? What kind of schedule would work best for your family? Once you can answer these questions, you’ll be able to narrow down the possibilities and really zero in on the programs that make sense for you.
Take a Tour
Now that you’ve eliminated certain schools and piqued your interest in others, it’s time to take a tour. When you tour a preschool, you’ll be able to see how the other students interact with each other and how the teachers engage with them. You’ll also be able to assess whether you feel the facility is safe, healthy, and a good environment for learning. Typically, you’ll want to sign up for tours in advance (they often begin in early fall) to give yourself enough time to visit all of the schools on your list and decide whether you want to go through with the enrollment process.
Enroll Early
Although three-fourths of young children in the U.S. participate in local preschool programs, that doesn’t always mean that they’ll get in the first time around. With so many families trying to enroll, it’s understandable that programs fill up very quickly. Keep in mind that enrollments are usually accepted between December and February, so make every effort to reach out as early as possible.
Consider Summer Camp
Some preschools will also host summer camp programs for young children. This can be a great way to get your child involved in their curriculum and get to know the program teachers there. Summer camp enrollment is typically a bit less stressful than the process of enrolling in a preschool. Plus, it’ll give both you and potential teachers a good indication about whether your child is ready for preschool classes. Whether you enroll in school the following year or want to take a chance to see if a slot has opened up, going this route can help you make a memorable impression.
Enrolling in local preschool programs can be a lengthy process. But as long as you’re well-prepared, you’ll be in great shape when it comes time to take a tour and enroll. To find out more about our programs, please contact us today.