Considering that 75% of children in the U.S. participate in academic preschool programs, most new parents will have to quickly make a decision about early education. And because preschool education activities can play such an important role in your child’s development, it’s a decision that requires careful consideration. With all of the educational options at your disposal, it can be tough to figure out which academic preschool program will be best for your child’s needs. While each family is different, there are a few consistent things to look for in a preschool.
If you keep the following three factors in mind when choosing a preschool, you’ll be sure to find the right programs for your children.
- Background of Staff
Unlike many daycare programs, academic preschools will typically hire teachers and staff members with educational backgrounds. This means that your children will be both supervised and taught by highly qualified instructors who practice contemporary teaching methods. Preschool can provide so many more benefits for young children than conventional childcare centers. However, you’ll need to do your due diligence and ensure that the staff at your schools of choice are up to your standards. The educational background of a preschool’s teachers can tell you a lot about what your child’s experience will be in the program. - Program Style and Curriculum
A learning environment can greatly affect your child’s experience. Therefore, it’s pivotal that a given academic preschool curriculum lines up with your own beliefs on education. You’ll need to find out what a school’s overall philosophy is towards learning, and whether it jives with your own experience of how your children learn best. Ideally, a preschool program should encourage students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. You’ll also want to look at a school’s typical daily schedule to ensure there’s a balance between play and learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions pertaining to this. Since this is what your child will experience on a daily basis, you’ll want to have a clear idea of their routine. - Fulfillment of Family Needs
Aside from how the program functions, you’ll also need to consider whether the school is a good fit for your family life. For instance, is location important to you? Are you willing to drive a great distance to drop off and pick up your child if it means they attend the best preschool? Or does your schedule require something closer to your immediate neighborhood? If cost is a factor in your decision, then you’ll have to decide how far to stretch your budget while still providing your child with a great education. These are practical questions you’ll need to ask yourself when choosing a preschool program. If you pick a school that’s simply too expensive or too out of the way, that may force you to make sacrifices as a family. In the end, you need to choose a school that ticks all the boxes.
At Learn and Grow Academy, an academic preschool in Palisades Park, NJ, we’re dedicated to providing an excellent experience for your entire family. To find out more about our academic preschool programs, please contact us today.