Preschool Programs

Preschool programs have evolved over the years to include a number of learning philosophies. Review the preschool program information below for more details to assist you with making the best choice for your family.

Preschool programs may take an academic or developmental approach. Academic programs teach some form of pre-kindergarten learning, focusing on a curriculum to teach early academic skills.

Developmental programs seek to grow a child’s emotional and social skills, such as learning to share and take turns, and developing peer relationships. Preschools with this approach focus less on formal learning and more on playing to help children learn about the world around them.

More specifically, preschools may teach the Montessori, Reggio Emilia, High Scope, or Waldorf philosophies. Many preschool programs combine elements from various philosophies for a unique child experience.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs are child-focused and seek to increase school readiness for children of low-income families. These programs are typically free to those who qualify. Visit the Head Start Bureau site for more information.

Alternatively, you may want to consider a parent-run cooperative preschool. In this situation, the parents run the preschool through board meetings and classroom participation. This is a great alternative for parents who want to be more involved in their preschool child's education, while sharing a sense of community and involvement with their child.

There are a number of factors that you should consider when selecting a preschool program:

• Is it a good fit for your child? Not every program suits every child, so consider your child's personality and age to see if it is a good match. If your child has any special needs, you will need to determine how well those needs can be met.
• What is the preschool's schedule? Some preschool programs are half-day, while others are full-day programs. You may also have the option of selecting the number of days you would like your child to attend.
• Is it a good fit for your budget? Preschool programs run the gamut in terms of cost, and you will have to carefully review the tuition costs involved. Some preschools offer financial assistance or scholarships to assist with the tuition.
• What is the philosophy of the preschool program? This is important for you and your child. Some preschools focus on play as the primary philosophy, where playing creates learning and social development opportunities. Other schools include more structured learning to prepare for kindergarten. Evaluate what is most important for your child at this age.
• Is the preschool licensed and well-maintained? Evaluate the condition of the preschool and make sure that it meets state licensing requirements.

All of the online research in the world isn't enough when it comes to selecting a preschool program. Your best plan of attack is to visit each preschool in person. Only then can you see the classroom in action, meet the teachers and staff, and get a personal look at what to expect. Check with the preschool to arrange a tour and see if you can bring your child along for the visit. Since you are evaluating preschool programs for your child, you will want him or her to be involved in the decision. Gauge your child's reaction to see how interested she is in the classroom and surroundings. Also, visit the playground area and find out if there is an indoor space in the event of rain or cold weather conditions.

During your visit, be aware of the classroom environment. You will want to make sure there are plenty of opportunities for playing and learning. The typical classroom has tables and chairs, a reading or circle time area, pretend play areas (such as a kitchen area and dress up clothes), area for building, and a sensory table. Determine the teacher-to-child ratio to ensure that there is adequate staffing available for the classroom.

Part of any good preschool program is a daily routine that allows children to follow a schedule. Learn more about what you can expect your child to do each day. Does the program include reading time? What time are snacks, lunch, and nap time? What time of day do the teachers typically take the children outside? How long does free play last?

Choosing a preschool program is an important decision for both parent and child. Overall, look for a program that best suits the needs of your preschooler. Exposing your child to a preschool program builds a lifetime of important skills, including social development and problem solving.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has standards in place so that early childhood and preschool programs can effectively “nurture learning and development.” Their accreditation system helps parents identify good preschool or child care programs. Each program that earns the NAEYC accreditation must meet standards beyond state health and safety conditions, such as ongoing teacher and staff training. The NAEYC Website has more information about accredited programs. Additionally, the Child Care Aware site provides resources for finding referral agencies in your area.

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