Ready For Preschool?

It’s official. The Middle One has started preschool.

Before the process began, I mentioned I was touring preschools in a Facebook status. A friend of a friend (who doesn’t have kids) was totally shocked by my update.
Why tour a preschool? She questioned.
This is why:

According to A study by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development found that children do best if they’re cared for by someone who is genuinely concerned about their well-being and development, and who makes sure they’re doing a variety of age-appropriate activities.
-an excerpt from Baby Center

Every parent wants to feel comfortable with the care they choose for their child and his/her individual needs. Not every preschool is a perfect fit for each family or child.

1. Research. Read. Tour. Ask.

• Map out and start touring preschools, meet the director and teachers, read reviews, ask other parents, inquire about openings and waiting lists … look for your perfect fit.
• Do you want a play-based preschool or a learning-based preschool? Does the preschool have a kindergarten and/or Pre-K program?
• What are your reasons for sending your child to preschool? Do you need a place for him/her to go while you work? Are you looking for an environment that picks up where you left off in terms of instruction? or one that complements what you already have implemented?
• Ask a ton of questions! Ask the director, the teachers, even parents that are coming and going. A sign of a good preschool is the willingness and openness when questions are asked. What is the daily schedule? What is the plan for if you child doesn’t nap? How is discipline handled? Do the teachers have early childhood training, elementary degrees, Montessori training? Is the turnover rate high or is the staff consistent? (The preschool should have a parent handbook outlining important details like: tuition, pick-up and drop-off routines, emergency plans, clothing requirements–daily and items that remain at school, potty training requirements and details, etc. )
• Get a feel for the environment and observe (ideally at different times of the day). Are the classrooms clean? Organized? Engaging but not over stimulating? Is everything at the child’s level/reach? Is there variety of materials in the classroom? Are children encouraged to work independently and in groups? What is the teacher-student ratio? Do they offer additional lessons free of charge (music and/or art classes outside of the daily routine, etc)? Do they offer “after school programs” for an additional fee (gymnastics, dance, karate… where someone comes to the school for the lesson)?
• Is there a lot of parent involvement with the school? Do they have family nights? Fundraisers? Typically, a school with a lot of support from the parents is a really good sign.
• Tour the school without your child at first and then a second time with your child. You should be able to get a pretty good feel based on your child’s reaction to the environment.
• Take information home with you and write down any questions you forgot to ask.

2. Is your child (mostly) ready?

• There’s a lot that goes through a parent’s mind when thinking about the start to your child’s education. This is a great article if you are wondering, is my child ready?
• Be cautious of schools that require your 2-year-old to “test into the program”; or one that requires them to meet high expectations/standards. Children should not be expected to arrive at preschool completely “ready”.
• Children learn and improve their social skills, language skills, and cognitive skills while at preschool.

3. How you can help prepare your child.

• What you do on a daily basis prepares your child for preschool– socializing, playing, reading, running, drawing, singing …
• If your child isn’t away from you very often, periodically leave your child with a sitter, friend or family member and begin a “good-bye routine”. That way, when it comes time for the first week of school, your child already knows that you will be returning.
• Buy doubles of what comforts your child while napping at home. If you child sleeps on a blue sheet with a silky lovey, have a blue sheet and silky lovey for school.

Have you been through the Preschool Process? What was it like for you? What helpful hints made the transition easier for your child?