It is that time of year again with preschool application deadlines just around the corner. A couple weeks ago, I met a fellow West Seattle mom who happens to run Fit 4 Mom (Stroller Strides and Body Back). Emily (you can find her Facebook page here) is amazing and has amazing energy! I had a wonderful opportunity to speak to some of the moms in her class today about the whole preschool process. I wanted to share some of the questions and topics we discussed. I will be sure to talk about some of the topics more in depth in separate posts.
This preschool search can be overwhelming. So, first I want to start by having everyone just take a breath – inhale 3,2,1…exhale 3,2,1. Okay, let me first start by saying there are many benefits to preschool, but what is most important is the message you convey in your family about learning (with or without preschool). Before I get into the ins and outs of preschool, I find that as long as parents are paying attention to what is going on in the school they choose and have a vested interest in their child’s well being chances are that your child(ren) will be better than fine.
Some questions that arose during the conversation today:
How do you transition your child from home to school when they have never been with anyone other than family?
How many days should I send my child? Pros and Cons of this?
What are the benefits of preschool?
What is the process for preschool admissions?
What is play-based?
What is a “good” preschool and what does that mean?
Things to think about when looking at preschool programs:
The preschool application process begins almost a year in advance. So, if you would like your child to begin Fall of 2014 then you begin touring and going to open houses Fall of 2013. Applications are usually due sometime between mid January and March of the year you would like to enroll. There are also preschools that accept applications all year round based on space availability. There are typically application fees as well as tuition deposits at time of enrollment.
Logistics – all year round vs school year schedule (many follow Seattle Public Schools), start and end times, potty trained or not, age requirements upon enrollment, full day, half day, location, admission process
Approach – what does the school value? how is it executed? what does learning look like? how does it align with your family?
My priorities for choosing a program :
What does the program value? What is their approach? How do they view learning? How do these align with your family?
Who do they hire? How do they hire? What are the staff requirements? How does staff interact with children?
What is your gut reaction within minutes of meeting the director and/or being in the space?
What does the environment look and feel like?
What is the rhythm of the day?
These are some questions that can get to the core of what drives a preschool program. It is important to choose a school that works for your family. The priorities will differ for each family.
You can also check out my spot on New Day Northwest from 2012 about choosing the right preschool.
Renee, I spoke with you after your session at Seattle Interactive about Deb Curtis. Here is her email from her website. I really think you two should meet – and that she would love to see your school. [email protected]
Loved your session – it had its effect! Tina
These are some great questions to ask when looking for a preschool for your child, especially your tip to ask what the rhythm of the day is like. I also think it’s important that you get a good idea of how the staff treats the children. It’s important that you feel your child’s personality will fit well with those of the teachers.