Choosing a preschool - HELP!

luvmykids wrote: I am totally First, I'm behind... I didn't realize everyone started registering last January!!!

But there are so many, in all price ranges, that seem sooo great but I don't know where you draw the line between a great preschool with an awesome variety of activities and "extras" like dance and Spanish in the curriculum. Or bottom line, do they all serve the same purpose and it doesn't matter too, too much?

What were the most important elements, did you just visit a bunch and hope one hit you as "the one"? I've got to decide quick and feel completely overwhelmed.

Brias3 replied: Hard to say-depends on what's the most important things you'd like your child to be introduced to. If that's language and the arts, you might want to look into more of an advanced preschool program. If not, a traditional private or public school program should be just fine. You have to consider that starting preschool will be an adjustment enough so wanting to incorporate "extras" won't be too much of a necessity for most quite yet. The areas I thought were most important was curriculum introduction (a sort of "beginning" to the things they'll focus on in kindergarten), student to teacher ratio, some sort of teaching of self-dependance, the socialization aspect and how structure was provided. I wanted my kids to start with less of a focus on a specific skill area, for example speaking a second language, and more on getting acclimated with interacting with others and making choices in an environment outside the home.

I can't really say I had the same experience you do though- my options were very limited. I didn't end up choosing my preschool based on the criterion I thought was most important, I was just lucky enough that the school we chose provided that with the education we were looking for. My kids ended up going to an international school overseas which we mainly chose due to the fact that it was taught in English with many American teachers and students- something closer along the lines to what we knew they'd be experiencing in the future.

luvmykids replied: I should add they've been in daycare off and on, I could be wrong but I consider them pretty socialized and able to function in a group, follow directions, etc.

I'm probably making too much of it, but this panic hit like if I choose the wrong preschool, in whatever capacity, I'll ruin their future in education I don't want to overwhelm them but I also don't want to underestimate them, kwim?

Brias3 replied:
I know what you mean. The thing is though, you WON'T choose the wrong one for them. The twins seem like completely well-rounded, social beings that will thrive in any atmosphere you choose. Since they HAVE been in the daycare scene on and off though, you might want to consider taking the extra step with preschool and looking into a slightly higher-level. Chances are, they already have been introduced to many things at daycare so giving them the advantage of excelling beyond a point of where they need to be at might be really beneficial. It's worth narrowing down what activities/experiences you'd LIKE them to be a part of/think they'll be most interested in and then go from there. Good luck!

MommyToAshley replied:
If you dig up some of my posts from last year about this time, then you will see that I completely understand how you feel. It IS a big decision. Although looking back now, I don't think it was as big of a deal as I made it. But then again, I am already stressing about where to send her for Kindergarten.

I talked to a lot of teachers and visited A LOT of preschools before deciding on the one for Ashley. I agree a lot with what Bria said... and it does all depend on what you want out of the preschool. I wanted to stay involved in Ashley's preschool experience, so I chose a preschool that was oriented towards parent participation. That doesn't mean that I go to school with her every day, that would defeat the purpose of sending her. But, I do help out on occasion and the school doesn't mind if I just drop in to observe. Her teacher also kept me informed and I was on the school board. I visited one (very reputable, highly recommended) private school that said that they didn't want the parents to visit for the first month and to schedule when you were going to observe thereafter. I realize that the first month rule was to help with any separation anxiety, but I knew right away that school wasn't for me even though it came highly recommended.

I would definitely talk to the teacher. A school can have the best building and equipment, the latest and greatest technology and supplies, but it really comes down to the teacher. Ashley's teacher was a retired kindergarten teacher and had a great reputation in the community.

I would suggest that you visit while school is in session if possible (not sure if they have a summer program or not). Observe how the teachers interact with the children, take a look at the art work. Does it look like the kids actually did the artwork or does it look perfect, as in the teacher did it.

As for curriculum, I think most preschools have the same goals... to prepare for kindergarten. I'm not sure all those extras are so important. Ashley's teaher is fluent in Spanish and did teach the kids to count in Spanish, the colors, and a few other words and phrases. But, I didn't base my decision on the fact that she taught Spanish. I am sure much of it will be forgotten unless Ashley goes to a school that focuses on a second language throughout grade school. However, there was one school that didn't practice writing, which I thought was a pretty important skill for kinder that was left out of the curriculum. Most of the academics that was "taught" in preschool, Ashley already knew. But, some of the socialization skills and learning to follow the rules were important things that can only be taught in a school type setting. So again, it all came down to the teacher for me. I think having a teacher that is aware of the kindergarten standards and is experienced with teaching this age is important. I could never have chosen a preschool without meeting/observing the teacher. It's the one person that is a big influence over your child, other than yourself.

Sorry I wrote a book... I hope you found something useful in all that. Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

C&K*s Mommie replied: The above infor from Bria and Dee Dee is excellent! That helped me out, too.

Many best wishes on choosing what you feel to be a great preschool for your children.

Kaitlin'smom replied: Oh I sooo know how you feel. I just went through this in January. I went totaly nuts, it was so stressful for me. I wanted her to be in a place she loved. I call tons of them and looked at a few. I have a checklist, I can type out or if you have a fax I can fax it to you. It really helped me. I did go with one higher in cost but its been sooo worth it. Its year-round (one thing I wanted) and she learns both sign language and spanish. This summer she is learing a few other words from different countrys. It came very highly recomemded and I simply love it. I also had her experiecne it for a day to see what she thought, and I can drop in at any time and they have a great securtiy system. I truly love Goddard. Good luck and try not to let it stress you out.

luvmykids replied: Thanks, you all made me feel better about it and worrying so much about picking "the one". I think part of it is that I had no idea I was so behind, and since most of them start next month I am in true panic mode!!!


Di-I don't have a fax but don't want you to go to the trouble of retyping your list, can you give me kind of a summary of what your top 5 wants were or something like that?

Boo&BugsMom replied:
I will give you my advice as a preschool teacher. You don't want the most expensive, but you don't want dirt cheap. Ask to see their curriculum. If they say "we don't have one", walk away! Make sure they prepare them for K, not just "do activities" with them. However, you also want your children to be able to be children. There should be a nice balance of structure and unstructured time.

Do not let all the 'cutsie extras' fool you. I always like to stress that. You don't want your child in an institution, but you do want your child to be ready for K. For example, I would never take my child to a 'chain' daycare like Kindercare or Children's World. The things they do are for show and nothing more, in my opinion, and I can say these things because I know. They tell you this and that and then they don't get done. Sure they have all the Spanish, etc. but the kids come out knowing squat, the ratios are so high, the turnover is extreme,...I could go on and on. I am more for the small private centers, preferably church based, but that's just me. Also, don't be fooled by the name. We have a Goddard school here which is good. There is another one in another close by county that stinks! Each school/center is only as good as it's director/principal!!!

Don't rule out home preschools/centers. I, for one, am in my home, but I prepare all my kids for K. I only take pre-k ages. I do more in my home with the kids than the public schools pre-k does. Because I have such a low ratio the children get so much more one on one and can be challenged. My 4 year olds are all starting to read and know sight words already, but they are in a home environment, which to me is the best of both worlds. Don't feel they need to go to a "school" for pre-k, they will get enough transition when they start K.

Most importantly, go with your gut, ask lots of questions, make sure state guidelines are being followed, and make sure wherever your child goes she/he will be happy there. You can ask to see a copy of the last visit from the state representative which will allow you to see what violations they have had. There will always be violations (well, in most cases, I didn't get any yet ), but scan it over to make sure there are no "big" violtions.

If I think of more I will post them. Just don't be fooled by the extra stuff. Check out their turnover rate too. You don't want a school where the teachers change every 6 months or so. Oh, also don't rule out full daycare settings. Many daycares may offer a preschool program option. Just because it's in a full daycare doesn't mean they don't teach the children. All my kids are here all day, and I teach, I don't babysit.

My final thought is this: narrow down the schools to 3, go and visit for a half day to see what the days are like there. Don't enroll your child without knowing what it will be like. Sit in the classroom for a morning. Any good school will allow you to do this! Take notice of the children, are they happy? Are they learning? Is the teacher consoling them and friendly towards the children?

Good luck!

MommyToAshley replied: I totally agree with this statement. Ashley's preschool is a faith-based program. I like that it is a Christian atmosphere and they teach about caring for and respecting one another. It's non-denominational....so basically, instead of teaching "these are the colors of the rainbow", they teach "these are the colors of the rainbow and God made the rainbow". They say prayers, but again it is non-denominational... basically, "thank you God for this food". Of course not all faith-based programs are the same, so if you are interested in a faith-based program then you will have to talk to the school about their specific program. Some go into more of a Bible study, and some parents look for that in a preschool. I, personally, didn't think Ashley needed to study the Bible in preschool... that's what Sunday school is for, imo. I'd rather that time be spent teaching her what she needs to know for Kinder. But, it's nice to reinforce the basic values.

Kaitlin'smom replied:
sorry I missed this yesterday I dont have time right now but I will type some of it up for you.

How is the hunt going?

also It was suggested you sit in, but if possible have your child experience for a day or 1/2day. Honestly for me it was more how I was treated as well as my interest for her and touring the center was the best for me I got a feeling of the place (I did not take kait with me) I liked 2 of them but Goddard won, not because of the "cuties extras" (as some put it) but because I had several people (including teachers) tell me how wonderful they were and how well pre-paird they were for K and beyond. I also really loved some of the safty features this school had. TBH I was a nervouse reck when I left her for a trial, but she LOVED it and asked if she woudl be attending school there.

I kinda believe you will know when you find it.

Boo&BugsMom replied: I didn't mean "cutsie extras" as a negative statement. It's just that people are often fooled by them and do not look beyond that. I'm just speaking from my teaching experiences.

luvmykids replied: Thank you all so much for your input, I've narrowed it down to 5 based on being a faith based program, cost, and hearing great things about them. So now I have to check them out, probably by myself first and hopefully narrow it down to 2 or 3 for the kids to check out. There are 2 that so far seem awesome but I definitely want to see for myself and am kind of hoping I like one of the other 3 better because the 2 are in an entirely different price range.

btw-thanks Di!

MommyToAshley replied:
Glad to hear you are making progress... that's the best way to do it! Let us know what you decide. And of course you will have to take pics on their first day of school.