Before the Bell
Still deciding which preschool is best for your family? Check out the comprehensive online resource, The Savvy Source for Parents, which gives the rundown on the race for admissions. Below are some of their top tips for successful school selection:
Make sure there is some coverage of the ABCs and 123s. Look for a well-stocked bookcase, the alphabet up on the walls, tracing paper, maps, clocks, and puzzles.
Ask how “play” is woven into the day. A good school may have some direct instruction but also allows children opportunities to explore the building blocks of literacy and math through play.
Look for signs of imaginative play. For example, a costume corner, art up on the walls, pretend kitchen sets and pairs or small groups of children working together creating and collaborating.
Ask whether physical activity is a part of a typical day. Does the school have a climbing structure, tricycles, balls for children to throw?
Ask if children are able to choose some of their activities during the day. See if there are windows of time that are dedicated to play and/or if there are stations where children are able to choose what to do.
Check for positive/nurturing relationships between teachers and children. Talk to parents at the school about their experience.
Assess the match between school’s philosophy and practice with the personality of your child and your home values.