4 Must-Ask Questions Before Choosing A Preschool
Posted on: 29 April 2020
Preparing your little one for preschool can be exciting and a little nerve-racking, too. One of the most important decisions you'll need to make as a parent during this time is where to send your child to preschool. After all, no two preschools are alike and different facilities will have different learning philosophies and ways of teaching your child.
As you begin touring preschools in your area, there are a few questions worth asking that can help you narrow down your options.
Do You Have Openings?
Start by asking about openings and waitlists; depending on where you live, you may be surprised to find that classrooms fill up months or even a year in advance. If a preschool you're interested in doesn't have openings at the time, you might want to see if you can have your child put on a waitlist. That way, if an opening does arise, you can be notified. Different preschools may have different policies regarding their waitlists, so be sure to get details before you add your child's name.
What's the Teacher-to-Student Ratio?
The smaller the class, the more one-on-one time your child will be able to enjoy with his or her teacher. This is why it's always a good idea to ask about the teacher-to-student ratio for your child's classroom. For a class of three- to four-year-olds, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends at least one teacher for every 10 children in the class.
How is Discipline Handled?
One question parents/guardians sometimes forget to ask is how discipline will be handled in the preschool classroom. You'll want to find out exactly how children will be disciplined and the circumstances under which this would happen. Also, ask about how you as a parent/guardian would be notified of disciplinary action.
What Security Measures Are in Place?
Of course, you want to make sure your young child will be as safe as possible inside his or her preschool. Take some time to ask about the security procedures that the facility has in place indoors and out. If possible, take a look at the school itself and make sure that any outdoor play areas are properly fenced in.
Searching for a preschool can be stressful, but by asking the right questions, you can select a preschool for your child with confidence. From there, your young child can embark on a lifetime of learning!
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