| The first day of preschool is a big moment in the lives | | | | art on the walls and books on the shelves? Are the |
| of most kids and their parents. For kids, it is probably | | | | children comfortable in their surroundings and |
| their first independent foray into the big wide world; for | | | | encouraged to play? Feeling safe is probably the most |
| parents, it may be the longest they have ever been | | | | important aspect of a new place for children; if they |
| apart from their child. Choosing the right preschool will | | | | don't feel safe somewhere, they won't be able to |
| help the big day end well for everyone involved and | | | | freely learn, play and grow like they need to. |
| help the little one adjust to school life. Studies show | | | | 3. Another aspect of preschools to take into account |
| that kids who go to high quality preschools end up | | | | is nutrition. Most preschools offer a snack time during |
| doing better in later education and general life pursuits. | | | | the day. Make sure the teachers aren't serving |
| Adult social intelligence, house ownership, salary, and | | | | cupcakes everyday; not only is this, of course, |
| language skills have all been connected to the quality | | | | unhealthy, but it will also put the kids on a sugar high |
| of preschool attended when young. This might seem | | | | that they will crash down from once they return to |
| unbelievable, but keep in mind that the first five years | | | | their parents. |
| of life are more important to the overall development | | | | 4. Look into the security of the preschool, too. |
| of a child than any other point in their lives. | | | | Responsible preschools have effective, efficient |
| The important thing when choosing a preschool is to | | | | systems to keep track of kids' arrivals and departures. |
| note is that "high quality" does not mean strict or | | | | The teachers should have access to information about |
| expensive or focused entirely on learning to read early. | | | | who is and isn't allowed to pick up each kid as well as |
| A good preschool encourages creativity and healthy | | | | someone to contact if one of the kids isn't picked up. |
| social interactions, provides support and friendship, all | | | | 5. Lastly, but possibly most importantly, ask your child |
| while making the kids feel safe and accepted. | | | | what they want. Bring your kid along with you on the |
| 1. Always take a tour! Good preschools usually have | | | | tour so they can take a look around, too. Be willing to |
| an open door policy regarding visits from parents and | | | | find a different preschool if they don't feel safe or |
| family members. Be suspicious of any preschool that | | | | aren't having fun at the first one you enroll in. |
| doesn't encourage parents to stop by before | | | | These five tips can help you to find the right pre-school |
| registering and also once their child is attending. | | | | for your child and help them get the start in life you |
| 2. On the tour, get a feel for the environment. Does | | | | want for them. |
| the room look safe, friendly, and kid-centered? Is there | | | | |