How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Child

It is only preschool. What's the big deal? The kids are just playing.

Well, parents, it is a great deal!

Yes, ironically, the first few years are just for play, but parents need to know that play is a serious business. Kids learn just about everything through play.

Tanja Mcilroy, a former early childhood teacher, reminds parents that preschools have a more positive effect on their children's success than their later schooling years.

Usually, parents give more importance to choosing high school over the primary or elementary school.

Yet, according to Mcilroy, here's the reality: "If your child attends a strong preschool and elementary school they are more likely to perform well in any high school than sending a child with a poor grounding to a good high school. The preschool years are the most important developmental years in your child's entire life. A child will learn continuously, even throughout their adult life, but never at the volume and rate that they learn in the first six years of life."

Parents must know how crucial early childhood development is for their children's future. Foundational skills learned early will impact children's entire schooling careers and life. In these years, they will learn fine, listening, and gross motor skills, to name a few and the most important.

'Golden Years'

Mcilroy describes preschool as the "golden years" as children learn effortlessly. Thus, they need to be adequately educated and stimulated.

This is why parents must be able to choose the best preschool for their kids.

Here's a list of what to ask, what to watch for, and what red flags to look out for when choosing a preschool, according to Moms.com.

1. First Impression

First impressions are important. As per The Washington Post, while staff and learning models are necessary, parents must look at the building first and foremost. Is it in good working order? Does it need repairs and renovations?

2. Safety

Of course, parents want to ensure that the place where their children will be spending their day is safe and secure. Thus, they should look into who has access to the building and what the security clearance is like. As they are taking the tour, they should ask themselves if they feel secure leaving their kids in the place.

3. Watch the staff

The staff will take care of the kids daily and for long periods. Thus, parents must feel "good vibes" from the staff. Observe how they interact with the children. And, a special tip - look at the walls and see if the kids' artworks are displayed because this reflects how much they value the children.

4. Observe the other kids

The other children spending their time in preschool is one of the best indicators of success, and they are often overlooked. Thus, parents are encouraged to go on a day tour to see what the other kids are doing. Are they having a good time? Are they playing with each other? These can bring some great insights into the kind of preschool they are.

5. Discipline policy

Parents should prioritize asking about the preschool's discipline policy since preschoolers need guidance about their behavior. They should make sure that their policy aligns with their parenting. They should also ensure that it is positive discipline.

6. Education of teachers matter

Studies have shown that teachers with higher education provide higher-quality care, as per Parenting For Brain. Thus, parents should know the teachers' education and experience. Know that it is always right to check on their credentials. As parents, they have the right to this information.

7. Free play

As stated above, play in preschool is a serious business. Thus, parents want a play-based preschool with teachers helping facilitate play. The best way for the kids to learn is to play with teachers and fellow preschoolers.

8. Talk to other parents

The best place for information is for parents taking their kids to that preschool. They are a resource that should be noticed. They can offer the good, bad, and ugly about the preschool. Find time to chat, interview other parents, and see if a social media group is available.

9. The cost

Parents would want to give the best for their children, yet it is still essential to think and check the financial aspect. Aside from knowing the fee for the preschool, check if there are other extra fees so parents can be budget-ready.

10. Cleaning schedule

One thing that needs to be noticed is the cleaning schedule - how often are the toys and supplies getting cleaned and sanitized? Parents know how preschoolers can carry a lot of germs and how often they like bringing things into their mouths. Thus, the cleaning schedule is crucial to ensure that the family's household is illness-free.