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Look Before You Leap

By Heather Cundiff


Points to Consider When Choosing a Preschool

When it comes to early childhood education, how can you be sure you are choosing the right preschool for you and your child? Here are some helpful hints and points to consider when you begin your search:

1. Be comfortable with the director of the center. You should feel like you can go to him or her with any question or concern. He or she should be open about the philosophy and mission envisioned for the center, and should answer your questions thoroughly.
2. Talk with the teachers. Ask them questions about their daily schedules and teaching styles. Let them talk you through what a typical day for your child might be like. Also ask if you can come back to visit another day and spend some time observing in the classroom. The teachers should be willing to share their day with you! After all, these will be the people with whom your child spends a great deal of time.
3. Talk with the director about state regulated teacher to child ratios. Be sure that they are followed throughout the day. It is also important to find out what the center policy is on medication distribution, food allergy awareness, and CPR and First Aid training for staff members. Some centers only require one staff member to be CPR and First Aid certified for the entire center, while other centers certify all of their staff. You should be comfortable with the information you are given.
4. Door safety is a must. Many centers have a key pad system for their doors which only allows enrolled families and staff members entrance into the building. Another point to touch on is whether or not the center conducts monthly fire drills. Some centers may have on-site kitchens and chefs. In that case, you should find out how the food is prepared and handled, and what will happen if your child does not eat what is on the center's menu. Will your child be offered another alternative, or will you have to provide his or her meals?
5. Another important point is sanitation. You should find out who is responsible for cleaning the classrooms, as well as the rest of the building. Some centers contract professional cleaning services, while others may depend on their teachers to clean up their own classrooms.
6. Most centers have a policy on child pick-up authorization. Be sure that the center will not release your child to anyone unless you have authorized the release in person. In that case, the center should still ID this person and call you to let you know that this individual has arrived to pick up your child.
7. Perhaps one of the most important points to consider is how your child reacts to his or her surroundings. Nothing is more reassuring than a child who is so excited to get to school in the morning, that he or she cannot fall asleep the night before!

Heather Cundiff resides in Williamstown with her husband. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education industry for the past five years as both a Teacher and an Assistant Center Director.