Choosing a preschool is a difficult decision for many parents. The factors to consider can be overwhelming and finding the right fit for your child can be a challenge. However, with all of the choices available it IS possible to find a preschool that gives you and your child a fulfilling experience to build on for future growth.
There are several factors to take into account when looking for a preschool. A preschool’s educational philosophy, class size, qualifications of the teachers, schedule and location are all items to consider. But for some, the process may start with the question, “Why preschool?”
Waldorf. The Waldorf classroom works to enhance a child’s world of fantasy and imagination to stimulate play. Storytelling and fantasy are prevalent in the curriculum. There is also an emphasis on using natural materials and hand-made toys--with the belief that the less finished and the more suggestive a toy is, the greater its educational value. No early thrust into intellectualism is found in Waldorf, just the nourishment of the child’s healthy imagination and creative thinking powers.
No matter what the school’s philosophy, dedicating time for open-ended play is essential. Many researchers have found that children’s play is a highly supportive context for development and learning (Piaget 1952; Fein 1981; Bergen 1988; Smilansky & Shefatya 1990; Fromberg 1992; Berk & Winsler 1995). Children are active constructors of knowledge and play gives them opportunities to understand the world, interact with others in social ways, express and control emotions and develop their symbolic capabilities.
Research also demonstrates that children’s language and literacy skills can be enhanced by teachers providing a thematic organization for play; offering appropriate props, space and time; and becoming involved in the play by extending and elaborating on children’s ideas (Levy, Schaefer & Phelps 1986; Schrader 1989, 1990; Morrow 1990; Pramling 1991; Levy, Wolfgang & Koorland 1992).
Teachers and Class Size
Parents should review the qualifications of the teachers. Do the teachers have a certificate in early childhood education? What training was required prior to employment at the school? Is ongoing training provided? Are teachers required to participate? Ask the school about teacher turnover; a low turnover rate in teachers is usually a good sign.
Kim Siffring also suggests, “Check the teacher-child ratios, and note how many children are in a classroom. Smaller classes allow for more individualized attention. But larger class sizes may be okay if there is more than one teacher attending to the class.” Generally, a 1:4 teacher-child ratio is ideal for 2- to 3-year-olds, 1:7 is ideal for 3- to 4-year-olds and 1:10 is ideal for 5-year-olds.
The Practical Aspects
Beyond the impression a school makes, other hard factors come into play. Proximity to the house or a parent’s work may be important, as well as the class schedule. Parents should review what days and times classes are offered to be sure they fit in the family’s schedule.
Cost may be a factor. Some schools provide some type of financial aid program for families in need and in some cases more parental involvement can be traded for expense.
The overall involvement of parents required by a school is also something to consider. A cooperative preschool has a lot of family involvement and is a great way to develop friendships for both the parents and children. You may find a place that builds community between attending families appealing, or you may want to be more hands-off.
Visit in Person
After whittling down a list of possible schools by asking questions over the phone and speaking with other parents, take the time to visit the schools in person. Observe a class, talk to the school’s director and teachers and talk to parents whose children attend the school. A good time to do this is in the fall or early winter the year prior to your child attending. Most preschools hold open houses for new parents around that time and it is an excellent opportunity to learn first hand about the school and its teaching philosophy.
The Right Fit
“A lot can be said for a school that makes the parents feel comfortable, both being there themselves and leaving their child there,” stresses Ms. Siffring. “Taking the time to visit different schools will give you a sense of the atmosphere and how children are treated and interacted with.”
Ultimately, choosing a preschool is a personal decision. If, after visiting a preschool, you love the idea of having your child there, it is probably the right place for you.
Kim Siffring has been the director at Denver Cooperative Preschool for three years and has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education.
Denver Cooperative Preschool (DCP) was founded in 1960 by a group of parents as a non-profit, non-denominational school owned and administered by the member families. It is founded on the play-based philosophy. DCP has an open house every winter so parents can learn more about the school and its teaching philosophy. The Open House for the Fall 2006-2007 school season will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 from 6:30-8:30pm. For more information, please call 303-777-6867. Please visit DCP at http://www.denvercooperativepreschool.org
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