Preschools Near Me: 4 Factors to Consider

Finding a preschool is always a hot topic on the playgrounds as admissions season approaches. Parents work diligently to find the best preschool in their area, and are tasked with balancing financial implications with the school’s location and philosophy. As a preschool administrator and a mom, here are four factors I consider when finding the best preschools near me.

Find Out the Philosophy

Every good preschool follows a well-researched and proven philosophy that’s based on early childhood education and child development. Some preschools are inspired by Reggio Emilia, which is strictly play-based, while others follow a Montessori approach. Educate yourself about preschool education philosophies. I make sure to look for preschools near me with a philosophy that suits my child’s learning style and is in line with how we parent at home.

Meet with the Director

The director of your child’s preschool will be a resource for you and your family throughout your child’s earliest educational experience. The director will ensure that the curriculum is carried out within the classroom, and will get to know your child and his or her individual needs. As a parent, you will work with the director to create continuity between home and school, and to best prepare your child for kindergarten. Since this person will be your guide during the impressionable early years and will ultimately be responsible for the safety of your child, it’s imperative that you feel at ease with him or her. When looking for a preschool near me, I like to meet the director and make sure that we are on the same page.

Tour the School

In addition to finding a preschool near me that has a philosophy I can get behind, and a director that I trust and respect, I always make sure to tour the school. Getting a glimpse into the daily happenings at a school will provide you with the best idea of whether a school is for you. When you peek into the classrooms, there are a few things that you should notice. Look for a low student-to-teacher ratio, clean and organized classrooms, and positive interactions between the students and teachers. Keep in mind that your child may be placed in a classroom other than the ones that you’ve seen on the tour, but walking through the school will provide a good idea of how the facility is maintained, and what is expected from the teachers.

Talk to Other Parents

It can be helpful to talk to other parents about their experiences. Although every child and family are different, you can find out first hand what a preschool is like by talking with parents who have children enrolled at the school. Ask about the parent community, their communication with the teachers and administration, and how well they feel that the preschool prepared their child for kindergarten. Some schools have parent organizations that are available to meet with prospective families to share about their experiences at the school. Ask the school if they would be able to share any contact information for current families, so that you can hear about the program first hand, and off the record.

Preschool admissions season can be daunting, as parents search for the best preschool home for their child. Keep in mind that the friendships you forge within your preschool community will grow into lifelong relationships, so it’s important to choose a school where both you and your child feel at home.

Peekadoodle is currently accepting applications for our preschool programs. We would love to meet you and your family on your quest for the best preschool home for your little one.