Director’s Blog
March 7, 2010
“Selecting the Right Preschool”
Everyday I receive lots of phone calls from parents looking for assistance. Some of the questions are related to special education and some are not. In an effort to try and help our followers, I thought I would start a blog that focuses on timely topics. While I will try and write often, the frequency will depend on the comments and suggestions I receive (so write to me often! J ).
My first blog will be about selecting the right preschool for your child. Quite honestly if you are thinking of enrolling your child in a preschool for next September, you should have already started looking. It is probably one of the most important decisions you will make for both you and your child!
So what in fact constitutes quality? What are the characteristics of early learning environments that best prepare children for success in school and life? Research indicates that high quality early learning programs share the following ten characteristics:
- Qualified teachers
- Well-compensated teachers
- Low teacher-child ratios and small group size
- Developmentally appropriate, research-based curricula, activities and materials
- Well-designed facilities and equipment
- Robust on-going training and professional development
- Systematic program evaluation and improvement
- Meaningful involvement by parents
- Comprehensive services that address non-education needs of children and families
- Culturally competent services
To support this research, I found a very interesting article entitled, “Finding the Right Preschool: Step-by-Step” by Katy Abel (http://school.familyeducation.com/preschool/school-selection/38806.html). Take a look at it.
It will give you the perspective of a spokesperson for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a parent of a preschooler and an associate professor of early childhood education.
One word of advice that I will give you, as a parent, is to go with your gut!
It never fails! Until next time, Happy Preschool Hunting!
Sheri Townsend
sheri@spottedzebra.org