How do I choose a preschool?

Question

Is Montessori better than other choices? Are there certain credentials I should look for? Questions I should ask?

Answer 1

It really depends on the Montessori school. I have taught both traditional and Montessori school (Montessori for 11 years). I would never teach traditional preschool again. I have observed all of the Montessori schools in my area. There can be great differences from school to school. Some schools claim to be Montessori when they are not. Their teachers are not trained or they do not have Montessori materials. Often these schools can have a "play-based" feel.

There is a huge difference in how the children learn and behave between traditional and Montessori school. A child who goes through a Montessori preschool is well prepared for Kindergarten. Children are prepared for learning and lifelong success by encouraging independence, concentration, coordination, self-control, sense of order, initiative, grace, courtesy, compassion, patience, peace, negotiation and self esteem. Here are some comparisons of Montessori and traditional education http://www.alexandermontessori.com/mtti_home.htm Click on "About Montessori."

Many traditional preschools do not require teachers to be trained. Many of these schools only require 6 to 12 units in Early Childhood Education. Most Montessori school require teacher training. To become a Montessori teacher, one needs to complete 8 classes (24 units) and does an internship for a year where her teachers come observe monthly.

To pick a school, make a list of a few schools that you want to observe. I would go and observe each program for about an hour and watch without your child so you can get a good observation. Ask yourself some questions. "Are the children happy? Do the teachers seem happy? Are the children respectful? Does the teacher have good classroom management skills? Do the children "run a muck" or are they calm? Is the classroom clean and orderly?" Once you do this you will get a feel for the program and know if it is the right one for you.

I would ask how long the teachers have been there. Good programs keep their teachers. I would also ask about the teacher’s education. Find out if the school follows a teaching philosophy (Montessori, High Scope) if the teachers are trained in that area. Ask the teacher some hypothetical questions and see how she responds. "What would you do if a child bit another child? What would you do if a child broke something on purpose?" See if her responses match your ideas. Make sure that the teachers are trained in CPR. Find out about their sick policy. Go with your gut! Good luck!

Answer 2

you are looking for good preschool or play school. Before finalising on any list look for - "Reality Check for Parents preschools in India" on the website of - “Preschool for Child Rights” and read the article –
http://www.preschoolforchildrights.com/home/preschool-kindergarten-articles-curriculum-development/reality-check-for-parents-preschools-in-india-reviews-top-compare-list-good/

The fact is that none of the preschools / day care / creche etc are having any proper syllabus and curriculum. The problem of preschools in India is so grave that even the Government of India is awakened to this reality and is coming up with Curricular Laws.


I also suggest you to go for Five Point Formula from “Preschool for Child Rights”, which is mentioned here – http://www.preschoolforchildrights.com/free-articles-school-parent-preschool-play-school-magazine-parenting/articles-for-parents/how-to-choose-the-best-preschool-for-your-child/

List of websites :
http://www.preschoolforchildrights.com
http://www.preschoolforchildrights.org
http://www.preschoolforchildrights.net
http://www.blog.preschoolforchildrights.org
http://www.thezerocurriculum.com


Many things regarding Preschool etc is also explained in this video –

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKgNSDBs_YQ

Answer 3

Everyone has important values that you would like to instill in your children, search what is important for you. Visit different centre and see what they provide for the children. What to look for:
1. Is the time (what time they open/close) for care meet your needs
2. Are the Early childhood educators trained.
3. How committed they are to include you in their centre, how valued you are as a parent to the centre.
4. What is their routine in the centre.
5. Are the children given time ro explore and learn through play.
6. Anything that you need to know, because your child is special and needs a place to learn, and have positive environment with people that can be trusted.

Last but not least you are the one to know what is important to you and make sure to let them know what is important. Good communication is always important.

Good Luck in your search.

Answer 4

First is what you want out of the school. Diversity is good because it prepares your toddler for the future, If their is more than one language taught that is good too. How much play time does your child get how much learning and training goes on in the day. what type of meals they provide and what they require of you.

Many companies help screen and rate prechools. In the bay area a good company to help you choose is called Bananas. Here is their link; www.bananasinc.org

There are plenty of helpful websites and companies but what fit's best for you and your child/ren is most important. Good luck, Preschool is the first step and our children have the grasp of our future so take you time and find the best one that your child feels comfy and has the curriculum you desire

Answer 5

Everyone has different ideas about what they want from a preschool. I suggest you make a list of what is important to you, and start there.

My son went to a daycare/preschool. One of the things I really liked was that every day, when I took him in, the teachers would shout his name enthusiastically and act genuinely happy to see him. They would also periodically chat with me about how he was doing, good or bad.