what do i need to know about preschool for my daughter. where do i start?

Answer 1

Start by driving by your local preschools that you may be hopeful in. Do they look friendly outside? Are the children playing when you pass there and do they look like they are being carefully watched?
Second, talk to parents that have or had their children in a preschool that you are looking at. What was their experience? Would they recommend it?
Secondly, schedule and appointment to go visit. I use to work in a preschool and the biggest thing that we use to do when parents and kids came in was to welcome them. It makes all the difference in the world when parents come in and see happy faces to see them.
Make a list of questions you want to ask:
What is the ratio between teacher and children?
How much outside time do they get?
What kind of curriculum do you have?
How long is nap time?
Are there any special activites (such as field trips and special guests) that they have for the children every month?
What is your policy for behavioral issues?

Answer 2

Hi, I would start by talking to friends with children a little older to see where they go and what sort of activities they do and what the teachers are like etc... If you live in England then a good idea is to go on to OFSTED website as they hold all the key info you will need, i.e the score they reach when they have an inspection and what areas they are doing really well in and in what areas they are failing... The most important thing of all is that when she starts the one you eventually select, she comes out happy and smiling, then you know it's a good pre school.

Answer 3

I found it useful to contact and arrange a tour of some of the schools in our area, I took my son with me and we both liked the same school.

As well as the curriculum I think the environment is important, how old is the building, does it have room to play, safe play equipment etc

If you want to be actively involved in your child's school, parent help, parents and friends etc, then don't pick a school too far away as you will spend a lot of time travelling.

If you have other children consider whether this school will suit them too, if you send your children to different schools you will have 2 x schools to help with fund raising, attend parent teachers etc.

Hope this helps, good luck!