I need a preschool daycare in Tucson, AZ by Tucson Mall! Any Suggestions???????

Question

I want a preschool that actually teaches something, not just how to pick your nose. I want a clean place that my little one will love to go to! I am having a hard time finding this- so all you moms out there help me find something FANTASTIC!!By the way my child is 21/2!Thanks!!

Answer 1

Here are some good places to start. All are accredited by NAEYC, which is usually a sign of commitment to quality early childhood education.

http://www.naeyc.org/academy/web_ready/search/distance.asp

Check for a website for each program. I looked at a few and many require that a child be 3 before entering the program. Call them. Visit them while they are in session. That will help you choose the best one for you and your child.

Answer 2

Call your local elementary school, social service agencies, and churches. They should be able to give you a list of care agencies to investigate. Then check them all out. Ask lots of questions. Ask what type of license they have and what sort of credentials their staff have. Ask what the staff/child ratio is. (For a three year old, it shouldn't be more than 10 children to one adult. For those under three, it should be even lower.) Ask what curriculum they use, and what their discipline policy is. Ask what the daily schedule is for the children, and try to observe a class in progress. Once you have selected a program, try to volunteer some time in the classroom on a regular basis so that you can see for yourself what your child is experiencing. Age 3 is when children are typically ready for a preschool routine, so you are very right to be looking into this issue now.

Don't forget that free play time is important. Children learn social skills during their free play time. They also develop important fine motor skills when they play with the play dough, crayons, paints, and scissors. They learn basic math skills when playing with the blocks and sorting toys. They develop imagination and creativity when they "pretend play" in a dramatic play area. And they learn to love and use books when they spend quiet time in the library area. So make sure that the school of your choice allows for plenty of free choice time so that your child can learn and grow in a natural way, supported by caring, watchful adults.