Selecting a Quality Preschool – What is Right for Your Child?

By Sherri Edwards, Director, Dubuque County Empowerment

What if selecting a preschool for your child was as easy as signing up for kindergarten? One trip to kindergarten round-up, and your child is set. Choosing a preschool is not quite the same experience. Parents face numerous decisions – picking preschools to consider, deciding on a curriculum best for the child and family, determining if the child is ready, and much more.

Early education lays an important foundation for life. Research shows children who attend a quality preschool are better prepared to learn and succeed in elementary school and beyond. They also are more likely to graduate from high school, stay away from trouble, and get better jobs. Sounds convincing. How can you make the best preschool choice for your child? TheSavvySource.com, an online resource, has five suggestions for selecting a quality preschool:

• Number One Priority is Play – Play is the best way children learn about themselves and the world. A quality preschool offers ample opportunities, such as imaginative play, art, games, and physical activities. Preschoolers who just play are actually building social skills, learning problem solving, and developing a knowledge base in many areas.

• Basics are Still Important – While play is a child’s most significant “work,” quality preschools include some letter and number activities. When considering a preschool, look for alphabet and number puzzles, activities, and wall hangings. Good preschools address different levels of development and help children catch up, if needed.

• Choices for all Children – Parents of preschoolers are familiar with children’s desire to pick for themselves. A quality preschool builds upon this impulse. Children who have some freedom to select activities will develop higher social abilities and be better adjusted. A good preschool will encourage children to pick activities during at least part of the day.

• Values from Home Matter – Consider a preschool’s policies and consistency in handling social and discipline issues. Don’t be afraid to ask. A quality preschool is happy to share this information. Look for behavioral approaches close to your parenting goals. Then go beyond reading the handbook – observe a class to see how teachers put policy into practice.

• Teacher Relationships are Key –This may be your child’s first experience away from home. A teacher’s kind words can make the difference. A quality preschool includes teachers who are well trained and experienced, but also, who develop positive, caring relationships with the children. These teachers are best in helping children adjust and develop in the preschool years.

Now ready, set, go… look in your phone directory or call Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) at (563) 557-1628 for a list of area preschools to check out. If tuition cost is a concern, CCR&R has a preschool scholarship program and you may qualify. During visits to preschools, ask lots of questions and be sure to ask for referrals. Then sign your child up confident they are on the path to a bright future.