What are the most important factors to you that a preschool can offer?

Filiberto Ranalli: The first thing I take into consideration is the staff you meet with, are they friendly, do they act casual, do they smile often. I want my child to be surrounded with happy friendly people.I also look at the what sets it apart from other preschools, is it more curriculum based preschool, do they give extra consideration to the arts? Ask a ton of questions, preschool is costly so make sure it is up to your standards. Most importantly...What I ask parents when touring my school, is what is most important to them. Tell the Teacher or Director what you want your child to learn and what you would like there day to be like at preschool then ask how does this program meets your needs for your child....Show more

Piedad Bassiti: I have a five year old, and I have worked in Preschool for over a decade, so I get to see it from both sides.Atmosphere is NUMBER ONE. Do the teachers seem comfortable? Is the Administrator proud to show you her school? Does ! everyone smile and laugh? It is pretty easy to tell when a teacher is there for the paycheck versus being there for the love of the job. Is there an easy flow to environments in the room? Are teachers sitting in a chair or holding a hand while dancing and wearing a funny hat?No place is perfect. Children might be running in one room and screaming in another. How is it being handled? Are people getting frustrated or laughing it off?Make sure you know the teaching philosophy of the school. Do you want a school that prepares your child for Kindergarten? Do you want something that just let's kids be kids? You can't get upset with a school for not teaching ABCs if they have an emergent, non-structured curriculum. How flexible are they? They are there to serve the needs of your child. If he has a doctor's appointment, can he arrive late? You wouldn't believe how many schools say no!Oh, and there is ABSOLUTELY no reason a TV should be in a preschool. Good luck. Go w! ith your gut. ASK QUESTIONS....Show more

Jene Kostyla: ! teacher:child ratio is number oneThe daycare's philosophies regarding getting a child ready for school, emergent literacy, and discipline. The brain develops from age zero -- babies and toddlers need lots of stimulation (play, music, words, story time, play time, etc) And they can always get academic work later, what you're looking for is developing an interest in learning and expression! Pay attention to see if aids and staff know names -- if they don't they probably aren't giving the attention they should.There's also the "business" aspect of daycare:What is their policy about closings? What if your child is sick? Is there a different/ additional rate for "regular" scheduled times vs. if you drop your child off on short notice?What is the sign in/ sign out ritual (very important so your child doesn't get lost or is only "assumed" to be there when they are not)...Show more