Are you looking for a preschool? Are you trying to weigh the pros and cons of which preschool is best for your child? Your local area libraries are here to help! This Saturday from 10 am – 2 pm three area libraries – Brighton District, Howell Carnegie District and Cromaine Library in Hartland will host preschool open houses. Meet one-on-one with local preschool representatives who will be on hand to answer your questions or concerns.
Preschool is a big step for you and your child and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) offers the following guidelines when selecting a preschool.
Preschool and child care programs should focus on children. When visiting:
Watch to see that children interact with other children and adults, so they can build healthy relationships.
Ask about the curriculum, which should include a variety of activities appropriate for the children's ages and needs.
Preschool and child care programs should have qualified staff:
The staff should have the educational background to promote your child's learning and development. Ask what degrees and training teachers have.
Ask how long teachers and staff have been with the program. Teachers that stay in the program longer are more able to focus their attention on the children and establish bonds with them.
Preschool and child care programs should build relationships with families:
Program staff should work with families to meet their child's needs. Ask how information and concerns are communicated between staff and families.
Check that the program's policies allow families to visit their child during the program day.
Preschool and child care programs should be well-run:
Check that the program is licensed by the state. The facilities need to be age-appropriate and well maintained, both indoors and outdoors.
Check whether the program has policies and practices to help keep children safe from preventable illness and injury.
Ask about the child-to-teacher ratio, which helps determine how much individual attention your child will get. For example, there should be at least one adult for every ten 4-year-olds.
