Give me hints for choosing a pre-school please

[ZanneMarie]

Another 'type' of preschool I have not seen mentioned here is a cooperative preschool. This is usually a preschool only (vs. having extended daycare hours) program where parents are very involved in the running of the school. There are certified teachers and usually aides teaching the classes but parents rotate into the classroom as additonal helpers. Parents also often have other 'committe' type requirements for them to participate in. Requirements vary widely by school. My two oldest attended and my youngest is currently attending and I love this type of program. Of course I was also very satisfied with the teachers and the curriculum and school philosophy. There are many other positive points including: you see the teacher and kids in action when you are the helper, Cost can often be lower because of using parents to get a good kid:adult ratio instead of paid aides, it was a great way for me as a mom to really get to know other moms and to be involved (i went on to hold several officer positions on the board). These type of programs fall under 'daycare' liscensing (at least here in MI) so there are criminal type checks on all people who work in the classroom. Cooperative preschools can be a great way to get your child the 'education' that is beneficial AND build a new freindship base for yourself (moms count in the equation too!!) If you have any questions about this type of program let me know.

 

[DISLOVE]

I agree with everything that's posted. Also, rely on YOU - if after all your research and questions, something seems "off", follow that instinct.

For me, I found a huge difference in "For profit" vs "not for Profit" preschools,


I have to agree that there is a difference in for profit and not for profit, but I don't think that the profit centers are always the bad guys! There are always centers who have management who are in the business for the wrong reasons (the right reason would be to provide a place for children to develop).
I have worked for both a non profit and two large for profit centers... and I would choose the for profit any day of the week!

I currently work for a national network of child care centers, KinderCare Learning Center. I feel very strongly that our company, including our parent company Knowledge Learning Company, is out there doing great things for children and families. I am a Center Director for KinderCare and have been told many times by upper management to "take care of the children and families and we'll figure out the rest". That's exactly what I want in a provider!

I have found in my work for the national companies, Bright Horizons was the other company, that there can be a wide variation of quality even though they share the same name. This is due to the passions of the on site management team. A policy book is a great tool but all too often directors leave it on the shelf! I run my center with a passion for following the rules and creating exciting programs while keeping true to state regulations and NAEYC guidelines.

I urge you to take a look at the national centers in your area and spend a little time there getting to know the directors. We have a lot to offer children and families and our companies know what's truly important. I would never suggest a KinderCare just because it is a KinderCare but the name is an important first step to seeking out a quality program, IMHO.

Feel free to PM or email me if you have other questions!

Kristy

 

[rt2dz]

I haven't read all the posts, so excuse me if I'm being repeative.

First, ask every mom you know, and don't know about preschools. Those who have children in preschool can offer you lots of current infomation on schools in your area, and those who are done can give you seasoned advice.

Next, check out the website for accrediated preschools. http://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/academy.asp
If this link doesn't work it is www.naeyc.org

Open up your local newspapers & phone books and start calling preschools. Get information from the directors. Ask questions about their cirriculm and other important things with the program. Those that have the right answer, VISIT. Never send your child to a preschool you haven't visisted. And if ever you feel any nagging questions about a preschool, don't send your child there.

Questions to ask include size of the class in addition to teacher-student ration; ways for parental involvement; the age approprateness of the circulum, who designs the cirriculm; what the kids do throughout the day in general; hours/class types (I love the extended day option and don't know anyhow who has a problem with it even when they don't use it); and unfortunately, that's all I can think of for now. I found a great preschool I wouldn't change for anything.

 

[Becky2005]

I didn't see it mentioned but also check with your Park District, although at 2, your child might be a little young for that type.

I know our Park District offers a preschool program that is cooperative with the school system. It offers 3 & 4 year old programs and they follow the school calendar (and cut-off dates for ages!). It's an inclusion program so you will have kids coming in via the school district (on Individual Educational Plans) and via the Park District.

I really liked our program, even though I just kind of fell into it. LOL! One reason I did like the program is because if there were any unknown problems, the teachers were able to spot it and get referrals (with the specialists being able to see your child in a regular setting) since in the course of the day there was a speech therapist, special ed teacher's in the classroom, etc... I have had 1 child go through the school as a Park District child and 1 go through on the school district side. In the classrooms, it's so seemlessly integrated that it was nice.

Having a child already go through Kindergarten before I even had a child in preschool, I knew what they were doing was exactly what they would be doing in Kindergarten just on a smaller scale (my neighbor had her child in there the year my DD was in Kindergarten).

(Of course, I like my school district, I know you said you don't particularly care for yours).

 

[alloyd1170]

My 3.5 yr old son will be starting preschool at the end of August (3 days, for 3 hrs each day-with extra days and hours available). Ive stayed at home with him so far, and he just started showing signs of being really ready to interact with other kids and learn around the age of 3. I pretty much knew where he would go, and have worked for another daycare/preschool company and knew that was not the one!

A good friend of ours teaches at the one where my son will be going, so I can get an inside scoop on things (best teachers, what extra programs to skip or do, etc). Also, I asked around the playgrounds and it seems most moms have their kids at two major programs (through churches), one being the one my son will go to. I havent heard any negative comments about the school. However, it seems that even though the school is great and all, some kids just arent happy with the style that one school uses, so often parents will switch them to another school. Parents have been amazed with what their kids are learning, etc. I also checked records to be sure it was safe. It is more expensive, but you cant rate it solely on cost.

Ask around, do your research and you should get some ideas on which are the top two or three. Go and check them out-a good one will let you observe, maybe even try it out for a day. Also keep in mind, your childs learning style might be different from what they use at each school. We went to observe and ever since, every time we drive by my son gets all excited about going there.

alison

 

[Mom to Jordan]

Preschool director here and you are getting lots of good advice.

One thing that you need to think about as you look for a preschool is what you WANT out of this experence. Do you want a social situation where your child leans to share and play with others? Are academics important to you? Are religious values a big part of your hopes for the experence. Think about those things before you start looking. Do you want to be involved? Look for a school where many of the mothers are in the same situation as you. If all the moms are stay at home and are there for all the parties a working mom with a sitter after school may feel left out and vise versa.

Other parents are a great sorce of information. There are pros and cons to EVERY type of school. My son did go to a preschool that had a extended day program but the program was so awsome that we went with it and it was great. Think about how many days you want your child to attend. Our school ofers 2 year old a two day a week program that is a great way to start. Some school offer up to 5 days a week.

Visit the school during the school year and visit the class your child will be in. Watch the children as much as the teacher. ARe they happy, content and busy.

Look for a school that has an open door policy. You should be allowed in at any time. Look for safety procedures. There should be a written plan of action. Be sure the staff is CPR certified and as stated look for experence, education and staff turn over. Ratio is also very important

There are some wonderful school out there that are NOT NAEYE certified so do not be afraid to look at all your choices!

My school is a private ,church based 3 hour/day program for 2's 3's & 4's. Our ratios for 2's is 1:6.

Look early the best program fill up fast!

Good luck, look with your heart AND your head.

Jordan's mom

 

[jeast]

Another mom for NAEYC.

I did all the homework you are doing and ended up looking for an NAEYC school. THEN, I asked around about it, toured it, checked it out for complaints, and have loved it ever since. They have to jump through a LOT of hoops to be NAEYC certified and remain so.

 

[ryan840]

Another 'type' of preschool I have not seen mentioned here is a cooperative preschool. This is usually a preschool only (vs. having extended daycare hours) program where parents are very involved in the running of the school. There are certified teachers and usually aides teaching the classes but parents rotate into the classroom as additonal helpers. Parents also often have other 'committe' type requirements for them to participate in. Requirements vary widely by school. My two oldest attended and my youngest is currently attending and I love this type of program. Of course I was also very satisfied with the teachers and the curriculum and school philosophy. There are many other positive points including: you see the teacher and kids in action when you are the helper, Cost can often be lower because of using parents to get a good kid:adult ratio instead of paid aides, it was a great way for me as a mom to really get to know other moms and to be involved (i went on to hold several officer positions on the board). These type of programs fall under 'daycare' liscensing (at least here in MI) so there are criminal type checks on all people who work in the classroom. Cooperative preschools can be a great way to get your child the 'education' that is beneficial AND build a new freindship base for yourself (moms count in the equation too!!) If you have any questions about this type of program let me know.

Where in MI do you live? I live in Warren, and this sounds interesting to me... Do you know of any near me, or maybe have a link to get me started?

I currently work for a national network of child care centers, KinderCare Learning Center. I feel very strongly that our company, including our parent company Knowledge Learning Company, is out there doing great things for children and families. I am a Center Director for KinderCare and have been told many times by upper management to "take care of the children and families and we'll figure out the rest". That's exactly what I want in a provider!

How funny you mention that, I was looking at Children's World (Knowledge Learning Company) which is where I went to preschool, and also at KinderCare- glad to hear some unsolicited praise! I am just waiting for my info to come in the mail from Children's World, and I will decide from there if I want to take a tour.

Thanks again everyone, this has been tons of help!

 

[ZanneMarie]

Where in MI do you live? I live in Warren, and this sounds interesting to me... Do you know of any near me, or maybe have a link to get me started?QUOTE]


I am in the Lansing area. I do not specifically know of any specific Cooperative Preschools in your area but I am pretty confident that there should be some. There used to be an organization called Michigan Council of Cooperative Nurseries - MCCN (co-ops used to be called nursery schools). The MCCN used to hold a weekend conference for all MI co-op families/teachers/administrators and it always seemed like there were many from your vicinity. Unfortunately I just learned this spring that the MCCN went out of business but it appears that their website is still active www.mccnonline.org and there is a 'choose a preschool' spot. Click on that and you will get a map of Michigan that you can click on your area and see what may be available near you. Also for Area I on the map it linked you to the Greater Detroit Council of Nursery Schools (www.gdcnc.org) which had the school listing and other good general info about co-ops. Although I did not see anything specifically for Warren but I do not really know your area very well so I am not sure which communities might be right next door. If you were able to find one I really think you might be very happy with that style school. I was extremly happy with our experiences and would highly recommend it based on my school anyways. If you have any other questions please let me know.

 

[msfredna]

I evaluate child care centers for the state of Tennessee. I have evaluated over 400 centers and family homes in the last 4 1/2 years. I have been in the field of child care for over 15 years. I am a member of NAEYC and have presented at their national conferences. With that said, I have to put a disclaimer out there for those being so dependant on choosing centers with the NAEYC accredidation. Most centers that go through the rigorous process of becoming accredited are usually high quality centers. But not always. There are those(center directors and owners) that know how to work the system so to speak and know what NAEYC is looking for. They basically put on a show during the process. Centers have learned that parents look to NAEYC and they want to use this as a marketing tool to attract parents to their program. NAEYC is currently looking into refurbishing the process to prevent this from happening. So, being NAEYC accredited usually means centers are good. But, it is your responsibility as a parent to continue doing homework and asking questions. I would reccommend "dropping" in at the lunch/nap transition. This is a time that you may see "meltdown" and see how staff handle it. Also, look for programs that have lots and lots of free choice time and limit sit-down group activities. Children learn by playing and exploring! I also agree to the posts about teacher to child ratio and about the turn-over rate(how long staff have been with a program). These are usually signs of a good program. Don't fill bad for asking too many questions. If the director seems to get frustrated with your questions, then it is probably not the program for your family. I hope this helps!

 

[ryan840]

Here is part of the response I've received when emailing my first choice school-they have been very nice so far and they have mailed me some info, which I'm just waiting to receive. I just wanted to hear your opinions on this. To me it all sounds good, I know the ratios for older kids are high, but my son's age group is good. Thanks everyone!

In response to your other questions, let me tell you about our center.

We have been at this location for almost 30 years. My assistant has worked here
26 years, the kindergarten teacher 21 years, prekindergarten teacher 20 years,
cook 15 years, several staff 8 years, 5 years for sever others and a couple
between 1-4 years.

We offer programs for children 4 weeks through twelve years. We have Infants,
Toddlers, Twos, Preschool, Prekindergarten, Kindergarten and School-Aged
programs (camp and latch-key).

We are NAEYC accredited and my staff meets and surpasses the requirements for
state licensing. Classroom ratios vary, depending on the age of the child.
Birth through 30 months has a 1 to 4 adult-child ratio. 30-36 months has a 1 to
8 ratio. Threes have a 1 to 10 ratio. Fours and Fives have a 1 to 12 ratio.
Six through Twelve are 1-20.

The only requirements your son needs are to have up to date immunizations and
the appropriate paper work completed. If he should have any special needs,
please advise us so we may be able to meet them.

Stop by for a visit soon!!!!

Kathy Hermann, Director

 

[ZanneMarie]

AS for the child to adult ratios that you were quoted..... I don't really know if they are good/acceptable or not but for comparisons sake the ratios for the Co-op where my kids went/go: In the 2 year old program parent attended with child and there was a teacher and teacher aide. For the three year old program max enrollment is 15 students, there is a teacher, teacher's aide and 3 parents for the first 6-8 weeks of the program and then 2 parents for the rest of the year, I guess that would make it a 1:3.75 adult to child ratio. In the four year old program the max enrollment is 18 students. There is the teacher, teacher's aide and two parents making a 1:4.5 ratio. Take that as you will. I will say that although I am not sure...it sounds as if the program you are looking at might have to be liscensed as a child care (since it handles all the different aged children)?? You could check the states website (Family Independence Agency handles this department I believe) and see if it matches what is mandated. I imagine it would but it never hurts to double check.

 

[ryan840]

I agree with you ZanneMarie that it is probably licensed as child care, but at this point that doesn't bother me. (I will have to ask exactly what they are licensed for though). My main goal is for my son to get used to a school like setting, and more importantly be around other kids his age (and the break it gives me a couple days a week won't hurt ) We are planniong on moving before he hits school age anyway, so if I'm not crazy about their programs/ratios for older kids it really won't matter. It is the same place (well, different location) that I went to preschool so it has some credibility there, since my parents wanted only the best schools for me- (funny I ended up dropping out ...). I will definately be checking it out thoroughly and making sure I am comfortable with it. So many of the suggestions here I would never have thought of but they are all great, thanks again everyone!

 

[eeyore45]

That sounds wonderful!! I wouldnt hesitate about the daycare vs preschool, if they are NAEYC accredited they will have a schedule posted for you to see most of the "work" is done before lunch! Typically after lunch is nap, (required by state laws - it gives the teachers their down time for their lunch as well) then wake up time, can be slow moving, then its a social activity, playing is work for kids - outdoor play, kitchen, big motor skills...

I would be making an appointment!

 

[ryan840]

That sounds wonderful!! I wouldnt hesitate about the daycare vs preschool, if they are NAEYC accredited they will have a schedule posted for you to see most of the "work" is done before lunch! Typically after lunch is nap, (required by state laws - it gives the teachers their down time for their lunch as well) then wake up time, can be slow moving, then its a social activity, playing is work for kids - outdoor play, kitchen, big motor skills...

I would be making an appointment!

Thanks, these are points I hadn't thought of either. I also doubt I would be sending him for a full day, what would I do with myself? Maybe as time goes on or if we ever have the baby we've been hoping for I will keep him longer, but for now I don't think either one of us could handle more than a half day. Who knows though, I may love my newfound freedom and he may just love his new friends!

 

[ZanneMarie]

I agree with you ZanneMarie that it is probably licensed as child care, but at this point that doesn't bother me. (I will have to ask exactly what they are licensed for though). My main goal is for my son to get used to a school like setting, and more importantly be around other kids his age (and the break it gives me a couple days a week won't hurt ) We are planniong on moving before he hits school age anyway, so if I'm not crazy about their programs/ratios for older kids it really won't matter. It is the same place (well, different location) that I went to preschool so it has some credibility there, since my parents wanted only the best schools for me- (funny I ended up dropping out ...). I will definately be checking it out thoroughly and making sure I am comfortable with it. So many of the suggestions here I would never have thought of but they are all great, thanks again everyone!

I hope you did not think that I meant that in a negative way. Not at all! The co-op where my kids go is also liscensed as a daycare. I just meant that you could then check on the required ratios and other rules that need to be followed through the FIA agency. Even if someone/someplace is supposed to follow the rules and should follow the rules they don't always and it would just be another way of checking up on them, that they are doing the things that are , as a minimum, required. Then make a decision from there.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I too looked around to many schools before finally deciding on a school for ds for the fall. Another thing I would like to mention is to be aware of the security of the school. Can anyone walk in and walk the halls? How do they let the kids out? Do they just let them all go at once or do they make sure the correct person is there to pick them up? If someone is there to pick the child up and the teacher doesn't know the adult but the child does do they let the child go? (I hope not!)Is the playground area fenced in? These are just a few of many concerns I had when chosing. I just wanted to bring them up. One school I looked at I was able to walk around the whole facilty without anyone even asking who I was!!! We obviously didn't chose that one! You'll know what the right school is when you see it. I strongly advise taking your child with you when you go to visit. This way you can see if the environment of that particular school makes him feel comfortable or not. When I chose the school fro my son I knew immediately it was the right choice. It met all of my requirements and my son acted as though he was at home there. He loved it! I hope this helps.

 

[Dizzyworld]

At the preschool where my children went and where I now teach, the director always suggests that when the parents want to come for a visit to bring the child with them, and come when the school is in session. The director will show them all the rooms, but will spend extra time in the rooms where that child might be placed according to age. She lets both the parents and child explore the room while class is in session. This is the first step in seeing if the school is a good fit for a family. When I had to carry my 18 month old out under my arm like a football because he didn't want to leave, I knew we had found our preschool.


My preschool has a gradual entrance schedule which for a 3s class would go something like this:

Day 1: Half the class for one hour with a parent.
Repeat with other half of class for a second hour.
Day 2: Same half of class as Day 1 for 1 hour, but without the parent.
Day 3: Entire class together for 1.5 hours without parents.
Parents would still walk the child to the classroom.
Dismissal is by carpool.
Day 4: Full session (2.5 hours) with drop off and dismissal by carpool line.

We have found that for many children this is a nice way to ease them into a school setting.

You have been give a lot of good sound advice here on this board. The last part I would add is listen to what your heart is saying. If for some reason you do not feel comfortable, then it probably isn't what you are looking for in a setting. Believe in yourself to know your child.

FYI....here in Maryland our class size is limited to the following:
Age 2: 12 children/2 teachers- and we hold 2 hour sessions once to
twice a week.
Age3: 16 children/2 teachers - and we hold 2.5 hour sessions 2-3 times
a week.
Age 4: 20 children/2 teachres- and we hold 2.5 hour sessions 3-4 times
a week.
Our year is from mid Sept. until Memorial Day.

Good luck with finding a preschool.

 

[ryan840]

I hope you did not think that I meant that in a negative way. Not at all! The co-op where my kids go is also liscensed as a daycare. I just meant that you could then check on the required ratios and other rules that need to be followed through the FIA agency. Even if someone/someplace is supposed to follow the rules and should follow the rules they don't always and it would just be another way of checking up on them, that they are doing the things that are , as a minimum, required. Then make a decision from there.

I didn't take it as a negative, just wanted to clarify what was I (personally) was looking for for my son.

 

[SqueakyMouse]

I don't know what it's like where you are; but there have been waiting lists for the fall at the most popular pre-schools here since late winter. As a mother of 3 and and administrator in an elementary school, I second all those who said talk to other parents and visit the schools. Two of what most people consider the very best preschools in our city (and there are many!) have classes taught mostly by former teachers who want to spend some time at home with their children but still would like to work a little. These schools also welcome parent volunteers. One more comment: if you cannot immediately get into the program of your choice, don't give up. We initially signed our almost 5 yo ds up for a 2-day program last year. He loved it, and we really wanted him to go more often. (We should have known better, since he'd been going to Parents' Day Out 2x per week since he was an infant.) To make a long story short, when a child moved away, all the others on the waiting list were no longer interested, so our son moved to the new group in October.