When looking for a quality educational program in a preschool setting, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:\r
? Student to teacher ratio: What is the student to teacher ratio? How does it compare to state standards? Are the teachers effectively taking care of the number of children in their classrooms? Even in group care, it is important that children get a healthy dose of one-on-one time.\r
? Teacher qualifications: What are the training requirements for teachers? Is ongoing professional development required for teachers? Are teachers certified in first aid and CPR? Caregivers with degrees and/or special training will be better able to help your children learn.\r
? Curriculum: What approach does the school use for educating children of each age group (infants, toddlers, preschoolers)? Is there a blend of academics and social interaction? Are the children actively engaged in meaningful activities? Well-rounded programs will offer developmentally-appropriate curriculum for different age groups and a balance of child-initiated and teacher-directed activities. Children learn best when they have opportunities for guided instruction and self-discovery.\r
? Accreditation: What type of accreditation has the school achieved? Does the accreditation process include both internal and external evaluations on an ongoing basis? Accreditation means the school meets standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements.\r
? Achievement: Are learning outcomes specified for each age group? How is a child’s progress measured? How do students perform once they begin attending elementary school? A quality school will be able to demonstrate how their current students’ achievement is tracked and how well their graduates do.\r
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The education that your child receives during the early years serves as the foundation for your child’s future and is essential to his or her development and future success. Visit schools and talk with the staff. Talk to people you know and trust about their choices for their children’s care and education. Your homework will go a long way toward finding the right school that will set the foundation to build your child’s active mind, healthy body and happy heart.\r
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