Questions To Ask Before You Enroll Your Child In A Preschool Program
Every parent, of course, wants to get their child off to a good start in life, and a big part of that process can be finding your kid the right preschool or other early development program. But how do you know you have found the right preschool program and how do you know your child is ready for it? To that end, here are some questions you should ask or consider before signing up your child for preschool or early education.
How Do They Teach?
First, it's helpful to think about what kind of philosophies you want your child to follow at this early stage of life and then find a preschool that matches up with the core values that you have for your child. If you are raising your child to be independent and to have the freedom to make their own choices even at a young age, a school that teaches using the Montessori philosophy might be a good fit. Alternatively, if you believe your child should be allowed to "be a kid" in order to stimulate artistic growth in their early years, a school that uses the Waldorf approach might be ideal.
How Accommodating Is the School for Special Situations?
If your child has special or different needs, you will want to ask questions to make sure they will be getting the help they need. Are the teachers trained in helping children with special needs? What happens if your child falls behind? Is each child allowed to learn at their own pace or will the entire class go on to the next lesson?
How Ready is Your Child?
While a great deal of scrutiny should be placed on the preschool, don't forget to be honest with yourself about your child's own capabilities. Is your child potty trained? Does your child play well with others or are they prone to temper tantrums? If the preschool you pick admits children of multiple ages, where will your child be placed and how will that affect the child in comparison to his or her peers? Does your child have separation anxiety when they are away from you and how will you deal with this going forward?
Many parents are eager to start their child's education to help them get a head start on life, but don't rush into the process without doing some research on your preschool of choice, the philosophies they stand behind, and how you think your child will respond to these methods of teaching. Contact a local preschool today for more information.
