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Who better to provide advice than parents who have been there themselves?
Sending your little one off to school for the first time can be overwhelming.
What if your child hates the school you chose? What if he has difficulty adjusting to a new environment? What if she never adjusts?
Finding a preschool that is right for your child not only gives you peace of mind but also assures that he or she will gain the necessary skills for kindergarten.
Here, three moms share how they found the right preschool for their children.
Tammy*
Parent of two daughters attending Kindercare Learning Center’s pre-kindergarten program
What has been your overall experience so far in selecting a preschool? My experience in choosing a preschool for my child was a challenge. I tried several other schools and most of the schools provided information on what their fees were. Kindercare was the first school that actually walked me through the facility and talked to me. The staff was more interested in learning about my kids and how their facility met my kids’ best interest.
What has been your experience at Kindercare? So far my experience at Kindercare has been very good. I have been very fortunate that most of the teachers worked very well with my two girls. Any time that the girls have a problem, the staff here is really eager to solve it.
What have you found to be most difficult in selecting a preschool? Having the security in knowing the teachers actually care about each and every child. I want someone who is going to teach my children, not just babysit them.
What surprised you during your experience in selecting a preschool? The lack of directors that had a genuine and human attitude. They were more interested in the business aspect so that I felt more like a number than a person.
Why did you choose Kindercare? At Kindercare, I like that the teachers are more involved with the children. It’s nice to see the kids hug the teachers when they leave.
*Last name not provided for personal and security reasons.
Natasha Guerra
Parent of a 3-year-old son who attends Play & Learn Preschool
What has been your overall experience so far in selecting a preschool? I chose Play & Learn because it is a Christian-based facility and because I heard a lot of good things around town about this preschool. There are a couple of people in the church that I know, and I came here to tour the facility and really liked it.
What has been your experience at Play & Learn? Absolutely wonderful. I have not heard anything negative about the preschool nor had any problems. So far it has been really great and the teachers have been wonderful.
What surprised you during your experience in selecting a preschool? Throughout this process, nothing really surprised me … I am a teacher going through school and training, so I am aware of what to expect. My 3-year-old son has been going here for two years and has only had two teachers, which is really nice, and I really like that the teachers collaborate together to supply what he needs.
What is your advice to other parents when choosing the right school for their child? Make sure that they tour the facility and get all the information that they can and that they meet the teachers and make sure those teachers will be in your child’s classroom. On their (the child’s) first day, I would make sure that the parents call throughout the day or drop in and always go to a child facility that allows you to drop in to see how your child is progressing.
Why does your child like Play & Learn? I know that my son really likes Play & Learn because that is all he talks about, especially when he comes home.
Ashlee Mack
Parent of three daughters (ages 2, 4 and 6). Her 4-year-old attends McAuliffe Elementary School’s preschool program through Union Public Schools.
Why did you choose McAuliffe Elementary School’s preschool program? My decision was primarily based on the fact that her sister attends school here and because we live in the district.
What has been your experience at McAuliffe? Fairly good. My daughter knows her colors, numbers and can also write her name. She is definitely learning a lot and the teachers are really good with the children.
What have you found to be most difficult in selecting a preschool? Not having as much control as I would like in deciding which school my child should attend. Since the school choice is based on where I live, I am limited to what schools my child can attend unless I put in a request to transfer.
What surprised you during your experience in selecting a preschool? I was really surprised to find out that the teachers here at McAuliffe are preparing the preschool students at a more advanced curriculum. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but I found this to be most interesting. I am quite sure that this will only benefit my child in the long run. My daughter really likes this school and she really likes her teachers, which is something else that I find to be an advantage.
What is your advice to other parents when choosing the right school for their child? Overall I have discovered that if a child’s relationship or interaction with their teacher is good or bad, it makes a world of difference. My advice to other parents is to definitely voice their opinion and do not allow others to discourage you from choosing a specific school district for your child. Make sure that your child’s environment is safe and that, whatever opportunities are available, your child receives the same (opportunities) as everyone else.
