When you’re looking for a preschool for your child, the options may seem overwhelming. Or, you may be feeling like there are a lack of options. Either way, it is possible to find the right preschool for your family, and it is easier than you may think. At Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center, we strive to be the child care center in Plymouth, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie that puts your child’s learning first. When you’re wondering where to begin in finding the right preschool for you, try these steps:
Do Some Research
In beginning your search, start with some baseline research. What are the options based on where you live? A quick Google search will do the trick. From there, you can narrow your list based on more specific criteria. Do you want the school to be closer to work or home? Do you want half-day hours, two or three days a week, or full time? After that, you can examine options based on the kind of institutions they are. Are they public or private? Is it a religious-based school? Is it a daycare center or preschool? Is it a state-funded school, or run by parents? Once you’ve looked at the options in your area based off of your needs, you should end up with a list of a few options.
Ask Around
Ask AroundIn addition to doing research, ask around. Ask other parents if they have a school that they recommend. Often, you’ll find the best schools from a word-of-mouth recommendation. This is especially true if it’s from someone you trust. After that is when you should do further research into whether the school is state-licensed, whether they have adequate staffing, and whether or not they meet safety requirements. Some states exempt religious-based preschools from all or some requirements, even though many meet the standards anyway.
Call Each Potential School
Once you have a list of potential schools, give them a call. Ask about their fees, admission policy, and curriculum. Most preschools run open houses during the winter time, so it’s important to schedule visits for the schools that you are seriously considering. Meet with the director to see how they run the school, and request to see a classroom with your child. That way, you’ll be able to see how your child responds to the classroom, the teachers, and the activities.
Schedule a Visit
For the schools that you are seriously considering, be sure to schedule a visit. That is incredibly important. You do not want to send your child to a preschool that you haven’t visited yourself. While you’re there, check out the basics: is it a clean and safe facility? Do they have smoke detectors and first-aid kits visible? Is the outdoor play area well kept and safe? Are the school supplies in good condition? The classrooms should have a variety of areas for activities. A place for reading, a place for art, a place with books and other supplies on shelves that kids can reach, a block corner, a puzzle area, and a corner for naps.
Most importantly, how do you feel while you’re there? Are you comfortable? If you can’t see your child going to preschool here, that particular school is not for you. The most important factor is that once you drop your child off, you’re confident that they will be happy and well taken care of.
Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center is committed to providing a warm, nurturing environment to promote safe learning for every child. With us, your child will have the space to explore and grow. We have 12 years of experience providing early education in Plymouth, Minnetonka, Maple Grove, and Eden Prairie. Call us today to learn more.