Choosing a Preschool and Child Care

By Julie Irwin Zimmerman

Choosing the people who will care for and educate your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make, so you’ll need to do your homework. It’s smart to start looking early for child care, preferably while you’re pregnant or waiting for your adopted child to come home. And it’s never too early to start thinking about schools!

Begin by talking to friends and relatives, which will help you to figure out your priorities. Once you have a list of recommended places, visit as many as you can. Even the centers you reject will help you to narrow and refine your priorities. On every visit, be sure to find out:

What is the environment like? Spaces should be safe, bright, cheerful, and geared toward kids, with toys and books within their reach. There should be a place for mothers to nurse and parents to linger, and a secure spot for outdoor play. Trust your instincts.

What are staff members’ qualifications? Ask about the ratio of staff to children, turnover, staff credentials, and accreditation of the center. Observe how staffers interact with children, and ask how they handle adjustment and behavior issues.

What are their policies? Ask about hours, part-time or drop-in care, extra fees, and other nitty-gritty details. Are facilities locked to outsiders, and do they have a secure pick-up procedure? Also ask about policies on sick children and injuries that occur at the center.

You’ll probably start thinking about preschool as your child approaches age three. As you visit schools, add the following to your list of considerations:

What are my needs for extended care? Some schools offer care as early at 7 am and as late as 6 pm; others are open only for school hours, which in preschool is roughly two to three and a half hours. Ask if their child care is flexible according to your needs. 

When can I come for an open house and a tour during class hours? Visit all the schools you can, even if you don’t think you’re interested in them. a school you don’t feel is right can tell you as much about your priorities as a school you love.

What do the parents of current students say about the school? You’ll get an honest opinion from them, and you’ll learn more about the general tone of the school. It’s also important that you and other students’ parents share similar values. Your children will be friends with their children, and their homes will become part of the village in which you raise your children.

How does my child learn and how can I best support his learning? Good preschool programs provide a wide variety of learning activities and experiences that address a range of learning styles. You know your child and her interests and learning style best; find a program that is a good fit for your child and your family. Ask what areas are covered in the curriculum, including the arts and values education, and what their expectations are of parents.

With a little time and thought, this process of choosing the people and places that will educate your child will help guide you all the way to college.