We’ve all seen it humorized in pop culture. Babies at play, and parents asking what preschool waiting lists their peer’s child is on. Cue the parents’ deer-in-headlights look when they hear of the elite school their kid must attend, or else their future is doomed.
Luckily, you don’t need to have a preschool picked out before your child’s first word. There are several tips for navigating the somewhat overwhelming decision of where your child will go. Here are the 5Ws — who, what, where, when and why — of preschool prep.
Why it’s important.
Before we dig into advice for picking the right school for your child, it’s vital first to establish the importance of attending preschool.
Preschool is important for a child’s development. It lays the foundation for their overall growth. It supports cognitive, emotional, social, and academic growth, setting the stage for future learning success. Several studies found that children who attend preschool have more school success and better life outcomes than those who don’t.
The Perry Preschool Project, which took place from 1962 to 1967, involved 123 preschools. These preschools had risk factors for school failure. The participants were split into two groups. One group attended a good preschool program that used HighScope’s active learning method. Active learning is when students have direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events, and ideas. The other group received no preschool education. A documentary followed the participants throughout their lives, proving the significance of early childhood education.
When to start looking.
Most preschools are designed for kids ages two to five. Preschools can fill up quickly, so you can’t start researching too early. Dual-working parents who need full-time support — or close to it — should start the process when their child is about one year old. We advise beginning the process at least one year from your child’s anticipated start date.
Determine your area’s cut-off date. In Anne Arundel County, it’s September 1. Meaning, your child must be the age of their classmates by that date.
What are you looking for?
Before you get too far into researching, it’s important to think about your priorities.
Is it cost? Depending on the support needed, i.e., the number of days and hours per week, preschool can be incredibly expensive. It can be worthwhile talking to an accountant about education tax deductions. With the Child and Dependent Care Credit, qualified parents or guardians can deduct preschool, nursery school, and pre-K costs.
Another priority might be proximity. As a mother of three, I’m fortunate our preschool is less than a three-minute drive. It’s been a big stress reliever, not worrying about traffic for drop off or pick up. Getting toddlers ready for the day also takes longer than you think. Proximity is less likely to impact the nap schedules of younger siblings. Lastly, you’ll have more time to get work, errands, or household chores completed.
The teaching styles and educational priorities are also essential to consider. Do you want a heavy focus on literacy or a prioritization of social-emotional development? Is outdoor playtime important, music education, or classmate diversity? There’s no wrong answer, and it’s just the beginning of what to look for.
Who to ask for recommendations?
Word of mouth can be a great first step for creating a list of school options. Ask your neighbors where their kids go or went. Take advantage of Facebook groups to ask what parents like best about their preschools. When you hear about a school multiple times, it’s a good one to highlight for deeper research and visits.
Facebook groups can help gather information, but what works for your neighbor may not work for your family. Frequently, parents neglect thorough research. To find the right school for your family, you must visit the schools and talk to teachers and other parents.
Don’t underestimate the importance of quality teachers and their longevity. Inquire about the turnover rate because teachers who stick around are a great sign that it’s a positive environment.A valuable tool for your search is Chesapeake Family’s “Preschool & Kindergarten Directory”. Start your search and compare schools in Annapolis, Maryland, and surrounding areas, including Arnold, Severna Park, Pasadena, Glen Burnie, Edgewater, and Bowie. Listings include costs, class sizes, before and after-care options, uniform requirements, and more. A few simple clicks allow side-by-side comparisons of schools you’re interested in.
Where to send your child?
This is the biggest question of all and a deeply personal decision for parents. It’s important to realize that each preschool can be very different. They all have their own vibe, energy, and expectations from families.
You can breathe a sigh of relief, though. There are an infinite amount of school options, and you will find a great fit for your child and family. The best advice for success? Research, research, research. Take advantage of open houses, meeting staff and tours. Lastly, remember to use our Preschool & Kindergarten Directory.
By Lauren Burke Meyer