When to Start Looking for Preschools

The things you should look for are pretty much the same as if you were choosing childcare
here is a typical list of things to be aware of.
As someone else said another parents recommendation is usually very valuable but not as valuable as your own observation. Any credible program will be open to allowing you to observe the class before registering. Aside from State licensing (you can usually find thier regulations on the net) you can also look for NAEYC accreditation which usually exceeds the state standards. Each program should also be able to provide you with a parent handbook for you to review. Yes many quality programs enroll in Jan/Feb for the next school year so NOW is the time to do this.

When visiting a program, ask these questions.

Your answers to these questions should be "yes".

Facility:

Is the provider certified by the state is the certification notice posted? ______
Are there appropriate toys and materials for children of all age groups? ______
Does the provider encourage you to drop in and visit at any time? ______

Staff:

Does staff communicate daily with parents about their child’s progress? ______
Does staffing allow for each child to receive individual attention? ______
Does staff sit and read to the children? ______
Does staff seem patient and receptive to children’s needs? ______
Is staff respectful of children? ______
Is staff respectful of parents? ______
Does staff encourage children’s sharing, manners, and other good behaviors? ______
Does staff appear lively, smiling, and interacting in a positive manner with the children? ______
Does staff involve children in daily learning activities? ______

Safety:

Does the facility appear orderly and clean? ______
Are hazardous materials locked away? ______
Is there an emergency plan and is it posted? ______
Are there security measures in place? ______
Is there a policy for sick children and other circumstances? ______
First aid and CPR training of all staff? ____
Children:

Do the children have a consistent routine that they can understand and follow? ______
Do the children seem occupied and engaged? ______
Are the children involved in activities that promote learning? ______
Is there a policy on discipline? ______
Do the children seem happy? ______

Feelings:

Is your initial reaction upon entering the site a positive one? ______
Is this a place my child would enjoy? ______
Would my child be safe here? ______
Would I/we feel comfortable using this program? ______
Would my child learn new things every day at this program? ______

If you are trying to get him in a Pre-school next Fall, you have to hurry up! Most centers hold an open house/enrollment day in early FEBRUARY. I would call right now the ones you are more likely to like –for their proximity, or teaching style- and ask them when you can stop by to observe a class in progress.

If you add to your post your location, other Moms in the area might tell you about the good and the bad schools you might find where you live.
Once you contact the school they’ll give you a list of the necessary steps to take. Don’t worry. It’s easy. Just start calling around.

If you live in Connecticut, you can call the Infoline for referrals to programs in your area, as well as information about interview questions and indicators of quality.

http://www.211childcare.org/

You can also do a search for "finding quality preschool programs" online, and look for informational websites and checklists such as this one:

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/find.preschool...

And as the other posters have pointed out, if you are looking for next fall you should start contacting programs as soon as possible. Most part-time nursery school programs (as opposed to full-time preschool/child care programs) just enroll in September and many have a waitlist as a result. Ask around for the names of programs but don't necessarily assume that what other people like will be the best fit for your child. Visit with and without your child, ask lots of questions, and check the state regulatory board for complaints and/or violations.

Good luck!

A.

Dear T.,

I agree with Lana, I own a Montessori Preschool in NJ and currently have a wait list. We usually have openings for September in June after graduation, kids move on to public school etc. I would start inquiring now to see if they are wait listed. Also what Lana said is a great idea a mothers recommendation is the best review you will get. If you live in NJ you can google in Licensed Preschools and they will give you a list in your area. Also you can go on Yahoo and get parent reviews on most of the schools you are interested in. When you visit the school go unannounced and observe. Ask what the teacher child ratio is the state can give you all of that info. See if the other kids look happy and engaged, if the teacher looks pleasant. All staff must be CPR and First Aid Certified it is the law. Also ask if the teachers are certified, do they do fire drills monthly. What is their discipline policy. All of this by law is supposed to be posted I have all of my info posted on a bulletin board in my hallway so ask to see it. If you do go unexpected that is your best opportunity to see what is going on. Announced visits will allow all to be on their best behavior. I would go in the morning that's when all of the academics are going on. Better yet try to go around pick up time and you can maybe talk to other parents for feedback. I hope this helps if you have any other questions feel free to reach out. Good luck

I would start calling around now, and making appointments to go see each of the schools. Besides getting advice from friends who have kids in those schools, you can also go on local moms' group sites to ask for opinions as well. But nothing is as good as making an appointment to visit the school yourself (with your child).

This website has great questions for you to think about:
http://www.montessorimom.com/how-pick-out-preschool/

It's not just about montessori schools, though I highly recommend finding a montessori program if you can. As a former first grade teacher, I saw the wonderful results when my kids came from one of those programs: independent, inquisitive, cooperative, and excited about learning!

I am in the Greenwich/Stamford area and here it is 1 year in advance to start applying.

There are Child Care Resource and Referal Agencies located throughout the state that can help with your questions for your area. They can direct you licensed programs. The website is http://www.ocfs.state.ny.us/main/becs/referralagencys.asp. This may be more in the child care area but they would be able to assist you with questions and concerns you migh have. Good Luck!

ask your friends... which ones they've used. make sure they are licensed in the state that you are in. ask if you can drop by unannounced to check out the school.. like say maybe next week. don't pick a day.. so you just drop by. my first son went to preschool at age 3.. so I had to sign him up at age 2! he only went for 2 afternoons - 1 1/2 hours.. it was really just play time.. but it got him to like school and learn to share and play with others. then the next year he went 3 days and then the next year 4 mornings. it was a great experience.. it was in a church basement.. and it was wonderful.. in Fanwood NJ. My daughter couldn't wait to go to school like her brother.. so she started a 2 + class.. 2 morning.. then at 3 went 3 mornings, then at 4 3 mornings again.. then she was 5 and missed the cut off.. so she went again 4 mornings.. then finally kindergarten.. in our town is only 1/2 day. she loved school. so start looking soon.. usually registration is in Feb. for most preschools and the classes start in Sept. so your son will be 3 by then... which means he will go for the 3 class and then the 4 class. they really need 2 years because kindergarten isn't play time.. they need to know colors, numbers, alphabet and how to sit still and listen. they grow up fast now a days. good luck.. but start looking quickly. you want a fun place but also a learning place. some are just fun.. and some are over the top learning.. try to find a little of both