Hi, Parents! Welcome back to another fun week of information no one told you that you needed before having children! This week we are going to be talking about how to choose a preschool. 

The pressure is on, am I right? Choosing a preschool is one of the earliest big decisions we are making for our little ones. And we want to set them up for success! So, how do you know when you choose a preschool that you’re making the right choice? Let’s get into it! 

Time to Tour

I highly suggest touring the preschools you are considering, if possible, when they are open. You want to see how smoothly things are operated. 

Sneak a peek at how the kiddos are interacting with the teachers and vice versa. There is a lot of information on websites. But there is nothing like getting in there and seeing it yourself.

 If you are looking into a Luminous Early Childhood Learning Center for your kiddo, you can easily schedule a tour on their website and provide days/times you are available to tour. Here is a link if you are interested: 

Approach to Learning

 A great place to start when choosing a preschool is to first decide what type of preschool that you are interested in. Consider whether you want a preschool that uses a learning method like Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia or another program that encourages learning through play, such as what Lumionous uses. 

Whatever category of preschool you are interested in, it’s important to make sure there is a balance between teacher-led instruction and hands-on child-led activities.  

There are so many different aspects of preschools that can actually have a big impact on the experience your child and you will have. It can be helpful to break it down into smaller categories and rank the preschools on your list from there. 

Safety First

First, take a look at the health, safety and environment:

• How often are classrooms, toys and restrooms sanitized? 
• What are the specific security procedures?
• Ask about check-in/ check-out procedures. 
• Are the outdoor play areas secure? Does the equipment look safe? 
• What is the policy when children are sick? What criteria is used for when children must be kept out of school?

Teachers Are Key

An important aspect of preschools is the teachers! We love and appreciate teachers for all they do and want them to be treated well.

 Teachers who are treated well by their employers tend to stay longer! Which is what we want for our little ones: Stability. Ask at the preschools that you tour what their turnover rates are for preschool teachers. 

What is the teacher-to-student ratio, on average? For instance, Luminous offers that information on its website: A ratio of one teacher to four infants or one teacher to five toddlers. 

When you tour a preschool, observe how teachers interact with the children. Does the preschool train their teachers to use positive discipline techniques? When teachers speak to children, are they getting low to be at their eye level?

The Logistics 

Of course, when you choose a preschool, you also need to consider your schedule, the location of the preschool and the cost. 

Do you have a voucher or state assistance? Do the preschools you are interested in accept them? For instance, Luminous accepts HRA vouchers (paid through ACS). 

 Obviously, we want to find a preschool that is the perfect fit for our little ones. However, as parents, we also have to consider how accessible a school is for us. Specifics such as how long the commute will be and how much of your monthly budget will be used for preschool can be very impactful in our lives as parents and individuals. 

Remember, the earlier you start your preschool search, the better. Some schools have waitlists and it can be a big weight off to know you’ve secured your child’s spot in the timeframe you need. Good luck with your search! 

Sophie Hamel is a freelance writer and works as a crisis responder. Her son is three years old.

Luminous removes the hassle of arranging for tuition vouchers and helps make childcare affordable. Vouchers can help ease your financial stress. Learn more about qualifying for HRA and ACS vouchers at our Bronx and Brooklyn centers. Payment can also be made by SEIU/1199 Child Care, check, credit card, and through the Luminous reimbursement program. Contact Luminous Early Childhood Learning Center at enrollment@luminouschildcare.org or call us at 929.228.1180.