5 Things Parents Should Look For when Picking a Pre-K School

1. 5 Things Parents Should Look For when Picking a Pre-K School Pre-K is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your young child to the social setting he or she will encounter in school. Often, pre-K is a half-day option that allows kids the time to socialize with peers and learn how to conduct themselves appropriately. For many parents, choosing the right pre-K school is all about comparing cost, location, and the length of the school day. However, there are other equally important factors to consider. #1 – The Parent Community Part of having an enjoyable experience involves choosing a school with a relatable parent community. If your family is Catholic, for example, it should be important to you to choose a pre-K that offers a Catholic faith-based education. This helps to ensure that the parent community will be relatable to you, and in the end, give you and your child the opportunity to build lifelong friendships. #2 – Exceptional Faculty It may be tempting to send your child to the closest pre-K, especially if it is also affordable, but you should first be sure the faculty is experienced, well-trained, and friendly. Teachers should form bonds with your child, and they should make your child feel safe and cared for during the school day. Once this bond forms, it is much easier for your child to learn from his or her teacher. Ask about observing the classroom during the school day to view how the teachers interact with the students. #3 – An Experienced Director Although the director of the pre-K program may not spend much of his or her day with your child, he or she is still extremely important when it comes to making your decision. After all, this is the individual who is responsible for everything. He or she sets the curriculum, hires the teachers, and even manages the budget. This person should be experienced and have an excellent track record of success. #4 – An Open-Door Policy If you have a question or concern about your child’s school day, the last thing you want is to have to wait a week for an appointment to discuss it. When picking a pre-K for your child, be sure to find out whether each school has an open- door policy. Simply put, can you pull the teacher to the side when you pick up your child at the end of the day and ask questions? How available are the teachers for these kinds of things? #5 – Guidelines for Separation Separation is hard for kids, especially if pre-K marks their first venture out on their own without mom or dad nearby. However, very few parents are actually aware of how difficult separation will be on their children. Make sure that the facility values your child and that your child is in an environment that they feel safe and loved. Communication is key. Ensure that you are informed about the daily activities and growth of your child while at school. Choosing a pre-K school might seem like a simple task, but there are many different things to consider. Money and location are important, indeed, but the five things listed above will ultimately play an important role in your satisfaction –and your child’s satisfaction – with his or her new school. Author Authentic Catholic school of distinction that focuses on developing firmly grounded, highly achieved individuals through the complete formation of the human person, consider the East Lake Academy experience. We provide an atmosphere of academic rigor and critical thinking while offering personalized attention in a Christ-centered environment of faith and reason.