by Samantha Overmyer

Created on: January 05, 2011   Last Updated: January 06, 2011

Most people search for a preschool and look for friendly teachers, nice staff, nice classrooms, some fun activities, and things like that. Those things are important, but there is much more to it than just what it looks like.

When choosing a preschool, it's always best to find one that won't push them too hard, but won't hold them back from their full capability either. If a child is pushed too hard they may get scared and pull away, refusing to learn or make new friends. If they are ahead of the class and the school holds them back so that they don't outshine the other students, then that is also a negative. Finding a school that will keep you informed on where your child is on a scale with the other students is important. Are they average, above average, or below average? Parents need to know these things to help their child be more at home later.

Is the classroom too crowded? Just by asking the teacher how many students will be in the class this year, you'll know whether or not there are too many children crammed into the class. If there are too many children, your child may not get the attention he or she needs. The teacher could be too busy running after the rowdy children to pay attention to your child's work or progress. No one wants their child to get a "good effort" report because the teacher guessed, based on what little they've seen of your child. If you want the best, find a small class of about ten or fifteen students. If the number is close to twenty five or thirty, then there's no way your child will get any of the teacher's time.

School safety is another thing to look for when picking out a preschool. Is all the glue on a low shelf? Is the playground too close to a busy road with no safety fence? Do their fire alarms look up to code? All these little things matter because you will not be there to look after your child. This is their first school and their first school experience. If you're nervous about their safety, it will show and your child will know. Reassuring your child that they'll be okay is the first step for them to let go of your leg and let you walk out of there without too many tears.

Lastly, finding a school that excites your child is always a bonus. Take your child with you when picking out their preschool. If they clutch your arm the whole time, afraid of everything they see, then maybe it's not the right place for them. But if your child runs around saying, "Look mommy" at everything they see, then that is a good sign that they will feel comfortable there. If they are happy to go to school each day, they won't be begging you to let them stay home.  

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