Picking a Preschool

Picking a preschool can be a daunting task. Fortunately here in Minnesota, preschool isn't as cutthroat as it is in other parts of the country. We don't have to decide before our child is born which preschool they will attend and get them on the waiting list. We do have a lot of choices available to us in our community and that alone can overwhelm parents. Keep reading to for some tips that will hopefully help guide your choice.

The January before my oldest daughter, Emma, turned three, a friend asked if we had decided where she was going to preschool. My first thought was "Preschool?? Why would I need to pick a preschool? She isn't even three yet! Fortunately for us, choosing a preschool was easy. The church we attended had a well respected preschool and because we were members she was guaranteed a spot in the program. So the next fall off my little girl went to her first day of preschool.

Usually the choice isn't quite so easy for most people so it is important to consider the various options available. There are several churches in our community that offer preschool programs. There are also preschool programs at private schools and daycare centers. And of course, South Washington County Schools Early Learning offers preschool programs for both three and four-year-olds. 

My middle daughter, Nolia, attended the district preschool when she was four. One of our favorite parts of the program was a parent-child day. Once a week, I got to go to class with her and participate in activities with her and connect with other families in the class. We continue to offer a class with this option for families that are interested. We also offer several other ways for you to be engaged in your child's preschool experience. For threes, we offer a couple classes that include an optional parent discussion day with childcare provided. Parents of both our threes and fours preschool students can sign up for our Preschool Text to Connect Program. Participants in this program receive weekly text messages with facts about preschooler's social emotional development and easy to implement tips to support that development. We also offer Parent and Child (PAC) nights at least once a year for our preschool classes.

Another important consideration when looking at preschools is the various class options offered. My son, Jonathan, has a fall birthday so started his second year of preschool right around his fifth birthday. Since he was a little older, we looked for a preschool that offered a slightly longer class day. Our Early Learning Preschool program offers a variety of classes including, multi-age classes, an extended day class option for four-year-olds, morning or afternoon classes offered two or three day a week for Threes and five day a week morning or afternoon classes for Fours.

Our children went to a variety of different preschool programs but all of the programs were play based programs. This means that when looking at the daily schedule, most of the time was spent in play. Research has shown time and time again that play is beneficial to children in many ways, including physical development, stronger levels of executive functioning, improved academic performance and better social skills and emotional regulation (AAA State of Play). 

A few other important things to consider when searching for a preschool include: 

• Price-Our Early Learning Preschool program can offer financial assistance to families who qualify. 
• Safety-Is the building secure? What safety procedures are in place at the school?
• Environment-A preschool classroom should feel warm and welcoming without being overwhelming for kids or adults. Also consider whether the children have the opportunity to play outside or in a large motor space. 
• Staff-Are the staff friendly and welcoming? Is there frequent staff turnover or changes? Also, do the teachers have Early Childhood Teaching licenses? Teachers with Early Childhood Teaching Licenses are specially trained in development of young children.

South Washington County Schools Early Learning Preschool program checks these boxes and more. Another benefit to our program is that it is an inclusive program. This provides children  a chance to learn alongside children of all different abilities. Most of our fours preschool classes are offered in our elementary schools. Children have the opportunity to become acquainted with their elementary school a year before they start kindergarten. 

To learn more about our program check out our brochure or attend one of our preschool information nights, Threes preschool program on Monday, Feb. 11th at Valley Crossing or Tuesday, Feb. 12 at the District Program Center and Tuesday, Feb. 19th at your school/location (check school websites for times.) Registration for South Washington County Early Learning Preschool opens February 1st.