Now I know my ABC’s

07/20/2014

written by: Hayley Corcoran

Choosing a preschool for your child

It is never too early to start thinking about preschool. You can begin researching the various types of schools and programs at any time, often, the earlier the better. In towns such as Beaumont that are full of young families, many preschools have wait lists, so to keep your options open you may want to start right away.

Factors to consider when choosing a preschool program that is the right fit for your child:

Class size and teacher to student ratio. All programs are required to adhere to specific teacher to child ratios set by the Alberta government. Depending on the setting, this may mean your child is in a smaller class with one teacher or a teacher and volunteer or a larger class with two teachers and possibly a volunteer or two. Would you like your child to be in a larger group with lots of children to play and explore with? Or would you prefer a smaller group where they receive more one-on-one attention from one teacher? A larger class may prepare them for the larger setting they will experience in Kindergarten but a smaller class may be a next step between a quiet home setting and their future school years. Your choice will depend on your families’ personal preference and your child’s personality.
Certification. Be sure to ask what type of certification the centre or program and teachers have. When you visit a preschool open house ask about the staff, their experience, related degrees/diplomas/certificates. Does the preschool teacher have a diploma in early childhood education? An education degree? Experience working with preschool aged children? Or all of the above? Part of the licensing requirements for preschools states that all staff must be certified or obtain certification within 6 months of being hired at a preschool, but education and experience beyond that can certainly vary from program to program.

Fees. Ask about what fees are involved. Most programs will require a deposit to register in addition to the monthly cost. The fees and what they include will vary (they may or may not cover snacks, field trips, special events, resources, etc.) Be sure to ask what is included in the price as well as what additional costs will arise throughout the preschool year such as fundraising and opt-outs for volunteer days or toy cleanings.

Type of Program. The type of program you are looking for will depend on the age, interests and skill level of your child.
Most preschool programs range from 2-3 hours in length and run 2-3 mornings or afternoons a week. The class length and frequency you choose may depend on your child’s age or the amount of time you would like them to be out of the home or the number of other activities your child/family is involved in. Does your child get tired or have a rest in the afternoon? Maybe a morning program would offer the best opportunity for learning. Or maybe an afternoon program works better with your families’ schedule. Perhaps, you prefer the flexibility of a two-day program to allow for visits to the library, swimming lessons or working on your other learning adventures at home together. Or maybe you have a new baby at home and welcome the opportunity for your preschooler to be out of the home for a 3 day program.

There are also a variety of program styles, philosophies and methods of delivery. We are lucky to have both French Immersion and English-only options here in Beaumont. You can also choose classes that operate in larger centers or a private home-based program. Play-based programs offer a great opportunity to explore learning through play and exploration while allowing children the opportunity to gain socialization skills in their first classroom environment. Pre-kindergarten preparation programs offer a more traditional structured program with a focus on early learning skills such as phonics and math.

Preschool is a fun and exciting time for your child. With a little early preparation and research you can be sure to find the right fit. Look for somewhere you and your child will be comfortable and don’t forget to ask your friends and neighbours for suggestions or the preschool for references from current or previous parents.

Hayley Corcoran, BA, BEd, is the Teacher and Owner/Operator of Coloniale Private Preschool located in Beaumont (www.facebook.com/ColonialePrivatePreschool)