Selecting a Preschool

Selecting a preschool program that is right for your child means you need to make some choices about the kind of environment your child will feel valued, safe, appropriately challenged, and happy in. Here are some points to consider:

Look about the classroom. Is there a variety of activities to choose from, with enough so all children are not doing the same thing?
Teachers are available to children, individually, in small groups and as a whole group.
Children’s artwork, writing and creativity are evident in the classroom, displayed at child’s level and attractively.
Activities, such as cooking, roll taking, and serving snack are meaningful and provide the basis for learning. The natural world (plants, animals) around the children is evident in the classroom.
Books are available to children throughout the day, and teachers are willing to read them.
Children play outdoors every day and outdoor play is viewed as an important aspect of the program.
Teachers recognize the uniqueness of each child. Children learn in a variety of ways and at different rates.
Children and parents enjoy the school. Parents feel communication between children, parents and teachers is good.
School is licensed by the appropriate agencies and accredited by NAEYC.

A note: preschool vs. pre-K? What is the difference?
Sometimes parents ask us how our programs compare with pre-K programs, which many early childhood programs advertise. We believe that this is a matter of semantics. At Congregational Preschool, 4-year-olds leave the classroom in May fully ready for a kindergarten program. Through our curriculum, we help ensure the children have the social, academic, and emotional skills needed to participate and flourish fully in a kindergarten program.

Reading with a friend!	Working on a picture for mom and dad!
Working with a teacher!	Deciding where to play!