Is a Friend Not Sure Where to Send Her Toddler to Pre-School? Tips to Help Her Make the Best Choice

Once it’s time for a child to go to pre-school, it’s a big step for parents. Making the right choice as to where to send their child for a pre-school education is a major consideration, especially if they have never sent a child to pre-school before or if this is their first child. If you’ve gone through the process before, your advice can be very helpful for a friend. Here are some tips to help your friend navigate the process of selecting the best pre-school for her child.

Location

Location is an important factor in choosing a pre-school. You don’t want to have to travel very far to get your child to school and back, nor do you want her to sit on a bus for an extended period of time each day. Ask your friend about the schools in her area. If there is one nearby that meets her requirements, go for proximity. She’ll feel secure knowing that she isn’t far from the school in case of an emergency, and she won’t have to set aside extra time in the morning in order to make it to school. However, if the schools in her area are not up to par, it’s better to look a little further in order to get the best environment for her child.

Values

What are the school’s values and overall philosophy? You want the child’s pre-school to match the values you hold dear. Ask your friend what her principles are and how much of that is important for her child to get at school. Are there values that are a must? Are some ok to look past in the pre-school environment? You may also remind her to look into the school’s diversity, inclusion, and respect for the world around us. Pre-school is the start of years of education and she’ll want her child to get the best first steps.

Special Programs

Does your friend’s child require special accommodations or attention? Be sure the pre-school can cater to her child’s special needs or issues. There are many schools with well-trained teachers who can work with kids of various learning levels and special needs.

Have you helped a parent friend choose a pre-school for her child? What were your tips for her? For more info like this, please visit All My Children’s blogs.

By: Melissa A. Kay