Tips for a Successful Preschool Search

Finding the right preschool for your child can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of research and the right resources, it doesn't have to be a painstaking process. From your child's learning style to tuition costs, there are many things to consider when searching for the right preschool for your child. Here are some tips for a stress-free preschool search.

How do I know when my child is ready for preschool?

The question of when a child is ready for preschool is going to vary widely from family to family. If you have two working parents and need childcare, your child may start preschool at two whereas another family may wait until three or even four to start. From a child development standpoint: it's never too early to start preschool. 

Children benefit from the socialization that preschool offers, as well as learning to trust and be cared for by adults other than their parents. The ABCs and 123s taught in preschool are really just the icing on the cake— it's all about the social-emotional skills at this age. Some preschool programs start as early as eighteen months or two years old and others don't begin until age 3. 

Keep in mind that some preschools have long waiting lists and specific enrollment windows depending on where you live. Typically, you'd want to start your search in December or January for the following September. It may be possible to find spots closer to the start of the school year or mid-year but to have a wide variety of choices; it is best to start early. 

Top Tips for a Successful Preschool Search

1. How to start your search
2. The search itself
3. Narrowing it down
4. Make your choice

How to start your search

• Hours: Some preschool programs are half-day, while others have longer hours to accommodate working parents. Determining your scheduling needs is one of the most important things to consider.
• Tuition: Preschool tuition can be costly. While there are options for finding a free preschool, they are sometimes by lottery or have income requirements. For example, Head Start is a program that offers free preschool and health services to families who are income-eligible.
• Curriculum/Philosophy: There are many different types of programs, and your child may thrive in one type of preschool over another. Are you looking for a child-led, play-based program or something more academic? Are you partial to Montessori? These are all things to consider. 
• Your child's needs and learning style: There are preschool programs that cater to almost every learning style or need. If your child is extra wiggly, they may thrive in a Forest School or similar outdoor setting where they can move freely. 
• Potty training requirements: Some programs require children to be potty trained before starting preschool while others are more flexible.

The search itself

Once you have your list crafted and your ideal program in mind, you are ready to start your search. Sites like Winnie, a preschool and childcare marketplace, can help show you all the available programs in your area. From there, you can read reviews from other parents, check out the school's website, and contact the program with any questions you may have. You can compare what's local to you with what you are looking for and see if you need to look in neighboring towns, too. 

Narrowing it down

Once you have your list of contenders, you can start scheduling tours. Some tours are for parents only, while others invite children to come along. Find out about the school's application procedures and deadlines, and be sure to mark your calendar when applications are due. Go with your gut. A parent's first instinct is almost always right. 

Things to take note of when you're touring a preschool:

• Do the children and teachers look happy, engaged and like they're having fun?

• Is there a balance of teacher-directed and child-directed activities throughout the day?
• Is the classroom clean and organized and are materials accessible to children?
• Is there a space for outdoor play or indoor space for gross motor play?
• Does the program offer meals and snacks or do families need to provide their own?

Make your choice

Once you have decided on a program that works for your family, you may need to apply and wait to find out if you get a spot, depending on how competitive the program is. Typically you will need to provide an updated physical for your child, their immunization records, and other health and safety-related paperwork and may even need to put a deposit down to hold your spot. 

 It doesn't hurt to apply to more than one school at once if you live in an area where preschools tend to fill up quickly. That way you won't miss out on finding a spot if your top-choice doesn't wind up having room for your child. 

You can use Winnie to search for preschool programs in your area and filter for curriculum style, ages accepted, hours, and more.