Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child
We all know it pays to be choosy when picking a preschool for our children. After all, studies show that kids with a quality preschool education get better grades, obtain higher paying jobs, and are ultimately less likely to do drugs or commit crimes than children without a strong early childhood foundation.
That being said, as parents, it’s natural that we get worked up about preschool and all that it represents. We toss and turn at night, pull our hair out, and even get into long-winded arguments with each other over the topic.
Will Amy like her classmates? Will Stephen learn enough there? Will Alex have enough time to play? Will Hannah have enough structure during the school day? Will we even be able to afford it?
But, at the end of the day, it’s important to acknowledge that no preschool is the perfect preschool. In fact, the ideal preschool for Alex might be the worst fit for Hannah. So, it’s always a good idea to consider which preschool environment would best benefit your child specifically.
3 Questions to Consider:
1. What kind of learning environment would my child really thrive in?
No preschool is exactly alike, but most fall into one of two categories – play-based or more academically grounded. Consider what your child’s specific needs are. Would your child do better in a small, nurturing environment with just a few children? Or, would your child flourish in a busy, active classroom with lots of other kids?
For many children, Northside’s Academy for Early Learning offers the best of both worlds. Our preschool aims to influence all aspects of children’s learning by pairing a challenging preschool curriculum with plenty of opportunities for play. We maintain a safe, yet stimulating environment for children to feel both nurtured and encouraged to explore.
2. What does my child’s ideal preschool really look and feel like?
Avoid being drawn in by the “zazz factor” of a preschool. While a new playground, tons of toys, or a fresh coat of paint are always nice to see, pay attention to the subtler touches.
Do you see children’s artwork hanging on the walls? Are there play and learning centers set up around the room? Is everything clean and organized? Does it feel warm and inviting? Do the children look engaged and excited about learning?
Hopefully, the answer to all of these questions will always be a resounding yes. At Northside’s Academy for Early Learning, children are given daily opportunities to interact, learn, play, and create through a variety of hands-on explorations. Beyond academics, we also focus on nurturing social and emotional skills that will positively affect children’s interactions with others for the rest of their lives.
3. Is it worth the money?
At the end of the day, nobody knows your child like you do. Likewise, nobody but you knows which preschool will be the best investment for your child.
However, bear in mind that a child engaged in play is a child engaged in discovery. Take your child to the preschool you’re considering and see if the classroom seems like the right fit. Remember, wherever your child is happy, you’ll be happy – and observing your child in the preschool environment you’re considering may make your decision that much easier.
While every preschool has its own personality, style, and design, we’re partial to the way we do things at Northside’s Academy for Early Learning. Not only does our preschool in Charlotte, N.C., inspire and engage students each and every day, but it’s also surprisingly affordable!
Contact Jennifer Frye, the Director of the Northside Christian Academy for Early Learning today by email: jennifer.frye@northsidecharlotte.com or by phone: 704-597-9665.
