How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
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The best preschool is the preschool that is best for your child.
How do you know? Start with what you know about your child. Does he thrive on playing with other children? Is she more likely to need the attention of an adult? How do you want your culture and traditions supported? Does your child have special needs? You know better than anyone where you child is most likely to thrive.
With over 250 preschool partners, the Denver Preschool Program offers lots of choices across the Denver metro area. These choices range from family child care homes and center-based programs to classes in public schools. But regardless of the exact setting or type of program, all our preschool partners are licensed and undergo a rigorous quality rating process.
In addition, all Denver children enrolled in their last year of preschool before kindergarten are eligible for tuition support through the Denver Preschool Program.
Steps to choose the best preschool for your child
Use the online Find a Preschool tool at DPP.org to check out the location, description,
hours of operation, contact information and quality rating of our preschool partners.
Schedule a visit with your child so you can see how your child feels in the
preschool and how staff relates to your child.
Use this checklist to help you take notes on your visit.
Enroll your child in your top-choice preschools.
Get help with tuition
Once enrolled, all Denver families can sign up for tuition support with the Denver Preschool Program. A tuition credit calculator and applications can be found online at DPP.org.
For more information on what to look for when choosing a preschool, visit DPP.org.
P.O Box 40037, Denver, Colorado 80204 - 0037 • (ph) 303.595.4DPP (4377) • (fax) 303.295.1750
www.dpp.org • Denver Preschool Program • @dpp_org
Preschool Visit Checklist
First impressions matter. When you walk in the preschool with your child...
Are your first impressions positive?
Watch your child’s response. Did adults acknowledge your child or just focus on other adults?
Observe how teachers interact with children. Are they at children’s eye level when they talk to them? Do they appear responsive to individual children by listening closely, asking questions and using positive language?
Is there a variety of learning materials, toys and equipment?
Does the classroom seem clean and safe with enough adults to supervise children?
Ask questions
What is the school’s philosophy about how children learn?
What is the school’s approach to children’s behavior and discipline?
How do activities promote social, emotional and intellectual growth and stimulate creativity?
Are there space and materials to promote a wide range of developmental activities from holding a pencil or cup to running and jumping?
Walk around the room and ask the teacher what the child is learning from the different activity centers.
Since no two children are at the same stage, how does the teacher support individual children in their learning?
Do children have their own place to keep their special things?
What is the daily schedule? Does the preschool offer activities your child would like to
participate in and is there time for your child to explore?
How does the school communicate with families and how often?
Can you visit the classroom at any time?
Ask to talk to parents who have a child in the school.
First impressions matter. When you walk in the preschool with your child...
Are your first impressions positive?
Watch your child’s response. Did adults acknowledge your child or just focus on other adults?
Observe how teachers interact with children. Are they at children’s eye level when they talk to them? Do they appear responsive to individual children by listening closely, asking questions and using positive language?
Is there a variety of learning materials, toys and equipment?
Does the classroom seem clean and safe with enough adults to supervise children?
Ask questions
What is the school’s philosophy about how children learn?
What is the school’s approach to children’s behavior and discipline?
How do activities promote social, emotional and intellectual growth and stimulate creativity?
Are there space and materials to promote a wide range of developmental activities from holding a pencil or cup to running and jumping?
Walk around the room and ask the teacher what the child is learning from the different activity centers.
Since no two children are at the same stage, how does the teacher support individual children in their learning?
Do children have their own place to keep their special things?
What is the daily schedule? Does the preschool offer activities your child would like to
participate in and is there time for your child to explore?
How does the school communicate with families and how often?
Can you visit the classroom at any time?
Ask to talk to parents who have a child in the school.
P.O Box 40037, Denver, Colorado 80204 - 0037 • (ph) 303.595.4DPP (4377) • (fax) 303.295.1750
www.dpp.org • Denver Preschool Program • @dpp_org
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Visiting a Preschool or Day care center before admitting your child allows you to assess the environment and feel comfortable. That is why Day Care Centers in Yorba Linda always welcome prior visits of parents to their premises.