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Sending your baby off to school for the first time is a major milestone, and a decision that many parents are finding requires an education unto itself. Experts agree that the ideal preschool should fit a child's individual learning style and abilities, but with almost 50 preschool programs available in the Two River area, how can you tell which is just right for your child?
Most parents start their "education" the old fashioned way - by asking their friends and neighbors. Certainly this is a good place to start, because a good reputation is essential for any school you should trust with caring for your child. But that should just be the beginning. The decision to choose a preschool has become as involved as choosing a college - with multiple factors to be weighed differently by each family.
Focus on Children
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), preschools and child care programs should help children develop healthy relationships with each other. Ask how the staff mitigates disagreements between children - do they help the children discuss their differences and reach a fair compromise? Do the teachers speak to, and listen to, children in a calm, respectful manner?
Also, the NAEYC recommends children have access to various activities throughout the day, rather than all doing the same thing at the same time. "Parents should look for classroom materials that children can work with independently, and also for examples of children helping other children," explained Elizabeth Bradbury, director of the Vincent S. Mastro Montessori Academy (VSMMA) in Little Silver. "The teacher should give a lot of independent or small group instruction, because each child is on a different level. And one thing you never want to see is dittos, because they are teacher-centered, not child-centered."
Rosanna Fazio of Rumson said the Montessori approach was a good fit for her two daughters because it "fosters creativity, self confidence and respect for the individual."
"There are some misconceptions that Montessori is unstructured and that the children have too much freedom, but we have found it allows children to be self-directed and teaches them to be courteous and patient," Fazio explained.
Parents should also note how teachers and staff talk to the children. Does she get down on their level, look them in the eye and speak in a respectful manner and tone, or does she raise her voice to be heard above a noisy classroom?
Qualified Staff
The staff should have the educational background to promote your child's learning and development, according to the NAEYC. Ask what degrees and training teachers have, and how long they have been with the program. A stable teaching staff can focus attention on the children and establish stronger bonds with them. "A preschool teacher should have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education if she is gong to understand how children learn and develop, but many schools do not have this requirement," Bradbury remarked. "Our teachers have bachelor's or master's degrees plus a year of Montessori training."
Relationships with Families
Find out how information and concerns are shared between the school and families. Do teachers give parents a daily update at dismissal, and are they available to discuss any larger concerns in a more private setting? Also, are parents able to visit the school and observe their children? Many schools have limitations on parental visits for security reasons, so find out your school's policy. "A good school will encourage parents to observe, so that parents and teachers can have meaningful discussions about their children's development," Bradbury said. "The ideal situation is a two-way mirror, which allows parents to observe their child without disrupting the classroom."
Parental Involvement
Some parents will relish every opportunity for involvement in the school day, and may do well to choose a cooperative program such as Tower Hill in Red Bank, where parents regularly help out in the classroom. Find out what is expected of parents at your prospective school. Many schools require parents to drive or chaperone frequently for class trips, or assist in special projects, parties or fundraising. Parents with busy work or family lives may feel overwhelmed by some school's requirements.
Flexibility in Scheduling
Some schools designate certain days and schedules for each age group, while others have flexible scheduling to accommodate parents' needs. Parents should consider whether it is more important to have a certain schedule, or for a child to be with the same group of children each day? Also, find out your school's policies regarding early drop-off or late pick-ups.
Special Needs
If your child has special needs, find out what accommodations your school is willing to make. Many schools are now peanut-free, and others work with parents to address children's individual challenges. If your child has special needs you may qualify for free preschool provided by your public school. Contact your district's child study team for more information.
Balancing Routines with Special Occasions
Does your child learn better with predictable routines or with lots of excitement to keep him engaged? Some schools provide a quiet, stable environment to relax and explore, while others seem to plan a class party or trip every week. Does your child really need to drive 45 minutes to a puppet show or spend St. Patrick's Day eating green cupcakes, or will he benefit more from predictable and consistent surroundings? Ask to see the class calendar to get a feel for what to expect.
"We view preschool as the next environment after the home. It should be peaceful and offer the routine that young children love," said Bradbury. "We keep the pre-K children within the environment for a feeling of safety and security, and take our elementary level children on field trips." At VSSMA holidays are recognized with a discussion about the history of the day and baking a special treat such as pumpkin bread or Irish soda bread.
Same Age vs. Mixed Ages Classrooms
Should you choose a homogenous classroom or one with multiple ages? Each grouping arrangement has its benefits. In same-age classrooms children will have many social choices among peers with whom they may attend elementary school and beyond. Mixed-age classrooms benefit children who may be ahead in one skill but behind in another. "In Montessori classrooms, older children help the younger children, and in turn they learn compassion and patience from the younger ones," Bradbury explained.
Health & Safety Issues
Find out which doors are locked or alarmed. Stop by during dismissal time to see if it is orderly or chaotic. Are children released to anyone, or does the school check identification before releasing children. What is the policy regarding childhood or teacher illnesses? Is the playground enclosed and adequately supervised?
Budget
In addition to tuition, find out the other costs associated with each school your considering. Are there activity or material fees, fees for class trips or fundraising obligations?
Programs should be Well-Run
All preschools must be licensed by the state, but facilities should be well maintained both indoors and outdoors. Many area schools have taken the extra step of becoming accredited by the NAEYC, an 18-month process requiring rigorous quality standards are being met. Parents can search for accredited schools by zip code at www.naeyc.org.
Above all, children need a safe and nurturing environment where they can feel free to explore and learn. If possible, ask if your child can "test-try" a program before enrolling. Your child is precious and should not be trusted to the care of just anyone. The best decision comes from putting all of these factors into the mix, along with your child's individual personality. Is he likely to do well in large class with many choices of activities, or does he need a smaller, more nurturing environment? Can you picture him fitting in? You may have different answers for different children in your family. | 
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