Choosing the Best Preschool Program for Your Child

Choosing the BEST Preschool Program

for Your Child

In many ways, the same as

choosing a summer day

camp, picking a preschool

program for your child

involves some research.

… and personality, preparing

students both academically

and socially for future

academic endeavors.

Like kids at day camp,

preschool students do best

when attending a program

suited to individual needs ....

Exciting but sometimes a bit

overwhelming to parents,

choosing a first school

is easier if you know what

you’re looking for and how

to find it.

A great first step in a preschool search is to ask yourself exactly what kind of program you’re looking for your child.

A preschool may offer a small, nurturing environment more geared to introducing kids to a group environment …

… or may sport a big, bustling, more academically-oriented atmosphere.

Think about what’s most important to you, whether it’s fees, educational philosophy or proximity to your home or workplace.

Nobody knows your child the way you do,

and you need to take into consideration

whether you think your youngster

can thrive in a particular environment.

Visit each potential school as ask yourself

whether you can picture your preschooler

fitting in and being comfortable.

Ask the school about teaching style,

philosophy, daily activities and discipline

policies. See if you can visit and spend

time just observing.

It’s important to ask about

the school’s education philosophy

as there are many ways to approach

learning.

Some schools may introduce

academic subjects like math

and reading earlier, while others

have a play-based learning approach.

Many are a mix of various philosophies,

including the Montessori Method,

the Reggio Emilia system

and the Waldorf approach.

Does the school focus on teaching early literacy skills?

This is a point on which a lot of schools differ and you should try to go with the approach that seems right for you and your child.

Reading readiness varies dramatically among young children; a good preschool will help all children feel successful.

Kids who are pushed to read before they are ready may develop a poor attitude toward this all-important skill.

Although each state has its

own laws regarding class size

and student/teacher ratio …

… some schools may adhere

to a smaller size with more

individualized attention.

If your youngster is easily

overwhelmed or distracted

or may need more adult

attention …

… it may be particularly

important to pick a program

with smaller group sizes.

Try to be sure the school has an atmosphere that is bright,

busy, clean and engaging.

Are there lots of posters and student art on the walls?

Are there clean, well-equipped indoor and outdoor play

areas?

Do the kids seem happy, excited and enthusiastically

involved in activities and do you observe positive,

compassionate interactions between students and staff?

Are all children actively involved, with plenty of work centers

for art, building, projects and dress-up?

Are the children working both cooperatively and individually,

able to choose some of their own activities during the day?

Are there opportunities for active, creative and dramatic

play?

Most of all, do you think your child would be happy here?

Maplewood Country Day Camp Preschool Program will provide the ideal combination of fun and learning …

… that will build the foundation for your child’s future academic success, socialization skills and inspire a lifelong love of learning.

Visit the site: www.maplewoodyearround.com

150 Foundry St. (Route 106)PO Box 88 (Mailing)

South Easton, MA 02375Email: [email protected]

Telephone: (508) 238-2387FAX: (508) 238-1154

MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP AND ENRICHMENT CENTER