How can I choose the best child-care center or nursery school for my child?

 Every child-care center and nursery school is different, and parents

have to search carefully to find a good place for their child. Schools

might claim (as Montessori, Waldorf, co-op, traditional, and religious

schools do) that their programs are based on familiar philosophies,

but parents have to see how the philosophies are actually

implemented. The personalities of staff members, the physical

layout, and the day-to-day schedules are what determine a school

or center’s quality. The only way for parents to make an informed

choice is to observe a number of programs.

There’s no need to look for a preschool program that claims

to prepare a child for kindergarten. The preschool years and

the elementary years are different developmental stages, and if

teachers and parents expect too much of a preschooler—in areas

of reading, math, and writing—feelings of “I can’t” and inferiority

will be fostered. Learning happens gradually, and a curriculum for

preschool children should not mimic what will be taught in kindergarten

or first grade.

The best way to “prepare” children for the elementary years is to

remember that, when they initiate play and activities, they learn to

believe in themselves and learn to feel capable. This foundation is

essential during the preschool years, especially because learning during

the elementary years requires confidence that comes from years of

initiating activities, play, exploration, and building imagination.

Parents who want a program that meets three to five mornings

a week, and parents searching for a day care center open twelve

hours a day will be looking for the same qualities. All parents want

caring teachers and staff members, a pleasant facility, and a flexible

program that will meet their child’s needs for the one to four years

she will attend.

The difference for parents looking at full-time day care is that

their child will spend most of her waking hours at the center they

choose. The selection of a quality day care program is essential.

As you look for child-care facilities, narrow your choices to

centers that are easy to get to. If you’re considering nursery schools,

you’ll probably want one close to home, while you might find a day

care center more convenient if it’s close to your work. Narrow your

choices further by asking friends, neighbors, and co-workers for

recommendations. Then visit at least two or three programs before

making a decision.