How to Choose the Right Preschool Program for Your Child

Some tips on how to find a good preschool (and why Basal is a top choice)

The window for early education is a short one, meaning there aren’t many opportunities for do-overs. It’s because of this that choosing a preschool for your child is an important decision. You care about your child, and you want to make the choice that works best for them. But how do you choose a preschool program that truly meets their needs?

There’s a lot to consider. Is there even a place that allows your little one to develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally by the time they get to kindergarten? Education is about more than textbooks. It’s also about building communication skills that strengthen confidence and curiosity. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to find a good preschool (and why you’re already on the right website).

What to Consider When Choosing a Preschool

Your goals for your child are likely lofty, and why shouldn’t they be? You want your kids to be the best they can be! With consideration for these goals as well as your child’s personality, take note of these additional factors that deserve your attention:

Teaching Philosophy and Curriculum

This should be one of the first things you consider. What’s the philosophy behind the preschool program you’re considering?

• Play-based vs. academic blended approaches: Certain preschools base their education around exploration and play, while more traditional schools emphasize reading and math. These are vital skills, but we believe they both lack sufficient opportunities for exploration and discovery that hinders the learning process.

• Matching the program to your child’s style of learning: Some children are hands-on learners and some aren’t. In a more traditional school setting, the hands-on learners are at a disadvantage. Whatever the learning style of a child, they should be able to take advantage of it. At Basal we know this is important, and cater the educational structure to each child individually.

Environment & Safety

Physical environments play a substantial role in growth.

• Clean, secure, and child-first spaces: Bright, organized areas set the stage for effective learning. When a space is designed with children in mind, they can explore without unnecessary risks.

• Structured and free-play environments: A healthy balance of structured activities and free play opportunities provides variety to a child’s day.

Teacher Qualifications

The adults responsible for teaching have a huge impact on the overall learning experience.

• Training, experience, and child-to-teacher ratios: When a teacher is well-trained and understands those they’re teaching, the children can truly flourish! With small class sizes at places like Basal Preschool, more meaningful interactions can take place.

• Individualized attention: One-on-one encouragement and support can work wonders for building confidence in a child and help them develop at their own pace. At more standard schools, larger class sizes don’t allow every child to receive this kind of attention.

Social & Emotional Learning

School is often associated with numbers and letters, but it’s just as much about the people!

• Building confidence, communication skills, and peer relationships: A strong preschool program provides young learners with the skills to navigate their emotions and communicate with others in a way that allows them to build lasting relationships.

Daily Schedule & Activities

When you’re choosing a good preschool, pay attention to the daily schedule.

• A variety of activities: Structured learning, creative play, and rest should all receive equal priority to create a well-rounded learning experience.

Questions to Ask During Your Preschool Search

There are some vital questions you should ask every prospective preschool you’re considering:

• What is your classroom schedule, and how do you balance play and academics?
• How do you support children who struggle socially or emotionally?
• What communication can I expect between teachers and families?
• How do you work with children who may need extra support or encouragement?

When you come armed with these thoughtful questions, you can get the answers you need in order to make the right decisions about your child’s education. When you get in contact with us, we’re happy to answer all of these inquiries. We think you’ll like what you hear!

Tips for Preparing Your Child for Preschool

When you’ve weighed your options and decided on a preschool program, it’s time to get your child ready for this momentous step in their life! Here are some steps you can take to help them acclimate to the change:

• Visit the classroom together before the first day of school: If your child is familiar with the space when classes begin, their anxiety is replaced with excitement!

• Establish routines and “hype up” the coming change: Upbeat conversations can bolster anticipated routines. This helps to set expectations in your child’s mind.

• Encourage independence and social interaction at home: Small tasks such as sharing, turn-taking, or putting on shoes will build confidence your child needs to thrive in group settings.

Why Basal Therapies & Preschool Can Be a Great Fit

There are plenty of parents who are fine with traditional school structures when searching for a preschool program. However, there are still many who are looking for a program such as ours. Many parents discover that Basal Preschool & Therapies stands out thanks to a thoughtful blend of effective education and developmental support: a distinction we work hard every day to be worthy of.

Here’s how we ensure the preschool experience is exceptional:

Play-Based Learning Appropriate to Development

We’ve crafted a curriculum that perfectly combines play and structured learning, allowing our students to engage in exploration and hands-on experience. Foundational skills are fostered while fun is had!

Individualized Support

Class sizes are intentionally kept small, allowing individual needs to be prioritized and nurtured. Because of this, every child truly feels like they’re getting the attention they need to be the best they can be.

Integrated Therapeutic Expertise

Our preschool and therapeutic services aren’t entirely disconnected from one another. We often use our expertise in therapy and apply it in the classroom. Your child will receive education infused with speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and mental health.

Strong Emphasis on Social and Emotional Development

Social and emotional learning is a core part of our philosophy. Guided play, group activities, and supportive interactions are all used to instill confidence, communication, and other vital skills in your child.

Inclusive, Nurturing Environment

Childhood is characterized by joy and growth, and that should be reflected in the way children learn. We offer a safe, inclusive space that allows every child to experience joy while learning: a crucial feature we recommend you look for when choosing a preschool.

Basal Therapies & Preschool: A Vital Ingredient for Growth

When it comes down to it, a successful preschool program isn’t just about large campuses and fancy classrooms. In fact, that’s the opposite of what many children need to thrive. Your child should feel safe, valued, and ready to learn. By focusing on their individual needs and keeping classes small, we can provide just that.

Are you ready to sign your child up at a preschool that sets that stage for exciting discovery? Get in touch and we’ll show you everything we have to offer!