As kids head off to elementary schools, many parents are seeking a preschool for their younger children. As in all major decisions, two rules apply: begin the search early and ask many questions.
The initial list of preschools will be quickly narrowed by practical considerations that reflect your family’s needs. These may include preschool location, scheduling hours, and prices.
The list can be further reduced by simply researching your shortlist. Information is at your fingertips by reading their website and online reviews. There you can find behavior guidelines, potty training requirements, teacher training, additional fees, etc. Family, friends, and neighbors are happy to share their good and unfavorable personal experiences with preschools. You can then develop your personal “ranking” of preschools by identifying your values and the school’s characteristics that you deem important for your child and family.
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Once you have developed your value list, you are ready to contact the director to tour the preschool. There may be an obvious structure and curriculum presented on the website, but each school has its own “personality.” When touring, you will want to have your list of questions for the staff as well as actions you want to observe. These may include the following.
Parent questions for the preschool tour
- Is the staff and physical environment welcoming?
- Does the overall facility and playground appear safe?
- Do the adults appear to enjoy their jobs?
- Does there appear to be safety measures in place for visitors, pick-up, etc.?
- What is the communication method and frequency between parent and school?
- Are snacks healthy?
- What is the process when a sick child returns to school?
- What is the standard of training and qualifications for staff and teachers?
- Is napping part of the day and do you provide a pillow, mat, etc.?
- How are children addressed when a behavior problem arises?
- What is the emergency plan for students and staff?
- What percent of the day is spent in play, hands-on projects, learning, etc.?
- Are restrooms near classrooms?
- Is the facility created for children in mind with child-sized furniture and safety mechanisms?
- Does the school provide references for parents?
As a parent, you know your child’s needs and which program would provide the best cognitive, social and emotional environment for him/her. When parents do their homework, a good decision will reduce the parents’ stress and ensure that the child returns each day thriving with a smile on their face!
LOCAL PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY
HARRISONVILLE CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY PRESCHOOL
504 W. Wall
Harrisonville, MO 64701
816-865-6970
Contact: Michelle Sloan
Contact Email: office@HarrisonvilleCCA.com
RAINBOW KINGDOM PRESCHOOL AND PARENT’S DAY OUT
1300 Lexington Rd.
Pleasant Hill, MO 64080
816-540-20720
Contact: Teresa Vaughan
Contact Email: rainbowkingdom1@gmail.com
www.phillumc.com/ministries/rainbow-kingdom-preschool/
MATTHEW PRESCHOOL
700 NE Chipman Rd
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
816-524-4354
Contact: Traci Waugh-Rinehart
Contact Email: stmatthewps@gracefaithlove.org
VILLAGE ON ANTIOCH PRESCHOOL
14895 Antioch Rd.
Overland Park, KS 66221
913-681-1906
Contact: Paula Benefiel
Contact Email: paula.benefiel@villagepres.org
WEE ROCK LEARNING CENTER
5110 S. Brookhart Dr.
Harrisonville, Mo 64701
816.380.2428
Contact: Karri Shanks
Contact Email: karri.weerock@gmail.com
–Anita Widaman | Metro Voice