| "body"> | | | | preschool experience for your child but don't |
| Selecting the right preschool is important to | | | | overlook what you can do as a parent to prepare |
| ensure that your child's preschool experience will | | | | your preschooler. |
| help them to gain an appreciation of what school | | | | Structured play groups are great options to |
| is like and acquire a positive attitude toward | | | | develop good group play skills, listening skills and |
| school. | | | | the self worth needed for more structured school |
| After you've confirmed that the preschool has | | | | environments. Look for preschools that provide |
| been state-licensed to confirm that the facility has | | | | fun activities and self-worth building concepts. |
| adequate space and staff and meets your states | | | | Look for curriculum that has been designed and |
| requirements, schedule an appointment to visit. | | | | structured by a preschool curriculum expert. |
| When you walk into the preschool door, linger a | | | | Affirming the wonderful qualities within your child |
| moment and be attentive to what you hear. | | | | will also help to build your preschooler's self worth |
| Whose voices are dominant? In a good preschool, | | | | and position them well for starting preschool. A |
| the children's voices should dominate (unless it's | | | | parent's words are very powerful within the life |
| quiet time, of course). | | | | of their child and have a huge influence on how |
| Visually, you should observe a bright, colorful and | | | | they view themselves. Get into the habit |
| safe environment where children look comfortable | | | | throughout the day to affirm the positive choices |
| and are interested and engaged in an activity - | | | | your child makes. |
| not overly distracted or wandering. The adults | | | | Even a drive in the car can provide an opportunity |
| should appear as though they enjoy their work, | | | | to fortify your child with positive principles that will |
| are in control, (but not harsh) are responsive to | | | | position them for a successful school experience. |
| the children, loving and caring. Classes should have | | | | When your child is "a captive audience" buckled in |
| no more than 20 students - around 15 is ideal. | | | | the car, play uplifting music that encourages your |
| Make sure to ask how long the teachers and | | | | child to be their very best. Make sure the CD is |
| assistant teachers have been with the preschool. | | | | fun to listen to, will reinforce to your child that |
| Teachers and assistants who've been with the | | | | they are a unique and wonderful miracle while |
| preschool for years and a generally low turn over | | | | encouraging them to be the best they can be. |
| rate of staff is a good sign. Also ask what the | | | | Preparing to start your child's school experience is |
| teacher requirements are. Look for four-year | | | | an exciting and wonderful time! Gathering |
| college degrees with early education and childhood | | | | information and resources and visiting preschools |
| development training, first aid and emergency | | | | will make you feel more confident in your |
| preparedness. | | | | decisions as a parent while you invest in your |
| Finding a safe and qualified preschool for your child | | | | preschooler and make them feel more confident |
| is an important component for a successful | | | | about themselves! |