Choosing a Preschool

Dr. Rhya Jerrold, J.D., M.S.Ed., Director of Early Childhood Education at the Mid-Island Y JCC in Plainview, provides some tips for parents that are choosing a preschool for their child.

Early Childhood Education builds the foundation for learning and socialization.  It is an important aspect of your child’s daily activities, whether your child attends a program on a part-time or full-time basis.  While a great deal of the decision regarding choosing the “right” preschool program for your child will likely be based on your “gut” instinct as a parent, there are certain key areas to assess when evaluating a school.

First of all, a school should have an “open-door” policy, so that you can come and tour the program at any time when it is open.  You should also be able to meet with someone from the administration, preferably the director him/herself, to have any and all of your questions answered.  An appointment should not be necessary, unless of course it is more convenient for you.  Parents should also use this time to glean information regarding the qualifications of the school and its teaching staff.  Do your research before going to interview schools, so that you know the difference between a “qualified” or “certified” staff and a “licensed” staff.  Also, learn about the differences between schools that are only “licensed” by the Office of Children & Family Services, which validates health and safety issues, and schools that are additionally “registered” by the NYS Department of Education.

Additionally, be sure to ask questions about the school’s curriculum, its philosophy, the safety certifications of its staff, and the school’s abilities to accommodate any special needs that your child may have, ranging from the receiving of speech or other in-classroom therapy services to snack and/or other menu accommodations for those with food allergies.  An administrator’s answers to these questions will provide you with a good indication not only of the school’s qualifications, but also of its philosophy and personality which can be equally important in deciding where to have your child spend his or her formative years.

The Mid-Island Y JCC is located at 45 Manetto Hill Road in Plainview.  If you would like additional information about the Mid-Island Y JCC’s Early Childhood Center, please call (516)822-3535, x342 or email the Director at rjerrold@miyjcc.org.