What do you ask when choosing a preschool?

Kim Schepps, Chairperson of the Parent Committee at The Early Childhood Learning Center at Temple Beth David in Commack, talks about the questions parents should ask when making their decision on preschools.

Finding the right preschool is a very subjective decision.  Factors considered by todays parents vary greatly.  With more and more parents going back to work before their children enter public schools, the needs of the “preschool parent” have changed significantly, forcing the services provided by preschools to change as well.

If you were like me, you visited more than one potential preschool, on a quest to find the “perfect” fit for your family and your child.  You asked the questions from your list to the school’s director and you left each building with a significant amount of mental notes and a preliminary “yes” or “no”.  Are you looking for a large school with tons of extracurricular activities or are you looking for a boutique-sized school that is warm and personal?  Do you believe that “play” is learning or are you adamant that your two year old be immersed in academia? Finding the preschool where you feel most comfortable will likely result in your child feeling like he or she belongs as well.  Remember to ask questions! What does a typical day involve?  How many teachers and/or assistants are in the classroom?  Do you have to be toilet trained?  Will they assist in the toilet training process?  What type of reward & discipline program do they utilize? What happens if someone bites your child?  What happens if your child bites someone else? The more you ask the more you’ll find out!

For my family, I knew we were meant to be at at the preschool we ultimately chose.  While my son has since completed the program and moved on to elementary school in our public school district, my daughter currently attends the preschool and I now lead the highly productive parent committee there. No matter what your needs may be, there is a preschool just right for you – be patient and do what it takes to find it.

The Early Childhood Learning Center at Temple Beth David is located at 100 Hauppauge Road in Commack and has preschool classes led by a NYS certified educator.  The ECLC also offers an on-site before- and after-care program, music class for babies,  a Movers & Shakers “Mommy & Me,” a 2’s, 3’s & 4’s program and a variety of enriching after-school activities.  Call Michelle Finkel, Director at 631.499.0915 ext. 16 or e-mail mfinkel@tbdcommack.org for more information or to schedule a private tour.