Some preschool questions (need btdt help)

[mama2004]

Hi all.  I'm starting the process of looking at preschools for my ds (4.5), and I'm feeling really in the dark about stuff.  I had planned to be able to stay home with him a bit longer, but things change and instead I'm job hunting and trying to arrange for some school for me, too.

I'm really hoping that some of you who have been through the preschool stuff before can help me think of some questions to ask when I'm going on tours and meeting staff.  Here's my preliminary list:

Student/teacher ratio

Kind and quality of food available/how do they deal with allergies/sensitivities

Social/conflict resolution style (e.g., strong focus on cooperative problem solving, specific ideologies like NVC, whatever)

And, that's pretty much all I have at the moment, aside from scheduling and financial details.  Can anyone chime in with other thoughts or questions that you have found helpful or important?  Thank you!

[LuckyMommaToo]

I would ask which elementary schools the kids go on to (public? private? religious?). It gives you an idea of the community. What's their overall philosophy? Are they play-based? Are they focused on academic readiness? Do they do worksheets? What specifically do they do to prepare kids for kindergarten (since it seems like your DS will be in pre-k)?

For me, the most important thing is to actually see some of their teachers interacting with the kids. That will tell you so much, IME.

good luck!
 

[octobermom]

I'd observe some classes in action.

[K1329]

I agree with the pp. Go check your local options in person. Often, it's the best way to get a sense of how the school is run.
That said, do you know where he will be attending elementary school? If you plan to send him to school, many kids seem to go to PK at the school they will attend for K. Mine did. It worked for us, they were familiar with the school & people when K started, and, it was one less change/transition. Might be something to consider.

[sarahr]

I'd ask to observe. If you can, observe free play and circle time. Looking at circle time gives you a sense of how structured things are: do the teachers take control of what's talked about or do they go with the kids' interests? Is everyone encouraged (appropriately) to participate? Are the kids required to sit still? How are they "corrected" when their attention wanders?

Looking at free play gives you a chance to see how the kids and teachers interact with each other. Do the teachers get down to the kids' level? Are the art projects process or product oriented? How are kids directed or not directed to different activities? Do the interactions seem warm or formal?

I found when visiting schools that my gut knew very well which were the best schools.

Good luck!

[mama2004]

Thanks so much for all the replies!  We live in a city on the west coast, and apparently, people have this preschool stuff planned years in advance; it hasn't been on my radar until just recently.  The place that I'm most closely considering (and is a new school, doesn't have a two year wait list, yet) is a Montessori preschool/kindergarten that also offers Suzuki violin, both group and individual lessons.  Those things are a big plus.  

I don't have direct experience with Montessori, but as a possible option/alternative to homeschooling for early childhood, it's something that looks very appealing to me.  If possible, I would like to pursue Montessori/Reggio for at least elementary and middle school, and there are a couple of options for that here in town, one of which is a public school that also offers a preschool program, but they didn't even bother to reply to queries for information--that seems to be par for the course as far as dealing with us backward, not planning at least two years in advance folks.

I really appreciate the feedback and suggestions.  I am feeling intimidated by these unexpected choices, and wanting to really choose wisely for right now and also make sure that future transitions will be smooth.