[gardenmom]

DD and I (and maybe dh) are going to a preschool tomorrow to visit, in anticipation of signing dd up for a class that begins in the fall. Basically I wanted to see school 'in action' and get an idea of what happens there before the kids leave for summer vacation. The school is part of a Mothers' Center and was recommended by another natural, gentle mom who I trust very much. Her son is in one of the classes there.

It's a Mon-Wed-Fri program for 3 year olds, 2-1/2 hours each day. There is one class for this age group (3 small classes total in the school), and it's limited to 12 children with 2 teachers. The director I spoke with says it's an introduction to learning but is primarily about social time in a group setting, which is what dd really needs.

We're totally new at this and are wondering what we should look for, ask them, etc. I would love suggestions. TIA!

 

[oceanbaby]

Well, this is a late answer, but I thought I'd respond anyway!

I was very interested in two particular things when I visited ds's preschool:

1. How do they handle discipline? What do they do when another kid hits or grabs or is mean? How do they handle sharing, taking turns, etc. This was very important to me.

2. Are the kids ever forced to participate? I didn't want ds being told that it was time to stop playing trains because now it was time for art, or whatever. I understand that they have some structure to the day, but I wanted him to always have a choice. For instance, everyone must come inside during circle time, but ds often chose to sit at the table and start his lunch early while observing circle time, rather than participating. And I wanted to make sure that these kinds of things were okay.

 

[lauren]

By this time you have visited and collected some impressions! What did you think?

I usually want to make sure that academics truly take a low profile at preschool. Also that there are not worksheets being given out, but rather an emphasis on creative projects and make believe. Preschool should be teaching some concepts (letter recognition, early math, etc.) but in a very 'organic' way, not a sit down method. The "feel" of the school is often much more important than the answers to specific questions. Did the teachers seem to enjoy children (not just work there or tolerate them, butactually take JOY in being with them)? Was curiosity celebrated? How are social skills taught? Do teachers get down on children's level and help them solve conflicts creatively, rather than repeating the rote statement "use your words" ?

The NAEYC website will have lots of other ideas. (Nat'l Assoc for the Education of Young Children). Is this program accredited by NAEYC, do you know?

Eager to hear what you thought!

 

[mamaduck]

I asked about:
1) Procedures for discipline issues
2) Snacks -- what sort, when, etc...
3) A written copy of their general routine on a typical day
4) Whether or not parents and siblings are welcome to visit in the classroom
5) Are there field trips? If so, can parents and siblings attend? And what precautions do they take to ensure safety on field trips?
6) Do they use worksheets? If so, I would ask for some sample pages to take home.
7) Do they use any reward systems related to behavior or academic accomplishment? (I had a teacher giving my son skittles everytime he completed a worksheet. :eyeroll
8) To what extent are children free to make their own choices about activities?
9) How long have their teachers been working their? Who will your child's teachers be? Can you meet them? What other adults might be present in the classroom on any given day?
10) How many children allowed max. in the class, and how many teachers?

 

[BathrobeGoddess]

What is the education level of the teachers and are they certified?

I would want to see documentaion of classroom work, is it displayed within the classroom with photos?

NAEYC certification is 100% required.