Find The Right Type of Preschool For Your Child

You can go faith-based, nature-based or choose a specialized school for your youngster.

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Starting preschool is a big milestone in your child’s life. There are so many options out there that it’s no wonder the whole process can feel overwhelming. But with a little research you can find the preschool or daycare that’s just the right fit.

FULL-DAY PROGRAM

If you’re looking for a full-day preschool, start with a nursery school or public school program that’ll kick off their educational life with group projects, teacher-student interaction, lots of play and friendship making.

Look for a cheerful environment with age-appropriate books, blocks, art materials and other preschool essentials. The school should be functional for learning, but also cozy and welcoming. This place is going to be your kid’s home-away-from-home, so what you see really matters. A typical full-day program will offer a mix of child-led and teacher-led activities. Make sure that the staff radiates positivity since these are the people who will be spending the majority of time with your little ones. A great preschool or daycare will have a set schedule you can see so ask what a typical day is like. Be sure to ask about health and safety protocols and remember, it’s a given that the preschool or daycare should be licensed by the state.

MONTESSORI

At a Montessori school, kids can engage in collaborative learning experiences and individual activities at their own pace in order to develop independence, explains Kristina Koonce, senior marketing and communications specialist for Apple Montessori Schools throughout NJ.

The curriculum at a Montessori includes music, art, yoga, foreign language, character development and technology. Plus, kids learn how to do daily tasks such as washing dishes or putting away materials. “This hands-on learning approach means that students don’t just learn concepts and facts, but also practical skills with everyday uses,” Koonce says.

Program schedules vary by location, so ask if you can enroll your kid in a five full-day-a-week option or possibly a half-day instead.

NATURE-BASED

Many parents find that their children really thrive in the environment of a Waldorf school. For the past 100 years, Waldorf has focused on outdoor nature exploration. Children participate in gardening, arts and crafts and singing. Daily activities may include free play and practical work, circle time and nature walks. Each day includes rituals so things become familiar and predictable, says Shawnette Henry of Green Meadow Waldorf School in Chestnut Ridge, NY.

“Through play, children develop the capacity for creative thinking, problem solving and social resilience and build a foundation for academic success in grade school,” she says.

Parents can choose a half day or full day. There’s also an Early Childhood after school care program.

Another nature-based program is Sprout House in Chatham. “We teach our curriculum by what’s really happening outside,” says director Kathy Abbott. The students venture to Memorial Park next door, rain or shine, as long as it’s above 20 degrees, to do their exploring. They will look at teeth marks in acorns, check out the insects and animals, roll on the ground or jump in puddles, and then talk and read about those subjects.

FAITH-BASED

A faith-based school will help foster a deeper relationship with God, focus on community, character and integrity and advocate service to others, says John Falcone, director of admissions for Saint James School in Basking Ridge.

The nurturing environment there “instills in our students the importance of living a life of virtue, helping them to grow into good citizens of the world and the leaders of tomorrow,” Falcone says. Saint James teaches kids up to eighth grade about religion, language arts, math, science, social students, art, music, language and technology. And every student gets to participate in recess. But faith-based schools are not just for devout members of a particular religion. At most religious preschools, you can enroll your kid even if you’re not part of that religious sect.

REGGIO EMILIA

A Reggio Emilia curriculum can help kids express their individuality. The fundamental principles are that children play a vital role in their learning and can discover their place in the world through meaningful interactions. This philosophy centers around the idea that the child’s environment can teach them so much about the world and that kids need an open place for self-expression.

In NJ, some of the schools that follow this approach are A Child’s Place School in Lincroft, International Children’s Academy in Budd Lake and Voyager’s Community School in Oceanport.

COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL

A cooperative preschool allows you to be directly involved with your child’s experience. In a co-op, the parents maintain the preschool and hire their own trained teachers. Each class is structured for the age group and a lot of the learning is play based. It’s led by a teacher who is trained by the college that is affiliated with the preschool.

The benefit is that you are truly involved with every step of your child’s education. This type of setup also gives parents a chance to meet one another and form a community. Parents are present in the classroom and make up the school board, so they are involved in all important decisions. Co-ops tend to be widely available (there are myriad across NJ), inclusive of parent input and affordable. Plus, the older your kid gets the parent involvement decreases, so they will develop a sense of independence.

Whether you choose a public, private, religious or play-based school, doing your research to make sure your child has a successful start is key. Remember, you know your child best, so go with your gut! Speak to the principal or administrator, ask for a school tour and talk to other parents to figure out where your kid will be happiest.

Read More:
Choose the Best Preschool Camp For Your Kid
How to Choose The Right Preschool

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