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Choosing the BEST Preschool Program
for Your Child
In many ways, the same as
choosing a summer day
camp, picking a preschool
program for your child
involves some research.
… and personality, preparing
students both academically
and socially for future
academic endeavors.
Like kids at day camp,
preschool students do best
when attending a program
suited to individual needs ....
Exciting but sometimes a bit
overwhelming to parents,
choosing a first school
is easier if you know what
you’re looking for and how
to find it.
A great first step in a preschool search is to ask yourself exactly what kind of program you’re looking for your child.
A preschool may offer a small, nurturing environment more geared to introducing kids to a group environment …
… or may sport a big, bustling, more academically-oriented atmosphere.
Think about what’s most important to you, whether it’s fees, educational philosophy or proximity to your home or workplace.
Nobody knows your child the way you do,
and you need to take into consideration
whether you think your youngster
can thrive in a particular environment.
Visit each potential school as ask yourself
whether you can picture your preschooler
fitting in and being comfortable.
Ask the school about teaching style,
philosophy, daily activities and discipline
policies. See if you can visit and spend
time just observing.
It’s important to ask about
the school’s education philosophy
as there are many ways to approach
learning.
Some schools may introduce
academic subjects like math
and reading earlier, while others
have a play-based learning approach.
Many are a mix of various philosophies,
including the Montessori Method,
the Reggio Emilia system
and the Waldorf approach.
Does the school focus on teaching early literacy skills?
This is a point on which a lot of schools differ and you should try to go with the approach that seems right for you and your child.
Reading readiness varies dramatically among young children; a good preschool will help all children feel successful.
Kids who are pushed to read before they are ready may develop a poor attitude toward this all-important skill.
Although each state has its
own laws regarding class size
and student/teacher ratio …
… some schools may adhere
to a smaller size with more
individualized attention.
If your youngster is easily
overwhelmed or distracted
or may need more adult
attention …
… it may be particularly
important to pick a program
with smaller group sizes.
Try to be sure the school has an atmosphere that is bright,
busy, clean and engaging.
Are there lots of posters and student art on the walls?
Are there clean, well-equipped indoor and outdoor play
areas?
Do the kids seem happy, excited and enthusiastically
involved in activities and do you observe positive,
compassionate interactions between students and staff?
Are all children actively involved, with plenty of work centers
for art, building, projects and dress-up?
Are the children working both cooperatively and individually,
able to choose some of their own activities during the day?
Are there opportunities for active, creative and dramatic
play?
Most of all, do you think your child would be happy here?
Maplewood Country Day Camp Preschool Program will provide the ideal combination of fun and learning …
… that will build the foundation for your child’s future academic success, socialization skills and inspire a lifelong love of learning.
150 Foundry St. (Route 106)PO Box 88 (Mailing)
South Easton, MA 02375Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (508) 238-2387FAX: (508) 238-1154
MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP AND ENRICHMENT CENTER
