I’m going to level with you, I have been dragging my feet on the whole issue of signing little Peanut up for preschool.
Last year I called the preschool that so many teachers I know had sent their kids to; I asked a couple of questions, and then we decided to wait to send her because her birthday fell after the cut-off for kindergarten, so she wouldn’t be starting this year. (Why pay for 2 years of preschool if I don’t have to?)
With the school year quickly approaching (as in it starts here next week), I asked a few blogging friends what type of questions I should ask before signing her up.
In the interest of helping any of my readers out there in the same predicament, here is what they suggested:
- The price. (As a SAHM, I have to agree, this can be a big issue – a few places I called last year were outrageous!)
- The class size and/or student to teacher ratio. (Again, this is important to me!)
- Is the program learning through play based?
- Do I need to volunteer time or fundraise? (Have to admit, never thought of that!)
- Do they go on field trips?
- What are the disciplinary actions?
- What safety precautions are taken? (How secure is the building they are in, and is it easy for a stranger to walk in?)
- Are the teachers all certified through the state?
- The school’s worldview and what will be taught.
- What is the sick policy? (Are children to stay home for at least a day after having a fever?)
What questions would you add to my list?
Kristen @ The Preppy Girl in Pink says
August 14, 2012 at 4:58 pmHow is play time in and outdoors monitored? One of my friends had her girls in a preschool that had awesome policies for indoors but then only had two people watching over 30 preschoolers outside in a huge yard. In my opinion (and hers), that just wasn’t enough eyes.
OneMommy says
August 16, 2012 at 2:37 pmI never thought of that!
When I called they said it was a ratio of 14 students to 1 teacher, which pretty much would make it only 2 adults for almost 30 kids outside… I’m thinking even inside that doesn’t sound like a great ratio with kids that young, but at least there it is contained more.
karen says
August 15, 2012 at 1:21 pmvery good questions to ask, right now son is in daycare three days a week. Seems to be cheaper than preschool in our area and they are learning based.
OneMommy says
August 18, 2012 at 11:28 amThat’s how it is at the one I checked – it is mostly a daycare, and I have to say the prices are tons better. I’m just struggling with the idea of having her go 2 days a week right now.
Kristiina says
August 18, 2012 at 10:53 amThere are a lot of questions on here that I wouldn’t have thought to ask. Good work!
OneMommy says
August 21, 2012 at 7:03 pmI wouldn’t have, either! That’s why I asked for a little help!
Kat R. says
July 12, 2014 at 10:08 pmGreat list of questions! Thanks so much for stopping by this week’s Thoughtful Spot!