Megan will be starting preschool in the fall of 2009. DH and I are going to CO this summer to look at houses, and visit preschools and (crosses fingers) DH goes to some interviews. What should I look for in a preschool? Any specifics to keep an eye out for? How much should a preschool cost a week/month? An CO mommies out there that can give me any advice?

Look for the Teacher to student ratio. More Teachers means more individual time with your child. Check out how clean they are, what their safety procedures are. Ask if they are CPR and or First aid certified. Do they check criminal backgrounds on the employees. Also what will the do to engage your child?! What activities do they offer. For me the critical ones are the CPR/First Aid certified and the Child to Teacher ratios. Oh Price is important but as they say... You get what you pay for.

Hope that helps some.

Keri gave some great advice.

I haven't started looking for a preschool yet but I have some friends who have.  One thing that was mentioned in our discussions is to check the training of the teachers.  Apparently, a lot of the franchise ones let moms work there and their kids attend for free.  Seems like those people might not be in it for the right reasons and would only be a glorified babysitter.  Just something to think about.

Thanks ladies for the tips. I have written them down so I can ask when I talk to the preschool directors and teachers. Anyone else want to add their thoughts and opinions?

IF you have to make an appointment to go to the school to check things out... you don't want to go there.

you want to be able to do a walk through unanounced....

show up and say, I'd like to see your facility, I have been thinking of enrolling my child. if they tell you you have to make an appointment...pass on that one.

I live in Colorado. Where are you guys heading? We live on the Western Slope (Durango).

My oldest has been in preschool here and my middle child starts this fall. We love where we live. 

Good luck! If you're heading out this way I can certainly tell you alot about the area, but if you guys are looking at the Denver/Colorado Springs area, it's so different from where we are. 

These comments are great!  I don't love in CO, but I like my son's preschool.  It is in the local school district, so like all public schools they have curriculum standards they have to abide by as well as other education laws that most private preschools do not have.  So, I guess my advice would be to check out the local public schools and ask parents in your neighborhood when you get there.

My kids all attended preschools at churchs. Treat them like you would looking for daycare. Ask lots of questions, drop in for visits unannounced. We might be moving to Texas so when we went there, I was able to stop at one of the elementary schools and got a tour. They did not know I would be coming. They were wonderful, the school was clean. Good luck. Go with your heart. If you aren't comfortable, then don't place your child there. Like one post said, you get what you pay for.

Thanks for all the advice. I guess I never really thought about just popping in, I didn't even ask if I would need an appointment I just called and told them we'd be in town. Since we are going to be in CO in August and not during the school year I figured I'd call and make sure someone would be there.  The school I did call has a website and from what I read and the pics they had up it looks like a good school, but I still need to see it in person. KWIM. The other schools don't have web sites

Here is a good link for more info...
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,6014,00 ...

One of the points mentioned in this article is simply to ask what the staff credentials are. This is not a time to be shy.

The best way to "judge" (imo) is certainly an on site visit. Definitely do a "pop in" as in do not schedule an "observation visit". See how the children are doing, are they engaged? Are they happy? If they are not happy are they being given the proper attention for a non-happy child? LOL (in other words, you do not want to see a kid wailing alone in the yard somewhere!)

Cleanliness is a biggy. Is the school utilizing basic sanitation practices? A sink, soap stocked and hand washing rituals taking place? WHat about "potty training"? Does the prospective school offer support for your child's stage of potty success??

Lots of things to consider... an exciting milestone for the whole family!

Wishing you much success in your preschool adventures.  

 

Aside from what is already mentioned, when you're done visiting the preschools, narrow it down to 3-5 choices. Then visit the 3-5 choices with your child, in this way you'll know if your child will be comfortable there you just have to ask your child.

Hubby and I did that last summer when we decided to enroll our son in a toddler summer school. Eventually, our son enjoyed going to school that he cried when summer school was over and would ask everyday when he'll be back in school. Now, he's still studying in the preschool we picked. They have a maximum of 12 students per class, there is one teacher and 2 teacher aides.