tips for looking at programs
If you're in the process of looking for a program, here are some suggestions for you to consider
- compile a list of questions that are important to you as a parent (age divisions, class sizes, cost, educational and medical requirements of staff, extended hours, etc).
- be honest with yourself on your child's needs and personality. Does your child thrive in an unstructured setting? Then look more at daycare settings. Does your child crave structure and predictability Then look at a more traditional pre-school programs. Does your child work better with larger or smaller groups of children? These are just examples of questions you should ask yourself before contacting programs.
- Do not be afraid to look outside of your town. Every program is different, even if they appear similar on paper or over the phone.
- Contact the places your interested in via phone or email, asking many of your questions to weed out programs that will and will not work for you
- Once you've narrowed down your program choices, visit the establishment in person sans the distraction of children. Most programs have open house days you can attend on weekends, or they can schedule one-on-one tours that work within your schedule.
- Be honest with the program director about your child's needs and personality. The director and teachers want a successful program and happy children as much as you do.
- After you've narrowed your programs down, schedule a time for your child to see the facility. You can gauge a lot from your child's reaction to personnel and the facility itself.