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National Association for the Education of Young Children

Ten signs of a great preschool

How to spot a top-notch program for your child.
 

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 6 and attends a childcare center, preschool, or kindergarten program, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests you look for these 10 signs to make sure your child is in a good classroom:

  1. Children spend most of their time playing and working with materials or other children. They do not wander aimlessly and are not expected to sit quietly for long periods of time.
  2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day. Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials; props for pretend play; picture books; paints and other art materials; and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time.
  3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day. They do not spend all their time with the whole group.
  4. The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork, their own writing with invented spelling, and stories dictated by children to teachers.
  5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences. The natural world of plants and animals and meaningful activities like cooking, taking attendance, or serving snack provide the basis for learning activities.
  6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time (at least one hour) to play and explore. Worksheets are used little if at all.
  7. Children have an opportunity to play outside every day. Outdoor play is never sacrificed for more instructional time.
  8. Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups throughout the day, not just at group story time.
  9. Curriculum is adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help. Teachers recognize that children's different background and experiences mean that they do not learn the same things at the same time in the same way.
  10. Children and their parents look forward to school. Parents feel secure about sending their child to the program. Children are happy to attend; they do not cry regularly or complain of feeling sick.

Also ask if the program is accredited by NAEYC. NAEYC-accredited programs complete a rigorous self-study and external review to prove that they meet standards of excellence in early childhood education.

Want more information?

Send a self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope to:

NAEYC
1313 L Street NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005-4101

You'll receive a complimentary brochure titled "A Good Preschool for Your Child."

 
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Comments from GreatSchools.net readers

11/20/2009:
"I would like to thank you, I recently had a bad experience with my kindergartner's teacher. These are very helpful tips, as a parent we may think we have an idea of what we are looking for in finding a suitable learning environment for our children, but it is always great to have an expert opinon."
11/6/2009:
"Thank you for the info my son in preschool and this help me make the right choice of schools."
10/7/2009:
"When looking a private schools be aware that even though some may suggest that they offer a very relaxed calms environment and are looking to get your child acclimated with the environment this may not be the case. In fact they are watching you and the child. If you speak up and disagree at all with anything you'll be out. Eldorado in orange is one of those wolves under sheep's skin. A child was crying when this was brought up....they did not remedy the situation instead sent the 'informant' out the door. So if your child is crying because of the school that's a sign the environment is not the right place for you baby. "
10/6/2009:
"Excellent list! If you are trying to choose a preschool or day care program for your young child, please pay attention!"
08/19/2009:
"I am a single parent of a brilliant 2 and a half year old. I have been at home with her and it is time for me to go to work. So I thank you for this article very much."
08/11/2009:
"I thing this information is wonderful, Im actually going to print it out and take it with me to make sure the schools I will be visiting this comming quarter are complaing with most if not all the guidelines propose on the article."
06/9/2009:
"i want the best shool for my son he has only 5 years and i want to know more about shools"
06/1/2009:
"I am a canadian, my daughter will be 5 on the 1st of august 09. she speaks only french. What to do? bring her to # Preschool or # Kindergarten. I am living in arizona, what will be the cost per year for that. I am working here as resident of Arizona, do I have to pay fee as foreigner or domestic cost like americans.. thanks"
04/20/2009:
"I like it vary much"
03/18/2009:
"My grandson Aidan will be 2 yrs. of age in July 09. He loves books, writing, and music. Due to his mom not being able to pay for day care, he goes to his grandmothers' where his female cousin goes also. He has little stimulation there other than the 2 children fighting over toys. I work a full time job and provide care for him on weekends only. His mom and I would like to see Aidan get a good head start in life and be able to attend an educational, yet fun environment she can afford. They live in South Buffalo, NY. His mom is said that she makes a few dollars too much to qualify for help in paying for day care from social services. Please guide us on what we can do to remedy the situation. Thank you for your help. It is greatly appreciated. Grandma Sandy "
12/3/2008:
"Depending on the age, each child adjusts to preschool differently. If your child is having separation anxiety be very positive about the school, staff and other children. Assure your child that you will be back to pick her up at the end of the day. Get involved!! Children feel better when their parents help with school projects, events etc."
11/13/2008:
"I am concerned that my preschooler does not like to attend school. She cries every morning when it is time to go. Should I be concerned with the school?"
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