Choosing a preschool for your youngster can be challenging, and the first decision of many to come regarding their education. Determining the program that will best meet your child’s needs is by far the most important thing. Whether this can be accomplished by sending your child to a private preschool is something that only you can research and decide.
In many cases, private preschool is the only choice available to parents. Preschool programs that are offered through the school district are often only available to children who are in need of special services in order to prepare them for Kindergarten. Children can receive speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized learning environments through programs such as these.
Towns that offer district funded preschool programs for the general population are few and far between. But certainly, if they are offered, this can be a wonderful way to introduce your pre-Kindergarten child to school in a much less formal environment where they can learn to socialize and follow the directions of teachers, as well as mastering skills necessary to be successful in Kindergarten.
However, as is most often the case, a choice to send a child to preschool means the choice between a variety of private preschool programs. Deciding between them depends largely on curriculum, schedule, and price.
There are a number of private preschool programs that are offered through churches and synagogues that offer both religious-based and non-denominational programs. For a family who is already involved with a particular church program, this may be the perfect fit for private preschool as it offers the child a level of familiarity. Most often, private preschool programs of this nature are less expensive than their competitors.
Other private preschool programs are independent programs that offer a variety of experiences. It is most important that you and your child feel comfortable within the school and that you, as a parent, are satisfied with the school’s safety measures, curriculum quality, diversity, teacher qualifications, and school accreditation. The schedule should also meet your family’s needs, as should the price.
A private preschool program can offer your child an educational and social head start, equipping them with the tools necessary to be successful in Kindergarten and, hopefully, instilling in them a love for learning that lasts throughout their lives.
