By Michelle Gabrielle Centamore

Many parents compare choosing a preschool to applying for college. You need to consider several crucial factors that relate to your child’s needs and your family’s, and then make a decision way before your child attends so that “a spot” is ensured for her. While March may seem a bit early to start the process, many schools have already begun registration. But rest assured, it’s not too late to find the ideal preschool for your child.

When choosing a preschool for your child, consider the following:

What is the teacher/student ratio? Will your child get enough personal attention when needed? Will the teachers be able to handle difficulties that arise? While preschool offers young children an opportunity to explore their independence, you do want adequate adult coverage by teachers and even teacher’s assistants to prevent and handle problems. Assuring that your child’s academic, social and safety needs are being met is crucial in choosing a preschool.

Can you afford it? Tuition for three days per week can cost anywhere from $200 to $600 per month, and possibly more, depending on the school. Look at decisions about preschool as part of a total family plan and choose one that not only meets your child’s needs but that can also fit well within the family budget. If you are set on sending your child to a preschool that may be above your financial means, you may want to consider sending her for one less day. Remember, there are other ways you can compensate on that day without having to spend a dime. Most public libraries, for example, offer special, free programs geared specifically for preschool-aged children.

How long will it take you to get there? Sometimes distance alone can rule out one school and lead you to another. Obviously a school that is five minutes away from your home is ideal - but if you decide on one that is 15 minutes away, that’s ok, too. When choosing a preschool that is further away, however, you may want to consider not only the overall door-to-door commute, traffic included, but also your other commitments - daily chores, fitness routine, and especially ones that involve your older children, for example taking them to and from their extracurricular activities, etc. At the end of the day, you shouldn’t feel like you spent most of it in transit.

Does the school have a good reputation? Talk to other parents in your community. Most parents are happy to share their preschool experiences, positive and negative. Remember, though, that everyone’s experiences are relative to their child’s needs. If one parent’s child, for example, has difficulty socializing, she may be thrilled with her school that encourages children to socialize through play while another parent whose child attends the same school, however, may wish the school was more academically focused for her child that has difficulty learning. Consider your child’s needs as you listen to other parents share their opinions.

Visit the school. Make an appointment to visit each school with your child. As she explores the classroom, you can ask the teacher all of your questions. How often do the children play outside? What safety precautions are in place to prevent accidents? Does your child need to be potty trained before attending or will they change her diaper? How are the children disciplined? Are they positively reinforced for good behavior? Do the children eat their own snack or does the school provide it for them? It helps to make a list so that no question goes unanswered.

Also, take this time to get a feel for the teacher’s personality. Is she the warm and fuzzy, nurturing type who will scoop your child up and offer hugs in good times and sad or does she appear cold and more rigid? Many parents want a teacher for their child that is more like them and yet others want just the opposite.

What is the daily routine? Ask the teacher to take you through a typical day at preschool so that you can get a better feel for what your child may experience throughout her day. Will they transition often? How much time will be given for each activity? What happens when a child has not completed a project? How long is free-play? Are there special rainy-day activities planned? How do the teachers respond to children who have difficulties with transitions altogether?

Consider your child’s special needs. Does your child have peanut allergies and require an epipen in case of an emergency? Are the teacher’s trained to administer the treatment? Does your child have a handicap and require wheelchair accessible bathroom facilities, classrooms, etc.?

Consider your child’s sociability? As your child progresses through her school years, she will have ample time to sit at a desk and learn her academic lessons. At preschool, however, learning how to effectively communicate or socialize with her peers is an equally important lesson. This is typically done through organized and guided play. Ask your child’s potential teacher’s how they will help your child hone her skills so that she can build healthy relationships with her peers.

Weigh the “extras.” Most preschools’ curriculum include arts and crafts, outdoor play, story-time, music and movement and basic academic lessons – letters, shapes and numbers, etc. Others offer that and more - additional staff to teach your child a second language, an indoor sate-of-the-art playground, a visit from “The Music Man” or monthly class trips to the zoo, for example. Consider what your child would most enjoy and what activities you most want to expose her to. Then decide how to balance those considerations.

While each preschool will present with various academic and social opportunities, the most important factor is that it can offer your child a safe place where she can enjoy a balanced educational and fun environment. With the right planning, and perhaps a few sensible compromises that meet your child’s needs, as well as your family’s, you can choose a preschool that will offer your child a strong foundation to help her succeed well into her adulthood.