As a parent of a preschool-age child in Olney, MD, choosing a good preschool in your area is the right thing to do for several reasons. First, it can provide your child with a stimulating and nurturing environment that fosters their cognitive, social, emotional and physical development. Second, early on in their lives, it can help your child embrace the habits and routines they’ll experience once they reach school-age. Finally, the play-based approach at Olney, MD preschool age programs also introduce young children in their care to other social skills they’ll need in kindergarten and beyond, such as cooperation and communication.

The Closer the Better!

Parents of preschool children, in and around neighborhoods of Olney, are probably asking: So, why should I only consider a preschool in Olney; and why not cast your eyes further afield to give you more choices? That’s a critical question, and one that parents must consider as part of the process of identifying the best preschools for their child. So, why Olney, and not something further?

• The farther you go to find a preschool for your child, the more time you’ll allocate to getting them ready to arrive at the center. If a parent begins their work day at 9-AM, and the preschool is an hour or more away from home, that would mean a very early start to the day for a young child – probably waking up at 6-AM or earlier!
• Regardless whether a parent drives, or whether they depend on public transportation to get around; there is a cost associated with getting your child from and to the preschool venue. The further the venue is from home, the costlier it is for your child to attend preschool.
• Parents of preschool age kids, who either work at home or are employed in and around Olney, will find a preschool in your area more convenient. Responding to an emergency, or simply visiting it for a quick (unscheduled) visit, is more expedient with a preschool that’s located closer to home.

Therefore, choosing an Olney, MD preschool age program is a wise and beneficial decision for you and your child. Knowing that the preschool is in your neighborhood, and not too far from home, adds convenience for everyone; but it’s also less stressful for young children.

Choices and Decisions: Tips on how to identify the best preschools in your area

Choosing a preschool for your child can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, such as the curriculum, the staff, the facilities, the fees, and the location. How can you find a preschool that meets your needs and expectations? Here are some tips to help you identify the best preschools in your area.

Tip 1: Start your search early

Typically, while there are limited spots in conveniently-located centers, the demand for those preschools is high. You don’t want to miss the application deadlines or settle for a second-choice school. Start looking for preschools in your area at least six months before you plan to enroll your child. You can use online directories to find preschools near you. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family who have children in preschool or kindergarten. Another option is to visit local fairs and expos where preschools showcase their programs and services.

Tip 2: Do your research

Once you have a list of preschools in your neighborhood, you need to do some background research on each one. You can check their websites, social media pages, reviews, and ratings to get a sense of their reputation and quality. You can also look for accreditation or certification from reputable organizations. Such organizations have rigorous standards and criteria for evaluating preschools based on their curriculum, staff, environment, and outcomes.

Tip 3: Visit the schools

The best way to evaluate a preschool is to see it in person. You can schedule a tour or attend an open house to observe the classrooms, the playgrounds, the facilities, and the staff. You can also talk to the director, the aides and assistants, and other parents to get more information and feedback. Pay attention to:

• how the children interact with each other and with the adults
• how the aides and assistants manage the classroom
• how they implement the curriculum; and
• how the environment is safe and stimulating

For example, you may want to see if the children are engaged and happy, if the staff are responsive and supportive, if the activities are varied and appropriate, and if the space is clean and organized.

Tip 4: Compare and contrast

After visiting several preschools, it’s important to compare them based on your criteria and preferences. You can use a checklist to organize your notes and ratings. Some of the factors you may want to consider are:

• Their philosophy and approach. Does it align with your values and goals for your child’s education? Does it suit your child’s personality and learning style? For example, Olney, MD preschool age programs implement the Creative Curriculum®, a curriculum approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Others may have a different approach.
• The range of activities. Does it cover all the domains of development, such as cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative? Does it offer a balance of structured and unstructured play? Does it incorporate diversity and multiculturalism? For example, some preschools have a theme-based or project-based curriculum that integrates different subjects and skills, while others have a more traditional or academic curriculum that focuses on specific areas of learning.
• The teachers and staff. Are they qualified, experienced, and trained in early childhood education? Do they have a warm and caring attitude towards the children? Do they communicate well with the parents? For example, some preschools have balanced teacher-child ratios and high staff retention rates that ensure individual attention and continuity of care. Others have larger class sizes and frequent staff turnover that may affect the quality of instruction and relationships.
• The facilities and resources. Are they clean, safe, and well-maintained? Do they have enough space and equipment for indoor and outdoor play? Do they have adequate security measures and emergency procedures? For example, some preschools have spacious classrooms with natural light and ventilation that create a comfortable learning environment. Avoid those that have cramped or dark rooms that may hinder learning.
• The fees and policies. Are they affordable and transparent? Do they offer any financial aid or scholarships? Do they have flexible hours and schedules? Do they have a clear handbook and contract? For example, some preschools have reasonable fees that include all materials and snacks, while others have hidden costs that may add up over time.

Make your decision

After weighing all the pros and cons of each preschool, you need to make your final decision based on your intuition and judgment. You may want to involve your child in the process by taking into account how they felt when touring each center with you. For instance, if you are leaning towards an Olney, MD preschool age program, you may also want to revisit the venue, or request a trial day to confirm your decision. Once you have made up your mind, you need to submit your application and secure your spot as soon as possible.