Archive: finding preschools

Finding Good Preschools. How to I know?

We spoke with Kim Ginn of 4C for Children in Cincinnati, OH for her thoughts on how to select quality preschools for your 3, 4, and 5 year olds.

What Kim had to say:

Be sure to evaluate the physical environment of the Preschool.
1. Look for a clean, safe, and healthy environment. The space should be free of potential safety hazards.
2. Ask about policies on storing and distributing medication.
3. Are the teachers and staff trained in first aid?
4. Is the outdoor play area fenced?
5. Are emergency and exit plans posted and drills practiced regularly?

The importance of group size and ratios
Lower ratios allow teachers to respond and support children’s individual development and learning needs. NAEYC, National Association of Education of Young Children, reccomends 1 teacher for every 10 children with no more than 20 children in a group. A group is the number of children in a room and/or doing the same activities.

Qualified teachers and ongoing training are important for up to date understanding on how children learn and grow.

Trained teachers will:
1. engage children in conversation at the child’s eye level
2. ask who, what, when, where, why, and how questions
3. allow children to choose their own activities and toys most of the time
4. encourage the children to solve their own problems

In a qualified teacher’s classroom you will see boys and girls playing together and hear music, laughter, and singing.

Find quality state and parent rated preschools at MomTrusted.com

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