Early childhood education options are increasing as early childhood education programs expand, giving families in some parts of the United States a dizzying array of choices.
Some states, such as Colorado and New Mexico, funnel state money into existing private preschools or childcare centers. Others, such as California, are expanding nursery school through the public school system. Some cities are launching their own universal preschool programs. In the 2022-2023 school year, 35% of 4-year-olds and 7% of 3-year-olds were enrolled in public preschools — a record high.
The benefits of high quality preschool are clear, as research shows, and children from low-income families stand to win the mostThey are better prepared for kindergartenwho have become increasingly academic are less likely to need special education and need to attend school less often. repeat a class. There are also longer-term benefits. Adults who have attended preschool are less likely to locked up And are healthier than those who did not.
Preschool was once reserved primarily for families who could pay, or those with low enough incomes to qualify for public programs. Now, hundreds of thousands of families have more options than before.
But how do you choose the right one? Here are some things to consider when looking for a quality preschool.
Adults should tour the preschool they are considering, noting the interactions between adults and children, the condition of the facilities, and other indicators of the quality of care.
In a quality preschool or child care center, teachers are involved. “They’re on the floor, they’re at tables, they’re asking questions,” said Amanda Batts, who oversees quality assurance for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, which certifies preschools. “They’re engaged in collaborative research with the children in their care.”
According to Batts, red flags include “disorganized learning spaces.” Preschools are inherently chaotic places, but classrooms should still be organized and clean, and children should have access to learning resources like toys and books.
Parents should ask what the educational requirements are for the educators, and how much they get paidsaid Steven Barnett, director of the National Institute of Early Education Research. Many preschool teachers have bachelor’s degrees and teaching certificates similar to those required for K-12 teachers. Many others have or are working toward a certificate in child development. A CDA requires coursework, an exam, practicum hours and an observation, in which teachers must demonstrate that they can apply those lessons in the classroom.
Curriculum is important in preschool because it guides teachers in planning play-based learning activities. A quality preschool or childcare center should be able to share its curriculum, Barnett said.
If a parent sees a worksheet during a tour, it could be a sign that the instruction is not developmentally appropriate for the child, Batts said.
Instead, experts say preschools should place a heavy emphasis on social-emotional learning — teaching children how to interact with their peers and manage their emotions — along with learning their letters and numbers. Those peer interactions are best practiced through play.
Some preschools advertise a well-known philosophy for early childhood education, often a European philosophy such as Montessori, Waldorf or Reggio Emilia.
However, individual schools vary widely in how closely they adhere to a particular approach, Barnett said. The most important thing is that a preschool has a coherent curriculum, he said.
Families weigh several factors when choosing a preschool. Many parents are looking for a preschool where the hours fit their work schedulesAnd of course costs also play a role.
Batts encourages families to identify and rank their priorities, “so you can find a place that meets — maybe not all — but the most important priorities for your family.”
You’d be surprised how many families qualify for free preschool or childcare benefits.
In many places, public preschool services and programs have recently expanded to help families with the costs of private preschool and child care.
The federal government funds organizations that help people navigate their options or connect them with child care. To find your local agency, Childcare Aware of America has a special search function on their website.
“Every state is different and in many situations it is most helpful to talk to someone who can assess your family’s individual situation,” said Anne Hedgepeth, director of policy and advocacy at Child Care Aware of America.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of a program, check its licensing.
Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but they generally outline health, safety, and staffing guidelines that preschool and child care businesses must meet. Many states have exemptions for certain types of preschools, such as small, home-based programs. The Department of Health and Human Services has compiled information on licensing and registration of childcare facilities for each state and territory.
Many states recognize child care centers that go above and beyond the minimum licensing requirements. For example, a preschool may require additional staff training or outline efforts to engage parents. In Alabama, private preschools and child care businesses can stars based on their curriculum, training requirements and level of involvement with families.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children also accredits childcare centers and playgroups, but many good quality centres do not strive for this qualification.
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