We all want the very best for our little ones, so when the time comes for our children to start preschool, it’s a big step. Essentially we’re passing the baton of learning and development over to someone else for the first time, and especially if they haven’t been to daycare before it’s the very first step in their journey (and maybe their first time away from you). So finding the perfect preschool that feels just right is something you’ll want to put some time and effort into. 

Safety Ratings

Safety is perhaps your number one concern as a parent. You want somewhere that has a safe and secure building, and good systems that prevent any unauthorised people from accessing. You want staff that have been carefully background checked, have up to date paediatric first aid certificates and good experience. You want your child to be in a place where they can play and learn without any worries.

What Do Other Parents Say?

Parents know best, look for reviews online. Other moms and dads can tell you what they like and don’t like about a preschool, and it gives real life insights into how things are run and what kinds of experiences parents have had. 

Teaching Goals

Preschools can have different goals in how they teach. Some might follow the Montessori way, where kids explore and learn at their own pace. Others might be forest schools, where nature is the classroom or a Play and Learn school which gives an open approach to learning. See what fits your child’s style and what you believe in. You’ll also want to have a think about what you want for your little one. Do you want them to play with lots of other kids? Do you prefer a place where they spend more time outdoors? Knowing what you want will help you find a preschool that aligns with your wishes.

Keep an Eye on Fees

Money matters, it doesnt matter how incredible the preschool is if it’s out of your budget. Find out about the fees and what’s included, for example some preschools might have extra costs for field trips or special activities. Some might have lunches included whereas others you have to pay extra. Make sure you know what you’re paying for and if it fits your budget.

How Local Are They?

Check how close the preschool is to your home or workplace. A preschool that’s nearby can be more convenient for dropoffs and pickups, and your child might meet friends who live nearby. While you will want to factor in lots of different things into your decision rather than just how close by it is, having a preschool that’s local can definitely make things easier all round. So if your shortlist comes down to a few that you like equally, picking the closer one might help you to make your decision.