Your child’s preschool years will be full of fun, friends, and development. Finding a great preschool to support your child in the early years is essential.
There are many Pinellas County preschools. Finding the one that fits your needs can seem overwhelming. So, how can parents make this important decision?
This guide will outline how to find incredible childcare programs near you. It will help you choose the right preschool for your child by detailing steps you can take to find great care.
Contact the New Horizons team now to schedule a tour of our learning center or ask questions. We look forward to meeting you and your child.
The Importance of Preschool
Research shows that a child’s brain develops more during their first five years than at any other time in their life. Great preschool programs give kids the experiences, education, and enrichment they need to thrive in early childhood. Preschool also prepares your child for a smoother transition into Kindergarten and better outcomes throughout elementary school.
But what do children learn in preschool? The preschool curriculum focuses on introducing math, reading, science, and social skills in developmentally appropriate ways.
Children learn how to recognize letters and numbers. They engage in hands-on science, math, and engineering experiences. They also learn how to make friends, work with others, and follow a school routine.
How to Choose a Preschool in Pinellas County
As a parent, you want what is best for your child. One of the most important decisions you’ll make during the early years is where to send your child to preschool.
The process of finding a great preschool can feel overwhelming. There are likely to be many options in your area. Here are some steps you can take to make this important choice.
1. Explore your options
There are many types of preschool programs. You’ll find all-day and part-time programs, public and private options, and many different educational approaches.
As you begin your search, make a list of all the available options in Pinellas County. You may search online, ask friends and family members for recommendations, or explore local parenting groups’ social media.
Think about where each preschool is. Will it be convenient to bring your child there each day? Is it easy to get there by car or public transportation?
Consider each center’s schedule. Do they offer part-time or full-time programs? Does the center’s schedule align with your needs?
Learn about each center’s educational philosophy. Does it offer play-based, Montessori, or Reggio-based learning? Make sure the center provides the type of learning you want for your child.
Finally, make a list of local preschool programs that meet your basic needs.
2. Visit
Contact each learning center to schedule a visit. This process can give you a lot of information about how the school runs. Consider these questions:
- Are staff open to you visiting when it’s convenient, or are there strict visiting hours?
- Are you allowed to come when school is in session?
- Are the admissions staff responsive when you reach out?
When you visit, bring your child with you. Observe how the staff interacts with you and your child.
Pay attention to how they engage with the children at school. Are they warm, patient, and engaging? Do the children seem comfortable and happy at school?
Pay attention to several important factors in the learning space, including:
- Developmentally appropriate toys, equipment, and learning materials
- Designated spaces for play, rest, eating, and bathrooms
- A safe outdoor play area
- A clean, well-maintained facility
You should feel welcome at your visit. Use this time to talk with teachers and other staff members. Learn about the center’s discipline policies, educational approach, daily schedule, and more.
3. Ask Questions
Of course, you can ask questions before or during your visit. But you should also feel free to ask any questions that come up after your tour. Reach out to the center’s staff with any questions or concerns you have.
A great parent-teacher relationship is built on open communication. It’s a good idea to ask whom you should contact with follow-up questions.
4. Apply
Once you find a preschool that fits your child’s needs and feels right, it’s time to apply. Each preschool program has its own application process. The center may require you to complete an online application or submit documents. Make sure you know what information you need to provide and if there is an application deadline.
Learn About Our Preschool Programs in Pinellas County
At New Horizons, we know that children need a nurturing, enriching preschool environment to be their best. Our dedicated educators create fun, engaging educational preschool programs in Pinellas County that can help prepare your child for Kindergarten success.
Contact the admissions staff at New Horizons to learn about our application process or ask questions. We look forward to welcoming you to our learning center soon.
