When looking for childcare, a safe, high-quality program with experienced teachers and staff is a top priority for parents. To help you find the right fit for your family, we’re offering guidance on what you can look for to identify an exceptional childcare program. While each child and family has their own unique preferences, the following guidelines are universal needs for excellent childcare for all families.
A Nurturing Environment
The learning environment created by teachers is an important part of a quality early childhood program. Exceptional preschool educators can build a strong foundation for each student’s learning journey and help your child meet developmental milestones and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. High-quality preschools like TGS require skilled teachers who can tailor their interactions to fit the personalities of each student they teach. If you feel welcomed and engaged by everyone you meet, chances are your child will, too!
Be sure to find out how the program you’re researching supports its teachers and staff. The Gardner School provides ongoing support for our teachers in a variety of ways to ensure they feel inspired and engaged in their important work.
Space To Play and Learn
Young children are full of energy and need to be able to run around, play, and learn. Look for schools that offer indoor and outdoor playscapes and spacious classrooms with age-appropriate toys, books, and activity centers.
Plenty of time for indoor and outdoor learning is an integral part of our students’ daily schedules at The Gardner School. Through play, children achieve essential social and emotional growth while discovering their gross motor skills, fine motor skills, flexibility, and strength! Our vibrant classrooms are designed with open spaces and learning centers to support child-directed play.
Safe and Secure
Every parent needs the peace of mind that comes from knowing their child is in a safe and secure environment. From building security features to timely communication with parents and certified safety training for staff members, The Gardner School maintains the highest standards when it comes to prioritizing the safety of every child in our care.
When you’re considering a potential preschool, ask about security measures taken to protect students and clarify the school’s drop-off and pick-up protocols. A reputable preschool will be able to outline the policies and procedures they implement to help keep your child safe.
A Research-Backed Curriculum
A set educational curriculum is how a preschool introduces children to literacy, S.T.E.A.M. education, the arts, physical activity, and so much more! When you ask about a preschool’s curriculum, ensure they’re using an established, research-backed educational program built specifically for younger learners. A preschool’s curriculum should ultimately support kindergarten readiness by providing scaffolded, sequential learning experiences for preschoolers. A strong curriculum meets children where they are but also facilitates growth as they begin to grasp essential concepts and skills.
A Partner For Parents
There are so many factors that go into choosing the right preschool for your child. This checklist we’ve created explores additional components you may want to consider when narrowing down the options. You can contact us any time with questions or schedule a tour to visit us in person!
