For almost three years I dropped off my children to the same place, with the same people everyday. I have grown as attached (if not more) to the caregivers as my children have. They are amazing humans.
Saying goodbye to them on Wednesday was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. They gave me a village when I wouldn’t have otherwise had one in our new area.
Because I was so fortunate in finding a great preschool, I wanted to offer some advice on what to look for when you go on your own search.
Security
A daycare/preschool with a secure campus in very important. Find a place where they have a secure entry system and cameras monitoring the area. Ours had the doors locked every minute of everyday requiring you to ring the bell for access. Then a caregiver would come to the door to let you in and require you to sign in. They also have cameras in each room and surrounding the perimeter of the building. This made me feel safe in our choice. Be sure to tour each facility that you are considering before you make your decision.
Curriculum
When searching for a preschool, we wanted to be sure to choose one with a curriculum for learning. It was important to us that our children get as much learning as they do free play. Additionally, we wanted them to learn basic life skills. We reviewed the learning materials they had and were happy with what their focus was on.
Schedule
Our household has been run for years on a schedule. Although we frequently stray from the schedule, I try pretty hard to keep the kids on track. It makes our life a little easier when we both know what to expect each day. The preschool we chose felt the same. From potty breaks to snack time, circle time to naps. It was all done on the same schedule each day which I was a big fan of.
Caregivers
It’s really difficult to care for toddlers at times, try caring for fifteen at one time. Preschool workers are truly special human beings for willing choosing the chaos that is toddlerhood. Be sure that the employees don’t give you any bad feelings. Just because they work there, doesn’t mean they enjoy it and if they don’t, you can usually tell. Try to trust your gut when it comes to meeting your child’s potential teacher. Your child needs someone patient, kind, and understanding. We were fortunate to find that in our preschool, but that isn’t always the case.
Cost
It’s no secret that childcare is expensive, but honestly the amount of work these caregivers provide warrants the cost. I’m not sure I could do what they do everyday. While it is definitely an expense you have to be prepared for, you don’t want to break the bank over it. Find somewhere that is realistic for your budget and checks all the boxes. I can assure you – it exists!
Happy daycare/preschoo hunting friends!
