30 of the Best Blogs on Choosing a Preschool

Beginning preschool marks a very important milestone in a child’s life. For those children that have one parent who stays home or that are under private, in-home care and have not attended daycare, it’s often their first experience with spending structured time outside of the home without a parent or primary caregiver present. Choosing the best preschool for your child depends largely upon your understanding of the different types of preschools, and what method will suit the needs of your family. These 30 blog posts all center around choosing the right preschool for your child through advice, information, and personal experiences.

Different Preschool Methods and Philosophies

Parents encountering the need to choose a preschool for the first time may not realize that there are actually several different methods and philosophies subscribed to by various preschools. The curriculum that your child will be following is greatly influenced by these methods, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the options available to you. These five blog entries are dedicated to explaining and comparing the most popular preschool philosophies.

• An Examination of Different Preschool Philosophies
• Preschool Primer Part 2: What Kind of Preschool is Right For Your Toddler?
• A Glimpse Into Different Preschool Philosophies
• Preschool Philosophies – What Are They?
• Preschool Philosophies

Montessori Method

A 2011 article by the Wall Street Journal revealed that a high concentration of America’s successful innovators in their fields, the “creative elite,” attended Montessori schools during childhood. Emphasis on collaboration and self-directed learning free from grades or traditional tests are the hallmarks of the Montessori method, and are discussed thoroughly in these five blog posts.

• My Montessori Preschool
• Montessori Mama
• Behind the Scenes in a Montessori Classroom: The First Day
• Montessori and Special Needs
• Montessori Preschool Math Education – Here’s Why it Works So Well

HighScope Method

The HighScope program focuses on “active participatory learning,” giving kids the chance to interact with ideas, objects, and people in a hands-on, personal way. A large part of the HighScope method is the emphasis on planning and reviewing, while encouraging independence and self-reliance.

• HighScope Curriculum Review
• HighScope Curriculum
• HighScope Visit
• Early Preschool: Where Children Begin to Develop a Love of Learning
• Early Childhood Education: The Key to Success in Life

Reggio Emilia Method

Much of the Reggio Emilia approach to early education is based around the theory that a child’s learning environment plays a significant role in how and what he learns. Under the Reggio Emilia approach, the classroom is called “the third teacher,” and is carefully designed for optimal learning and comfort. These five blogs explore the Reggio Emilia method.

• Beautiful Learning Spaces in Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschools
• Reggio Emilia Approach
• Reggio Emilia’s: The Loris Malaguzzi International Centre
• Reggio Emilia Approach to Preschool
• Alternative Educational Settings: Reggio Emilia

Waldorf Method

Early childhood education under the Waldorf method is based on principles of imitation and example, providing children with guided play and productive work, and also encouraging imagination in young children. Nature, local traditions, and folklore also play a significant role in the Waldorf approach.

• More About Methods: The Waldorf Approach
• Waldorf Preschool, Here We Come!
• Hunting For a Preschool, Part 2: Waldorf
• Montessori Vs. Waldorf Preschools
• A Tale of Two Preschools: Comparing Montessori and Waldorf

Finding the Best Fit

Whether you’re inspired by the imaginative approach favored by the Waldorf method or the beauty of Reggio Emilia learning spaces, it’s important to compare every aspect of each approach to determine which best suits your child’s needs. These five blog entries are dedicated solely to helping parents choose just the right preschool for their child, and are full of information on the subject.

• How to Find the Best Preschool For Your Child
• How to Choose the Right Preschool For Your Child
• How to Choose a Preschool Tips – 6 Must Ask Questions to Find the Best Fit For Your Child
• Choosing the Right Preschool For Your Child
• How to Pick the Right Preschool For Your Child

After comparing the ideas and theories set forth by these bloggers you should be well on your way to choosing your child’s new preschool. Tour the various options in your area, and don’t be afraid to ask questions while you’re visiting to determine whether or not you think that it’s a good fit for your family.

Taken From Find a Nanny