By Rebecca Hastings

We were running errands when one of my teenagers shouted and pointed, “Look! It’s our old preschool!” Soon my other two teens were chiming in, “I loved it there!” and “That was my favorite school. Do you remember when...” 

And just like that, we were walking down a memory lane of craft projects, field trips, and even that time when the teacher helped with a loose tooth that just wouldn’t budge.

It made me happy that my kids remembered their days there as fondly as I did. Finding a preschool — or before that, a day school — may seem stressful but when you focus on the right things, you can find the perfect place for you and your kids.

Here are seven tips to help you find a day school or preschool your kids will remember:

1. Talk to other children. At the park, at the library, at your friend’s house. Find out what the kids loved doing on a given day or their favorite thing about day school or preschool. Ask to see their latest project. Most kids will be thrilled to share their expertise. You can learn a lot from kids if you pay attention.

2. Talk to parents. See what day/preschool they love and why. Find out if they are friends with other families there. Ask about the caregivers and teachers that make them great. The most important thing is to talk to real people. Don’t rely on social media for accurate information.

3. Consider the schedule. Does the day/preschool have a schedule that works for your family? The days and hours must align with your family schedule, but also with your child’s preferences. There are day and preschools with two-day-a-week programs and others that meet five days a week. Some schools meet for two hours while others are the whole day. Think about what you and your child would benefit from.

4. Ask about educational philosophy. Every day/preschool has a unique approach. Some schools focus heavily on academics while others focus on social skills. Some schools stress nature-based learning while others focus on the arts. Some day schools emphasize education more than others. Don’t get caught up in what these approaches are called, but think about your child and how their interests line up with what the day/preschool offers.

5. Talk money. The cost must work for your family. Consider tuition costs as well as extras like fundraisers, field trips, and parties. Be bold about asking these questions before you choose a day/preschool so you are not stressed later about unexpected expenses. Finding a program that your family can afford will create a less stressful environment for you and your child.

6. Find out about parent involvement. Ask how much parents are expected to be involved and make sure it is something you are comfortable with. Some schools ask parents to volunteer regularly during the day while others only invite parents for holiday and year-end programs. Extras like fundraising or events can also be a requirement. Day schools may have their own parental involvement guidelines, too. Find out what is expected so you know if you can participate at that level.

7. Ask to observe. See if there is a good time for you and your child to visit during the day. Watching the facility in action is one of the best ways to discover if it will be a good fit. Chat with some parents at drop-off or pick-up. Observe the kids as they work together. All of it fits together to create the atmosphere where your child will learn.

Finding the perfect daycare or preschool doesn’t have to be stressful. Be realistic about your family’s needs and how they match up with the facility. With these simple tips, you can discover a learning environment that will be perfect for your child. 

Rebecca is a published author and former teacher passionate about authenticity, faith, and family. In real life, she can often be found typing words, or driving her kids places. Connect with her at RebeccaHastings.net and on Instagram.