Enrolling your child in a preschool program, like those at Joyous Montessori, can be a great way to help your child socialize with others while learning valuable skills that will be useful later in his or her formal education. These days, preschool programs are offered at various times of day to accommodate families' changing needs. Before you enroll your child in any daycare program, however, there are a few important questions worth asking to ensure that the program will suit your needs and that your child is a suitable fit for the program itself.
Is Potty Training a Requirement?
Depending on your child's age, it may be important to ask about potty training requirements. Some preschools will require all children enrolled to be 100% potty trained, whereas some are more lenient and will include diaper changes with your paid fees. If your child is borderline or has not yet begun potty training, it may be easier for you to find a suitable preschool program if you wait to enroll until after your child is fully potty trained.
Are Meals or Snacks Provided?
Some preschools will include snacks and meals (such as lunch) as part of your fees paid to the program. If food will be provided to your child, make sure you know what kinds of food they typically serve so you can ensure this aligns with your nutritional requirements for your child. Also, ask about the type of routine associated with meals and snack time. For example, are children instructed to wash their hands before they eat and follow certain table manners?
How is Discipline Handled?
Parents often have very differing opinions on how children should be disciplined, so you'll want to be sure that you agree with your preschool program's stances and beliefs on disciplining children before you enroll. Specifically, find out how teachers will respond to children who throw tantrums or physically assault other children in the program.
What's the Teacher-Student Ratio?
Last but not least, make sure the preschool program you're interested in has a reasonable teacher-student ratio. The fewer the children per teacher, the more one-on-one time your child will be likely to get. This number can vary greatly depending on the size and setup of a preschool program.
By taking the time to ask these important questions when shopping around for a preschool program that best suits your family's needs, you'll be well on your way to making a confident decision.
