Choosing a High Quality Preschool

Dear Annie,
I have just begun to research preschools for my daughter who will be 3 in the fall. I want preschool to prepare her for Kindergarten. Should I look for a school that stresses academics? Inquisitive Ida

Dear Inquisitive Ida,
When you visit a preschool, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Chidren) advises you to look for the following things:
1. Children spend most of their day playing and working with materials or other children.
2. Children have access to various activities throughout the day.
3. Teachers work with individual children, small groups and the whole group.
4. The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork.
5. Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences.
6. Children work on projects and have long periods of time to play and explore.
7. Children have an opportunity to play outside outside every day.
8. Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups.
9. Curriculum is adapted for individual children.
10. Children and their parents look forward to school every day.

As you can see, there is a lot to look for in a quality preschool. My best advice is, when you visit a school - Are the children happy? Are the teachers happy? Listen for the laughter and you'll find a great preschool! Signed, Annie