There are various reasons to send your child to day care; perhaps you are going back to work or having another baby. Many parents opt for preschool so their kids can develop social skills and acclimate to a school environment before entering kindergarten. No matter the reason, here are three choices to contemplate before picking a preschool for your little one.
- Private Preschool
Since early childhood education isn’t mandated in the United States, most day cares and preschools are private. Many establishments have programs serving a range of ages, from infants through five-year-olds. Some private elementary schools also offer pre-K, which can be a good option if you’re considering sending your child to the same school for kindergarten and beyond. You can search online for private schools in Redmond WA, or wherever you live, to find out more about the private preschool offerings in your community.
- Public Preschool
State-funded preschools, often known as universal pre-K programs, do exist in some states. If you live in a state that offers this service, you may be able to send your child to prekindergarten free of cost. However, certain eligibility requirements may exist, and public preschool programs usually serve only four-year-old children. If universal pre-K is available to your child and meets the needs of your family, it can be a great option for preschool – and can save you a lot of money too!
- In-Home Day Care
If you’re not a fan of commercial child care centers, in-home day care might be a good solution. As the name suggests, these programs are hosted in the home of an individual – usually a professional caregiver. Some parents prefer the in-home setup because it is often more personalized, with fewer children and a more flexible curriculum. Regulation of in-home day care centers varies by state, so if you take this route, make sure that the center you choose is licensed or accredited.
There are no wrong answers when it comes to choosing a preschool for your youngster. As long as you do your research and select a program that fits your family’s needs and values, you’ll all be smiling on the first day of school!