The Castle Foundation works with high-quality preschools with good social, emotional, and cognitive outcomes for Hawaii’s children. For parents and for many foundations what are the top things to consider when choosing a good preschool to to invest in?
article from Kelly’s Thoughts On Things, August 18, 2024

The first few years of a child’s life are significant to their cognitive and social development This is why so many parents put serious thought into the decision.
Education is not solely about learning basic skills but also about nurturing the whole child and developing a lifelong love for learning.
In this article, we will outline several factors, helping you make the best decision possible for your child and family. Here are some of the top things to look for:

Nurturing and Supportive Classroom Structure
A quality preschool will offer a learning environment that is safe, clean, and filled with materials that promote learning and exploration. Look for schools with specific learning areas dedicated to different activities, such as an area for reading, one for playing, and a different zone for arts and crafts. Natural light and well-ventilated spaces can also make the learning environment more pleasant and conducive to focus.

Physical Environment and Open Space
When touring preschools, check for open spaces that allow children to move freely — to play, explore, and learn independently. Outdoor spaces are equally important and should promote learning and physical activity, reinforcing a balanced education.

Materials, Toys, and Educational Tools
Toys and materials should be safe, age-appropriate, and intellectually stimulating. Look for items that encourage creativity, like art and craft supplies, and those fostering cognitive development, such as puzzles and age-appropriate books. Beyond that, notice if the materials look well-cared-for and organized. A well-organized preschool should have its materials sorted systematically, and accessible to the children. It suggests the school’s serious commitment to the children’s development and reflects the quality of preschool you’d want to opt for.

Staff Qualifications and Teacher-Student Ratios
The teacher-student ratio is another important thing to consider when choosing a preschool. Each state has requirements for an acceptable number of preschool students per teacher. However, many preschools will exceed state-mandated requirements with even smaller classroom sizes. For example, Ekobé School of Learning in San Diego shares that they strive to maintain child-to-teacher ratios lower than those required by the State of California licensing. Seeking out preschools that exceed state requirements will help you find the best choice for your child’s education. Parents should also consider the qualifications of the staff and the quality of the teacher-child interactions. A qualified, experienced staff can provide a high level of care that can greatly benefit your child’s development. In addition to formal qualifications, teachers should exhibit genuine enthusiasm for teaching and be well-versed in early childhood development. They should demonstrate patience, empathy, and a commitment to providing a nurturing environment for the kids. To evaluate this, try observing as many day-to-day interactions as possible when you tour a preschool. You could also try to speak with current parents to see their experiences with the teachers.

Curriculum and Teaching Methods
The preschool’s teaching philosophy is another thing to consider. Common teaching philosophies include Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. All of these approaches help promote creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills and go beyond academics to ensure the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination. Parents should take this into account and look for a preschool whose philosophy reflects their family values. Parents should feel like the preschool is a good match for their child’s learning style.

Inclusivity and Cultural Awareness Practices
A top-notch preschool will create an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, instilling a sense of respect and appreciation for individual differences among children. When exploring potential preschools, it’s important to ensure that they wholeheartedly embrace diversity, integrating cultural education into both their curriculum and various activities.

In conclusion, choosing the right preschool for your little one is a nuanced process, requiring thoughtful consideration of several aspects including the structure and quality of the learning environment, the curriculum and teaching methods employed, the types of learning materials present, cultural awareness practices, and the quality of the staff. And ultimately, go with your gut! In addition to the top factors to consider, trust your instincts to tell you if the preschool will be a good fit for your child and family.