If you are considering a preschool or childcare environment for your child, chances are you may be feeling conflicted and overwhelmed. What is the right environment for my child? Should I keep my child at home? Should I choose public or private? How will I know what is best?

Here are some questions and things to look for to help you make your decision. Be sure to start your process early as many schools have waiting lists. When visiting the preschool, plan on visiting without your child and then again with your child if they allow. Visit several different types of childcare environments if possible — this will allow you to compare more easily.

Consider your child’s temperament when selecting the environment. Would your child be most comfortable in a small home setting or a larger preschool?

Consider your family’s needs when making your decision. What is the proximity to your home or work? What are the hours? What is the cost? Do they operate year-round or are they on a traditional school schedule? What is their policy for charging when taking a family vacation? Do they give preference to siblings? This could help you if you have more than one child.

What is the school’s educational philosophy? Does this complement what you are doing at home? Is the school open to questions? Do they provide parent education? Is it a daycare environment or a school environment? If it is private, does it feed into another school?

The teachers and staff. Check out the teacher’s qualifications and background. If it is a larger institution, find out if teachers and staff receive ongoing training and benefits. Do they seem happy there? This reflects turnover and the overall health of the school and ultimately impacts the quality of your child’s experience.

The policies. Find out how they handle communication and what their discipline policy is. It is important that you feel comfortable with both.

The most important take-aways should be to start early, do your homework, and trust your gut. A childcare environment that is a good fit for your family and child should be a positive experience for all — a place where your child can learn, grow, and build relationships in a safe and healthy atmosphere.

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