How Can I Find a Good Early-Childhood Program?
Finding the right preschool or kindergarten program can be tough. Before deciding on any early-childhood program, try to spend time observing in the classrooms. Here are some questions to guide your observations:
- Are children happily focused and absorbed in hands-on projects?
- Are children given the opportunity to decide what and where they will work?
- Do children have opportunities to play outside?
- Do children hear a variety of stories read during the day?
- Is the room decorated with the children's original artwork?
Beyond safety and supervision, which are basic, there are a number of key features that indicate that an early-childhood program focuses on emotional, social, and physical development as well as intellectual growth. To learn more about how to pick a good early-childhood program, go to the National Association of Educators of Young Children's website at www.naeyc.org.