Sending your child to school for the first time is an important step, and a decision that many parents find it requires an education in itself. Experts agree that the ideal nursery school must follow the learning style of the child and individual skills, but with about 50 preschool programs offered in the region of the two rivers, how can you tell who is right for your child? Most parents start their “education” the old fashioned way – asking friends and neighbors. Admittedly, this is a good place to start because a good reputation is essential for any school you have to trust the care of your child. But it is only the beginning. The decision to choose a kindergarten has become as complicated as choosing a college – to multiple factors that must be evaluated differently by each family. Focusing on children by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), preschool and child care should help children develop healthy relationships with others. Ask the staff how to mitigate disagreements between children – do not contribute children to discuss their differences and reach a fair compromise? The teachers talk and listen, children in a calm and respectful? In addition, NAEYC recommends that children have access to various activities throughout the day instead of doing the same thing at a time. “Parents should look for materials for the classroom that children can work independently, and examples of children helping other children,” said Elizabeth Bradbury, director of the Vincent S. Mastro Montessori Academy (VSMMA ) in Little Silver. “The teacher must give much instruction or small independent groups, because each child has a different level. And one thing I want to see is mimeographed, because it focuses on the ‘teaching, not child-centered. ” Rumson Rosanna Fazio said that the Montessori approach is a good fit for his two daughters, as “encouraging creativity, self confidence and respect of the individual.” “There are some misconceptions that Montessori is not structured and Children have too much freedom, but we found that allowing children to be autonomous and learned to be courteous and patient, “said Fazio. Parents should also consider how teachers and staff to talk to children. Did you go down to their level, eye contact and speak in a respectful manner and tone, or not raised their voices to be heard above a noisy room? Personnel staff must have the level of promote education for your child’s learning and development by NAEYC. Ask what degrees and training teachers, and how long they have been with the program. A stable group of teachers can focus on children and establish stronger links with them. “A teacher must have a bachelor’s degree in education from early childhood if it is going to understand how children learn and grow, but many schools do not have this requirement, Bradbury said. “Our teachers have bachelor or master more than a year of Montessori training.” Relationship FamiliesFind how information and concerns are shared between schools and families. The teachers give parents a daily update of dismissal, and are available to discuss any major concern in a more private? In addition, parents can visit the school and observe their children? Many schools have restrictions on parental visits for security reasons, to find the policy of your school. “A good school will encourage parents to observe, so that parents and teachers can have a constructive discussion on the development of their children,” said Bradbury. “The ideal situation is one way mirror that allows parents to monitor their children, without disrupting the class.” InvolvementSome parents parents will enjoy all the possibilities of participation in the school day, may well choose a program of cooperation such as Tower Hill in Red Bank, where parents help regularly in classrooms. Find out what is expected of parents in their future schools. Many schools require parents to drive or frequent travel companion of the class, or the aid for special projects, parties or fundraisers. Parents busy with work or family may feel overwhelmed by the needs of some of the school. SchedulingSome schools flexibility to designate certain days and times for each group of age, while others have a flexible schedule to meet the needs of parents. Parents should consider whether it is more important to have a particular time or for a child to be with the same group of children each day? Also, check your school policies regarding early drop off or late pick-ups. Special NeedsIf your child has special needs, what type of hosting your school is ready to go. Many schools are now peanut-free, and others work with parents to meet the challenges of each child. If your child has special needs that you may qualify for free preschool provided by your school. Contact the district study of the Child team for more information. OccasionsDoes Balancing routines with your child’s special learns best with predictable routines or avoid a lot of emotion involved? Some schools offer a quiet and stable place to relax and explore, while d ‘Others seem to plan a party or a class trip every week. Does your child really need 45 minutes to a puppet show or spend the St. Patrick’s Day to eat the green cake, or will benefit from environment more predictable and consistent? Ask to see the class schedule to get an idea of what to expect. “We see preschool as the environment after the next home. It must be peaceful and give the routine that young children love, “said Bradbury.” We keep the children pre-K in the middle of a feeling of security and protection, and to bring our elementary school children on field trips. “In VSSMA holidays are recognized by a discussion on the history of the day and cook a special treatment, such as bread or pumpkin bread Irish. The age vs. mixed age ClassroomsShould choose a homogeneous class or with multi-age ? Each pooling arrangement has its advantages. In children the same age classes have many social choices between pairs that you can go to primary school and beyond. Mixed age classes for children which may be advanced in skill, but after another. “In Montessori classrooms, older children help younger, and in turn learn compassion and patience of the younger,” said Bradbury. Health and safety IssuesFind that doors are locked or alarmed. Stop firing in time to see if it is orderly or chaotic. Children are free to any person or verify identity before releasing the children to school. What is the policy on sick children or teachers? Is the park closed and adequate supervision? In addition the school budget, to know the other costs associated with each school in your account. Are there activities or materials fee, costs of school trips in the school and the funding obligations? programs need to be well RunAll preschool must be licensed by the state, but must be well maintained facilities inside and outside. Many area schools have taken the extra step to be accredited by the NAEYC, a process requiring 18 months of strict quality criteria are met. Parents can search for accredited schools by zip code at www . NAEYC. org. Above all, children need a safe and nurturing environment where they can feel free to explore and learn. If possible, ask if your child may test test “of a program before register. Your child is precious and should not be entrusted to the care of someone. The best decision is to put all these factors into the mix, and the personality of your child. Is it likely to succeed on a large class with many choices of activities, or do you need a minor, the more stimulating environment? Can you imagine him fitting in? You may have different responses to different children in your family. # # #