How to Choose the Right Preschool for Your Child: A Parent’s Guide

Ms. Danielle

Choosing the right preschool is a big decision for parents. The right environment can set your child up for success, fostering a love for learning and developing critical social skills. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the important factors to consider when selecting a preschool for your little one.

1. Understand Your Child’s Needs

Every child is unique, and finding a preschool that matches their personality and learning style is key. Does your child thrive in a structured environment, or are they more creative and independent? Consider how your child interacts with others, their temperament, and the type of setting where they may feel most comfortable.

2. Research the School’s Philosophy

Preschools can follow different educational philosophies. Some of the most common include:

  • Montessori: Focuses on child-led learning with hands-on activities.
  • Play-Based Learning: Emphasizes social and emotional development through play.
  • Reggio Emilia: Encourages exploration and collaboration in a community-centered environment.
  • Waldorf: Balances artistic, practical, and intellectual content to develop the whole child. Understanding these approaches will help you choose the one that aligns best with your family’s values and your child’s learning style.

3. Visit the School in Person

Visiting a preschool is an essential step. Observe the classroom environment, the teacher-child interactions, and the daily routine. Are the classrooms well-organized and inviting? Do the children appear engaged and happy? A tour will also give you a chance to meet the staff and ask questions about the curriculum, discipline policies, and daily schedule.

4. Look at Teacher Qualifications

The quality of the teachers is critical to your child’s preschool experience. Ask about their qualifications and ongoing professional development. Teachers with a background in early childhood education understand how to nurture and support young learners.

5. Consider the Student-Teacher Ratio

A low student-teacher ratio ensures your child receives more individual attention. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends a ratio of 1:10 for preschoolers, but smaller ratios can be even more beneficial, especially for children who need more support.

6. Evaluate Safety and Cleanliness

Your child’s safety and well-being should always be a top priority. Check that the preschool has proper safety measures in place, such as secure entrances, CPR-certified staff, and clear procedures for emergencies. A clean and sanitary environment is also important for maintaining the health of young children.

7. Get Feedback from Other Parents

Ask other parents for their experiences and opinions on the preschool. Word of mouth can provide valuable insights into the school’s reputation, the staff’s dedication, and the overall atmosphere. You can also check online reviews and ratings.

8. Consider Location and Hours

The location and hours of the preschool are practical factors that can’t be overlooked. Is the school conveniently located near your home or workplace? Do the preschool hours fit your family’s schedule? It’s important to find a balance between a high-quality preschool and one that’s logistically convenient for your family.

9. Understand the Cost

Preschool tuition can vary widely depending on location, program type, and schedule. Make sure to inquire about all fees, including any additional costs for meals, materials, or extracurricular activities. Some preschools may offer financial aid or sliding scale tuition based on your income.

10. Trust Your Gut

Finally, trust your instincts. If a preschool feels right and meets your criteria, it’s likely a good fit for your child. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to explore other options.

Schedule a Tour Today!

Choosing the right preschool can be overwhelming, but with the right research and thoughtful consideration, you’ll find the best environment for your child. At Truth Preschool Academy, we understand the importance of early childhood education and provide a nurturing, play-based learning environment where children thrive. Schedule a tour today to see if we’re the right fit for your family!

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Ms. Andrea

Hi, my name is Andrea and I assist with the Two and Three old class with Ms. Michelle and Ms. Claudia. I recently graduated from Chaffey College with an Associates of Early Childhood Education. I have worked with children for the past twenty years from ages three to eighteen years old working with a Tiny Tot Program and Teen Action Committee for The City of Ontario and working with Alta Loma School District after school program. I have found my love for preschoolers, and I am interested in pursuing my bachelor’s degree working with children with autism spectrum disorders.

Truth Preschool Academy has been a blessing to me to work with all your children daily.

Ms. Tanisha

Hi, my name is Tanisha, I am the teacher for the pre-kindergarten class. I have been teaching at Truth Preschool Academy for 4 years now. However, I have worked in a few centers for the past 20 years. I have worked with children aged two through four. Teaching children is an adventure. Some days I am the teacher and other days I am the student. My interests include meditation, cooking and reading which I often incorporate into my classroom setting.

Ms. Claudia

Hi, my name is Claudia, I am incredibly excited to be a part of the TPA team. I have been working at TPA for 3 years. I hope to inspire my class just like they inspire me every day. My native country is El Salvador, and my first language is Spanish. I am happily married and blessed with three wonderful children. I started working with children as a volunteer at different preschools, and since then I knew I wanted to be around children to help them grow. I grew up in LA where I attended school and took early child development classes to be able to work in this field.  I have been working with children ages 2-5 for about 17 years and I am still excited to work with them and help them grow in their own unique way.

Ms. Patty

Hi, my name is Patty and I have been a part of the TPA team for 2 ½ years now. I have worked  specifically in early childhood education for the last 6 years and have taught after school etiquette classes. I have also enjoyed being involved in many summer camp programs with children of all ages for the last 20 years. I truly love working with children and I am thankful for every opportunity I get to make an impact in each of my students’ lives. I have three children of my own and in our free time we love all things outdoors including hiking and pickle ball!

I believe every child has their own unique way of learning and that teaching is something that is done in all capacities throughout the day in both academic settings as well as through interactive play. I am so grateful to be able to love what I do and help make even a small difference in our future generation.

Ms. Michelle

Hi, my name is Michelle, I am very excited to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as a two year old teacher. I have a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them grow! I have 15 years of experience working with children of various age groups. My teaching approach is centered around play based learning, as children learn best when they are engaged in something of interest to them. My goal is to create a warm and loving environment for all children who enter our doors here at TPA. I am excited to be a part of your child’s academic journey.

Ms. Danielle

Hi, my name is Danielle, and I am pleased to be a part of Truth Preschool Academy as the Director. My top priority is ensuring that our philosophy is conveyed into our  everyday operations working with the children that walk through our doors. I am a huge believer in being a hands-on director  so at many times you will find me in a classroom working alongside our staff  or you may find me at my desk completing administrative work.  My interest in working with children began at an early age during my teen years. When I graduated high school, I immediately started my journey pursuing my degree in child development. I have been in the field for about 8 years now,  I started off with babysitting and soon after I began teaching at my first school as a three-year-old teacher. After leaving my hometown in Torrance, CA I began as an infant teacher and worked my way into the assistant director role which then led me to my director position here at Truth Preschool Academy. 

In my free time I love spending time with my family. I have a three-year-old son who loves to be active outside. We often go to new parks or experience new outdoor adventures. I look forward to working with you and your family here at TPA!

Ms. Kristy

Welcome to Truth Preschool Academy! My name is Kristy Rowell, and I am honored to serve as the Administrator here. From a young age, I have always had a special connection with children and a deep love for working with them, nurtured through my involvement in church activities like Sunday school and directing the children’s choir. Inspired by my passion for creating a safe and loving learning environment, I pursued the necessary certifications and coursework to start a preschool. In October 2019, after becoming licensed with the state of California, we proudly opened the doors of Truth Preschool Academy, a dream realized with the unwavering support of Truth Church of Southern California and Pastor Clifford Clark.

At Truth Preschool Academy, our mission is to foster a love for learning in every child. As the Administrator, I am dedicated to selecting only the most caring and qualified staff to ensure your child’s well-being and education are our top priorities. We understand there are many choices in early childhood education, but at TPA, you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. We can’t wait to meet you and your family and welcome you to our community!