No one tells you that it’s a very serious decision to make when you’re selecting a preschool for people who still need to learn how to tie their shoes. But you’re sitting here, spreadsheet open, studying curricula for a three-year-old and looking up all the Pleasant Hill preschool you can! Welcome to parenthood. There are authentic choices available in Pleasant Hill. It’s the positive news, and the slightly overwhelming news at the same time.

The play-based programs allow children to take the lead in their learning in an organized way. In a Montessori classroom, children are free to move about in a well structured environment.. At Reggio Emilia children are treated as competent, inquisitive learners. Real results are produced by each of the philosophies — for the right child, in the right setting. Problems arise due to the mismatch..

Before touring schools watch your child at a playground. Seriously. Pay attention to how they dive – they dive in groups or they warm up slowly.. If they concentrate on one activity for 20 minutes or if they switch between 6 activities. If they can deal with little irritations on their own or if they need an adult’s assistance. That playground information is better than any school brochure!

One father in Pleasant Hill visited 5 pre-schools in two weeks. On paper all they sounded the same, he said. Then we went in one and she just… walked straight to the art corner and like, ‘I’m home!’. We enrolled her that afternoon. Trust that signal..

It is more important to have experienced and stable teachers than to have good facilities. A nice campus, but one with a high turnover of staff, is a yellow flag. Inquire the number of years that the current teachers have been teaching at the school. Inquire about why they are interested in early childhood education. Answers are revealing of true passion, not a job.

Logistics also make up reality. When a preschool makes it difficult to get to work on time, has long hours, an unreliable communication system, etc., it puts pressure on families and kids feel it. There’s a right and a wrong to choosing proximity and schedule fit, and it’s the latter that isn’t shallow..