As a parent, you make so many decisions about your child’s health, safety, and well-being each day. You think about what your child eats, their sleep, how they play, and who they spend time with. These decisions may seem small, but each choice adds up to who your child will eventually become.
One of the most important decisions you can make as a parent of a young child is where to send your child to preschool. The early years of a child’s life are rich in opportunities for growth and development, and it’s crucial to find a preschool that will support and nurture them during this critical time.
So, where should you send your child to preschool? There are many options for pre-K education. Finding the one that fits your child’s needs is essential. This guide will give you some tips on how to find a great preschool for your child.
If you are looking for a preschool in the Port Richey area, contact the amazing New Horizons Learning Center team now. Our preschool programs are designed to give your children the care and learning experiences they need in a loving, enriching environment. Call us now to learn more about our preschool programs or to schedule a visit.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool in Port Richey
A preschool can offer all the fun, enrichment, and care your child needs to thrive in the earliest years of their life. Young children are natural scientists, using their senses to explore the world and learn about all the people, places, and things in it. Research shows that a significant portion of a person’s brain growth and development happens between birth and five. It’s important to give children the tools, support, and skills they’ll need to thrive in school and life during this time.
Preschool programs give kids a gentle introduction to school. Kids develop listening, social, and emotional skills during preschool that will benefit them for life. Finding a preschool program that fits your family’s needs is essential.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a Port Richey preschool for your child.
Location
Taking your child to preschool each day (or several days per week, depending on the program) is a commitment of time and energy. Many parents benefit from choosing a preschool program nearby, allowing them to get to and from school more easily. You may also consider looking for a preschool near your workplace if your schedule accommodates drop-off and pickup.
If you are looking for a preschool in the Port Richey area, consider New Horizons Learning Center. Our school is conveniently located and easily accessible to families in the area.
Approach
While many people may imagine that preschool programs are all alike, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There are many educational approaches to preschool education, ranging from very structured to play-based.
Research suggests that play-based preschool programs better prepare children for all aspects of school and can promote better social skills. Play-based preschools nurture children’s imaginations and help them develop excellent problem-solving abilities.
Licensing
Look for a licensed preschool. Being licensed ensures the programs, staff, and facility have been evaluated for safety and quality and that there are ongoing checks to make sure the center maintains its programs consistently.
These three essential qualities will help you narrow down your list of possible preschool options. Once you have options that may work, you can take steps to choose the best of the bunch.
How to Choose a Preschool in the Port Richey Area
You’ve narrowed your choices to a list of potential good fits–and now the fun begins. Here are three steps you can take to choose the best preschool in the Port Richey area.
1. Set up a visit
Visiting a preschool is a great way to learn more about the program and staff. Setting up the visit can also tell you a lot about the school. Is the staff responsive and eager for you to visit, or is it hard to get ahold of someone? Can you visit anytime you’d like, or do they only allow you to come during certain times?
During your visit, look for signs of a nurturing preschool, including:
- Staff and children interact happily
- A clean, well-maintained environment
- Separate areas for playing, eating, and bathrooms
- What kinds of toys and activities are available
Ask about the center’s philosophy, policies, licensure, and daily schedule. Spend a reasonable amount of time observing and asking any questions you have.
2. Bring your child
Take your child on preschool visits. This will give you a sense of how your child feels in the environment. Is it too loud or crowded for your child? Are the staff and children interested in your child? Young children may not warm up to a preschool right away–and that’s OK–but you may get a sense of how they’d feel about attending preschool there.
3. Go with your gut
A preschool should be a warm, welcoming place where children are well cared for and have access to many educational experiences. While visiting a preschool, listen to what your gut is saying. Are you uncomfortable with any information you learned on the tour or feel hesitant to leave your child in the staff’s care? Follow your instincts and choose the best program for you and your child.
Finding a preschool in the Port Richey area doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Reach out to the New Horizons Learning Center staff now to learn about our programs or schedule a visit.
Find a Preschool in the Port Richey Area
If you are looking for a fantastic preschool in the Port Richey area, visit New Horizons Learning Center. Our dedicated educators create exceptional preschool programs that nurture kids as they prepare for school. Call us today to set up a visit or to learn more.
