It’s that time of year that parents register for upcoming summer and fall preschool sessions. For any preschool or daycare, we suggest you consider the following important aspects of any excellent facility:
Environment.
- A warm, inviting and nurturing atmosphere that is conducive to learning. * The building should be clean and secure.
- Toys and play equipment should be age appropriate and in good condition.
- What is the teacher-student ratio? Is it well below minimum standards? Are there one or two teachers assigned to each class?
A Qualified, Caring Staff
- A quality preschool should routinely offer learning opportunities for its staff.
- Staff should have backgrounds in early childhood development or related fields.
- Staff (director, teacher, caregiver) should communicate regularly with parents and be available for conferences.
Curriculum
- A good preschool will offer the academic (letters, numbers, shapes) while stimulating creativity and problem solving.
- Your child’s school should offer a variety of age appropriate toys and materials.
- It should have a state adopted curriculum and supplement the curriculum regularly.
- Weekly lesson plans should be posted.
Enrichment Programs
- An excellent facility doesn’t stop at curriculum. Look for the extra ways the children are exposed to learning such as special story times, Spanish lessons, and separate music classes.
- Do the children have access to computers and other technology that can support learning?
- Is it an ArtsSmart school? ArtsSmart, a program of Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council (TRAHC), provides instruction to teachers on incorporating the arts in the classroom as well as performances by regional and national artists.
Schedule
- Do you need preschool only or extended care? (We have both.)
- School year only or year round? (We follow PGISD during the academic year and have a 9-week summer session.)
Special Extras
- Does the facility go beyond the usual expectations? For example, at Williams School, we host special events each month. Every holiday is celebrated with a party or event. Additional events in the Fall include Western Day and the Thanksgiving Feast. In January, we enjoyed an indoor winter fun day. Dr. Seuss celebrations and a science fair will occur in the next couple of months. May will bring a Mother’s Day Tea and graduation ceremony for our fours. The year will conclude with an end of the year party in June. The summer session is similar to our traditional school year program; but, has more of a camp atmosphere. Each week has a different thematic focus such as transportation, around the world and circus.
Where ever you decide to place your child, I hope this check list is helpful. Of course we would love to have every child at Williams! Wishing you a wonderful Spring, Paula Hawkins Director Williams School is Online at www.welcometowilliams.org/williams-school or facebook.com/williamspreschool Registration Information can be found here.
