Madison is bored at home, and she doesn’t enjoy her playgroup anymore. Her parents think she is ready for something different, a place where she can play and make new friends, where she’ll learn what she needs to know to be ready for kindergarten.  It’s time to find a preschool for Madison. But how do they find the right  preschool for her?
Starting preschool is a significant event for every child. For many, it is the first time they are routinely away from home and their parents, so it is a big step toward independence.  It is also an important milestone for parents who may find it difficult to see their children growing up and beginning to have important experiences without them.
Choosing the right preschool may seem daunting.  Parents want to find a place where they can trust that their children will be happy, where they will grow and learn and enjoy the other children and adults.  But parents also want to find a preschool where they will feel welcomed and included, and the program must be convenient and affordable.
 Are the children happy? Are they interested and involved in the activities, or are many of them wandering aimlessly around the room looking for something to do? Are they able to manage their own behavior, or are they dependent on the teachers to keep them focused and out of trouble? Do they seem to like the teachers or do they avoid them? How do they act toward each other?
Finding the right preschool can be complicated, but it is made easier by following five basic steps:
STEP 1: DEFINING INITIAL CRITERIA
What does your child need and what are your expectations? Before the search begins, think about your child and consider what is compatible with who she is and what she needs in a preschool program. Then think about your expectations. Your child’s needs and your expectations become the initial criteria for evaluating programs.
In the following example, notice how Madison’s parents accomplish this.
Her parents realize that Madison is a very busy child.  She loves to explore everything, especially when she can share her discoveries with someone. She loves to play. Madison's  also imaginative.  She dictates elaborate stories and often plays dress-up, pretending to be characters from her favorite books.  Sometimes she tries to count as she’s playing with her blocks, and she’s learning the letters in her name.  She likes to learn things in her own way.
Madison’s parents begin the search for a preschool where she’ll be able to play and participate in a wide variety of activities. They will look for a place where the teachers are sensitive, kind and will enthusiastically support Madison as she learns. They want to find a preschool that prepares her for kindergarten, and one where the other children are friendly and Madison will be happy.  They also want to find a preschool that is conveniently located and within their budget.
So, Madison’s parents have decided on their initial criteria for evaluating a program.  They will look for a preschool that offers Madison opportunities for play and individualized learning. They will look for a preschool that prepares Madison for kindergarten, is close to home and not too expensive.
STEP 2: FINDING PROGRAMS IN YOUR AREA
To find preschools in your area, ask friends for suggestions, explore resources at the library and search for local preschool programs on the Internet.  From your search, you’ll find a variety of programs including structured academic, play-based, Montessori, parent co-ops, and more. (Descriptions of different types of program are also online.)
After selecting a couple of preschools to explore further, schedule interviews with the directors and arrange to observe the classrooms.
STEP 3: MEETING WITH THE PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
During this meeting, the director will typically explain the program philosophy and how it is implemented in the classroom.  In addition, she will describe any specific program policies (i.e. expectations for parent participation, early drop-off and late pick-up), as well as cost and billing schedules.  You will also learn about the teachers' qualifications and experience, and about any accreditation, certification, ratings or special awards earned for program quality.  You should feel comfortable asking any questions you have about the program.
STEP 4: OBSERVING IN THE CLASSROOM
This is a critical part of the decision-making process because you will see the program in action. As you observe, try to imagine your child in the classroom.
While observing, notice the materials and activities available in the room. Will they be interesting and challenging for your child?  Is there enough to do so she won’t be bored, but not too much that she might be overwhelmed?
Notice how the teachers act toward the children. Are they engaged with them in many activities, or is their involvement focused on resolving conflicts and discipline? How do they teach? Do they teach informally using questions and discussion or do they teach using formal lessons with worksheets, repetition and rewards?
Also observe the children. Are they happy? Are they interested and involved in the activities, or are many of them wandering aimlessly around the room looking for something to do? Are they able to manage their own behavior, or are they dependent on the teachers to keep them focused and out of trouble? Do they seem to like the teachers or do they avoid them? How do they act toward each other?
Step 5: MAKING THE CHOICE
After gathering all the information, it’s time to make a choice. Reflect on what you learned and answer these questions:
Did you like this program? Would you want your child here? Why?
Then think more specifically about how the program measures up against your criteria.
How does this program meet your child’s needs?
How does this program meet your needs and expectations?
When you are comfortable with a program and determine it meets your and your child’s needs and your expectations, then you’ve probably found the right preschool.  Now you can confidently make your choice.
M. Therese Gnezda is an early childhood consultant and conducts parenting education workshops in the Washington, D.C., area.