Traverse City Record-Eagle

Education

Related Photos

  • Jodee Taylor

    TC Cooperative Preschool
January 12, 2009

Entrusting Your Child: Choosing preschool important, but not complicated

By KRIS VERHAGE

TRAVERSE CITY -- Preschool isn't just about finger-painting and story time; it's about laying the foundation for a formal education.

"It's such a big decision," says Angela Sides, director of early childhood and special education at Traverse City Area Public Schools. "Who are you going to entrust your child to?"

But the process of picking one for your 3- to 5-year-old doesn't have to be complicated. It boils down to this: Do your homework before making your decision and determine which preschool setting best meets your child's academic and social needs.

There's no law requiring your child to attend preschool, but a preschool education is important, says Sides, who oversees TCAPS' Preschool and Kindergarten Enrichment Programs.

"It gives your child an opportunity to have an experience outside of their family," she says, adding that preschool helps young children develop fine and gross motor skills, social and emotional skills, as well allow them to learn through play with other kids. "It's an opportunity to lay the foundation for academic skills."

Not sure where to start looking for a preschool? The Northwest Michigan 4C Council can assist you with the search. The Traverse City-based agency has resources both for and about more than 650 licensed child-care providers, including preschools, in 12 counties, says Executive Director Pam Ward. It won't recommend a preschool but it will refer you to programs based on your needs, she says.

Resource and referral counselors are available at 941-7767 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You'll be asked about your preferences regarding preschool hours, location, size and other criteria. Then you'll get a list of preschools based on your criteria. You can also visit its Web site at www.nwmi4c.org for referrals.

Typically, parents want a preschool that offers a nurturing environment where the teachers are involved, says Sides. She and Ward also advise the following when searching for a preschool program:

-- Ask yourself if your child is ready for preschool, states the Northwest Michigan 4C Council. Can your child handle a daily, structured program? How well can he or she separate from you for a period of time?

-- Understand both your child's needs and your needs, Sides says. Does your child like a lot of activity? What are you looking for -- a more socialized or individualized program? A program with a strong educational background?

When Jamie Schichtel of Traverse City was preparing to enroll son Brayden, now 41/2, in preschool she was looking for a program that allowed parent involvement.

"I wanted to be very involved in his early childhood (education)," she says.

In September 2007, Schichtel enrolled her son in the Traverse City Cooperative Preschool, which is run with help from its parents.

"It's a really good learning environment," she says, adding it emphasizes learning through play.

She's been so pleased with her son's experience she'll likely enroll son Gavin, 18 months, in the same preschool eventually.

-- Call and visit programs. Get recommendations from other parents. Ask about the teacher's and/or program's philosophy on early childhood education, Sides says. Also, when visiting a preschool ask what types of activities are offered and see how the environment is set up, according to information provided by the council.

Does it seem like a positive environment? Is there a nurturing relationship between the caregivers and children? Are there literacy-based early reading-appropriate letters and numbers, labeling and materials in the classroom? Is there a variety of play-based activities?

Also, the council suggests asking whether the school aligns with your family values as well as asking about and observing the way a school handles social and emotional issues.

Schichtel called three or four preschools but toured only the Cooperative after getting positive reviews from her sister-in-law and several others who had enrolled their children there. She met Brayden's teacher before he started school and clicked with her, she says.

-- Preschool isn't free. "Parents should think about tuition at their program and what might be their range," Sides says.

Schichtel says she learned more about what she wanted in a preschool after Brayden started at the Cooperative, such as the importance of a good teacher-to-student ratio and of building a rapport with her child's teacher.

But her advice for fellow parents is simple: "Follow your heart. Do what's best for your child," she says. "Go with what you feel is best for your child."

Preschool and Enrichment Fair

Preschools, licensed child care centers, day camps and other businesses that serve families will be exhibitng at a preschool fair at The Children's House, 5363 N. Long Lake Road, Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is sponsored by MomStyleNews.com, a parenting Web site with a northern MIchigan component.

About 40 exhibitors are expected, said Angeline Piotrowski, owner and editor of MomStyleNews. Each exhibitor will offer a children's activity as well as information about services.

Admission is free. Food will be for sale at the event; the 4C Council will have onsite referrals; and the YMCA is bringing a bounce house.

For more information, call Piotrowski at (888) 809-5012.

-- Jodee Taylor

Text Only