Preschool Prerequisites to Prepare Ahead of Time

Where does the time go? Was it not yesterday when you were bringing home your little “bundle of joy” from the hospital? Now here you are - trying to decide if your child is ready for preschool, what preschool to send them to, and what questions are needed to have answered prior to the first day of school. Like our little ones, we all want to start off the new school year on the right foot. This article will help you begin a preschool parent checklist by giving you questions to ask when your child is starting preschool. Keep in mind throughout this article that preparation is the key.

Some preschools have orientation days set aside prior to the school year. These are extremely helpful in providing information to the new parents or caregiver. However, for those schools that do not offer an orientation - or for caregivers that could not attend - all is not lost.

Common questions to ask your preschool provider:

· Is there a medical exam needed for clearance prior to the first day of school?

· Does the school need a record of the child’s vaccination history?

· Does the school need the child to have a dental exam prior to the first day of school?

· What is the tuition and when is it due?

· Are there late fees if received after above mentioned date?

· Is there a percentage off tuition if it is paid in full prior to the new school year?

· Is there a penalty on returned checks for insufficient funds?

· For the preschools that are in areas of other school districts that commonly close due to weather, what is the policy for their school closures?

· What personal information does the school need in case of emergencies, ex. Hospital affiliation, emergency contact numbers, etc?

· Are there any school supplies needed prior to the first day of school?

· What is the “potty policy?” Does a child need to be potty trained prior to the first day of school, and should an extra set of clothes be sent with the child?

I was wonderring though if you could add another section or two on the kind of learning that the parents can expect (what skills does the child need before starting and what they will gain), perhaps some idea of what they will need to bring or buy, snacks, when a child is sick at school, full days/half days and such? I am trying to think of anything along the lines of preparation for preschool as this phrase is not there.

-Do not be shy with asking these and any other questions you may have.

-Keep in mind that there are hundreds of parents in your situation when the school year approaches. Do not put off scheduling appointments, because the availability of appointments will dwindle.

-Use the “common questions” noted above to form a preschool parent checklist with room for other questions that come to mind between now and the first day.

The beginning of preschool is yet another milestone for both the caregiver and the child. By using these listed of questions to ask when your child is starting preschool, you can prepare yourself for what is to come. This will make the first day of school this physically stress free. Of course, emotionally stress free is another issue altogether!

Source: Personal experience