Brought to you by Prek Smarties, #1 in Preschool Education! In addition to this West Des Moines IA preschool directory, we offer many articles, recommendations, and learning tools for your children from the time they are born until they are ready to enter kindergarten. Check out PreKSmarties.com for access to more of our learning resources.
Looking for the right preschool for your child can seem like a daunting task. That's why we here at Pre-K Smarties have compiled a comprehensive directory of West Des Moines IA preschools. We also give you plenty of information on what to look for as you evaluate all your options. Every child is different and hence not every one will want or need to choose the same preschool. Only you can know what's truly best for you and your child, but we can sure help you in the decision-making process. Here are a few things you want to keep in mind as you do your research:
Some schools tout their academic rigor, standardized test scores, and promise your child will be reading years ahead of their peers. Others focus on fun, social development, and building positive relationships. Still other are focused on and incorporate a certain activity, such as dance, gymnastics, musical instruments, or other sports and hobbies. It's important to remember that your child is unique and to focus on what is best for him/her. Some kids need more structure and discipline, while others needs to have a place to run around and burn off all that excess energy. Some might be bored and crave intellectual challenges. But pre-school is just that - a time to prepare for school and the classrooms they'll be attending for the next couple decades. Don't be in too big of a rush to learn reading and math, without a solid foundation and healthy development in other aspects of life as well.
Remember, it's not just the total dollars you're spending that matter. You also need to consider the value of what you are getting, so that you avoid comparing apples to oranges. How many hours a day of instruction is your child receiving? How many total days do they attend class throughout the entire year? You may be making a mistake if you just compare the monthly costs. What is the teacher to child ratio? How qualified are the teachers (and remember, a certification or license doesn't necessarily mean the teacher is well-qualified)? All these factors will come into play as you evaluate the value you're getting for what you're paying.
How flexible is the preschool with you and your child's needs. Are they across the street, or across town? Is your child put into a lock step academic pipeline, or are the teaching style and materials catered to your child's needs? You need to make sure you're not placing unnecessary burdens on you and your family. It might make sense to coordinate with your neighbors down the street so that you can carpool together and not have to spend 30 minutes each day driving around town through traffic. You also don't want to get fined by the minute if you're late picking your kids up.
Here are some steps to follow as you begin 'doing your homework' on which is the right preschool for you preschooler:
You can quickly narrow down your search by browsing the websites for many of the preschools in West Des Moines. There you will be able to find some basic information, such as location, hours available, costs, a calendar of days in session, contact info, etc. Look for a mission statement or teaching philosophy to see if you share the values the school emphasizes.
You can find reviews and feedback in lots of places, but remember to take anything you read online with a grain of salt. It might be a school employee that wrote that raving review, or even other competing pre k schools in West Des Moines, Iowa trying to do a smear campaign by making up criticisms. Look at quite a few and you'll be able to get a sense for what types of experiences others have had, but remember that it's just a small sample you're looking at.
Chances are you have friends or family in the area that have sent one or several of their children to some preschools in West Des Moines IA. You might have some specific questions to ask, but you'll also find that by talking to other parents about what they liked and didn't like about the preschools their children went to, that there's some things you didn't even consider. It's great to get the perspective of someone else who has been there and done that.
One of the best ways to find out if a preschool is a good fit for your child is to visit the school in person. Make sure to come on a day when they are in session and during teaching hours, so that you can observe class time and teachers in action. While there, you can ask about other families in the neighborhood who you might know and whom you could talk to about their experience with the school. Typically, around 10 in the morning is a good time to visit, or early afternoon right after lunch time. You will be able to see first hand the atmosphere, equipment, teaching tools, classroom layout, and general feel. An unannounced visit also ensures that you are seeing the real deal, not a rehearsed and preplanned show.
Should Your Child Go To Preschool? -The Pros and Cons of Preschool for your children.
Finding A Good Preschool - What to look for when searching for a preschool
Guide To Finding A Good Daycare - Signs that the childcare is the right choice for you and your kid.
Advantages Of Childcare for you and your kid - The upside to childcare in addition to preshcool.
Preparing For Preschool - Guide on how to get ready to send your baby off to his first educational experience in a school setting.