Deciding on the “Right” Preschool

I am an indecisive person and am an over thinker who care A LOT so deciding on what preschool (or school) program to send my children is a task. I sometimes wish I was a mother who just picked one place based on the most important personal criteria and went with it…but no, not me, I have to interview all the options and then debate between them all. Y’all I do not make life easy ha! But I pray through my relentless determination to find the “right” school for my children, I make the correct choice!

Our personal preschool journey, when we first moved to this area, I asked around to numerous neighbors and MOPS group members about the right preschool. It was my first time being a parent, so I followed what my sister did and others in the area, meaning I sent my son when he was 2 years old (though in hindsight, I wish I would have waited until he was 3). I remember going to the 3 closest preschools that I was recommended and ultimately deciding on the more “play based” and smaller preschool. That preschool served my children and our family very well. However, my youngest has a different personality than my oldest and because of that I am actively seeking a program that is a little more nurturing.

So after 5 years of going to the preschool we are used to, I have gone back to the drawing board and attempting to find the perfect fit for my son in his last year of preschool. And y’all when you start looking (at least in our area), it is like opening pandora’s box with SO many options. So I am breaking down how I eliminated choices and made my ultimate decision.

First, I asked around. Warning, most people are very loyal to their schools so you have to take everything with a grain of salt. Most people make a choice and then stick to it, I am raising my hand here too! That is good in a sense that you like what you have and the saying “the grass is always greener” applies here. But asking around and digging deeper, especially when you find people that have switched preschools is invaluable.

Second, I looked on Facebook. I searched the local moms groups and even DMed people, that I had mutual friends with, that commented on the particular school. You can get a lot of information from people through social media.

Third, I visited the schools. After narrowing down the schools, I went and looked at the schools. I chatted with the directors and the teachers, I got a feel for the schools. While I am still searching for that perfect fit, I realize that I love parts of each school and can see why people stay put after they make their decisions. My conclusion after touring 6 different preschools is that they are all magical in their own way, they all have their pros and cons and ultimately it is about what is most important for your child and your family.

Fourth, I made a pro/con list and prayed. I wrote down all the pros and cons of the programs I was looking at and ultimately, prayed and talked to Drew and decided on what seemed the best fit for our son and our family. It gets pretty nitpicky, but the differences are important to see.

Lastly, I had Walker look at the schools and get a feel for it. Admittedly, I did this step too prematurely. I thought we were going to enroll him in a private kindergarten and then decide next year if he repeats kindergarten in public school or goes on to first grade…but after that meeting and another chat with his preschool teacher, we ultimately decided he needs a young-5s program rather than kindergarten. So unfortunately, the school that both he and I loved isn’t a true fit. It is hard to backpedal on this one, so just be sure you have narrowed down your selection before having your child tour the school.

And the real last step, hyping up the school to my child. This is the stage I am currently at, I want to make sure he feels good about the decision and not stressed about it, so talking about the school is important. Since this has been a lengthy process, I am not registering until my son until I know he is ready to make the change.

I hope that this helps you make your decision and in the least, I hope it helps you know that you are not alone if you overthink schools for your children. It is a big decision and one that you will know in your heart that you made the correct choice–choose the one that gives you peace 🙂

Happy parenting, friends!