Preparing for preschool: making the best choice for your child

Ebony, August, 2004 by Nikitta A. Foston

AFTER the diapers, bottles, and late-night feedings, parents face another battery of choices for their children--preschool. But with the volume of choices available, how do you know which to choose? Which program is best for your child? And is your child ready?

According to experts, preschool decisions are as individual as the child. "Parents must assess the specific needs of their child and then look for a preschool that best matches those needs," says Tanya McCray, an early childhood specialist in suburban Chicago. "A parent is the best estimator of a child's ability to benefit from a particular preschool environment. So it's important for a parent to know what satisfies a child's thirst for learning and then look for a preschool that supports that."

There are several important factors parents should consider before sending their children to an establishment where, for a part of the day, someone outside the family will be responsible for their growth and well-being. The following steps should be taken during your search:

Choose a Day Care Center or a Preschool.

Most preschools offer a structured environment, regular curriculum and age-appropriate socialization for children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 6. Day care centers, on the other hand, accept infants as young as 6 weeks old through kindergarten, offer extended hours, as well as before-and after-school programs. Both preschools and day care centers must meet the same licensing requirements (and accreditation in some cases) through the same agencies.

Think Outside the Box.

Although academics are important, attention to African-American heritage and culture should also be considered. "Unfortunately, some African-American parents do not include history and culture as primary interests when selecting a school," says Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu, author of Developing Positive Self-Images and Discipline in Black Children. "Instead, their primary focus is academics. Schools like the Marva Collins program and curriculums in almost exclusively-White suburban school districts are where many Black parents gravitate first."

Dr. Jan Summers, a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker, agrees. "Schools that offer strong academics and discipline may get parents' attention, but they may have larger groups that are not conducive to the attention and nurturing that preschoolers need," she says. "When you don't get individual attention and your needs are not met, children may become adults who are cold and unable to express themselves emotionally, socially or academically."

Look for Culture in the Curriculum.

Many experts agree that a well-balanced curriculum is ideal fur a preschool child. "The ideal curriculum would be an Afrocentric-Montessori curriculum, because then you're getting the best of both worlds," says Dr. Kunjufu, also author of Black Students-Middle-Class Teachers. "With an Afrocentric curriculum, the outlook of the world is from an African perspective. When discussing time periods, theories and values, the first question we ask is, 'What were Black people doing then?' In a Montessori curriculum, the emphasis is on movement, activity and allowing children to express themselves naturally." Combining these two schools of thought gives a child a healthy balance of instruction, expression and heritage.

Dr. Summers, former director of a nursery center and author of Strategies for Dealing with Defensive Children, utilized an Afrocentric theme once a week in her nursery school. "We used Afrocentric themes, images, books and values, all of which helped to give the children a sense of self. This allows African-American children to create the building blocks of self-esteem, self-awareness and confidence."

Look For Specifics in the Classroom.

Once you have your list in hand and have narrowed your choices, take a visit, along with your child, to the school. The most stimulating environments are light, bright, airy and offer daily outdoor activities. "Additionally, each child should have his or her own individual space, rather than a large room separated by partitions. Because preschoolers have high sensory perception levels, that 'overlap' may provide too much stimulation and detract from their focus," says Dr. Summers. "Also, make sure there is sand, water, clay and things that allow children to form objects. This encourages expression of feelings through play."

Check the curriculum for an adequate balance between group programs, quiet time, storytelling, singing, dancing, socializing, arts and crafts, meals, snacks and free time. "TV and videos should not play a big part in your child's day," according to a report by Babycenter.com. "The curriculum should change over time, providing your child with the chance to try something new and should be adjusted to match each child's abilities and skill levels." Before you visit a school prepare a comprehensive list of questions, bring a notebook and ask for a copy of the curriculum and general policy.

Talk to the Teachers and Staff.

"During your visit, look for teachers who show a love of children and dedication to their welfare," says Peggy Gisler and Marge Eberts, in a report by familyeducation.com. "Teachers should gently guide and instruct them, answer their questions and foster their self-confidence. Be sure to find out about a teacher's training and credentials." Preschool teachers should be educated with at least two years of college, have a background in early childhood education (though many states don't require this to be mandatory) and CPR or other emergency training.