Expanded Preschool Programs: Key Factors for Families

Expanded Preschool Programs: Key Factors for Families \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Preschool options are expanding across the U.S., with states funneling money into private schools and public programs. Families now have more choices, but selecting the right preschool can be challenging. Key factors include teacher qualifications, curriculum, and licensing. Prioritizing a child’s needs and understanding available financial assistance can help parents navigate this decision.

Preschool Options Quick Looks

• Increased availability: Preschool programs are expanding, with more funding from states like Colorado, New Mexico, and California.
• Public enrollment: Record numbers of children are attending public preschool programs, with 35% of 4-year-olds and 7% of 3-year-olds enrolled in the 2022-2023 school year.
• Benefits of preschool: Early learning provides both immediate and long-term advantages, especially for low-income children.
• Selecting the right preschool: Parents should tour schools, observe teacher engagement, assess curriculum, and check licensing.
• Consider financial aid: Many families qualify for free or subsidized preschool.

Deep Look

As early learning programs expand nationwide, families are presented with more preschool options than ever before. States like Colorado and New Mexico are channeling funds into private preschools and child care centers, while others like California are growing their public school systems’ preschool offerings. Additionally, some cities are launching universal preschool programs to accommodate a broader demographic. These efforts contributed to a record enrollment during the 2022-2023 school year, with 35% of 4-year-olds and 7% of 3-year-olds attending public preschools.

The value of preschool is undeniable. Studies consistently show that high-quality early education helps children, particularly those from low-income households, by better preparing them for kindergarten. With kindergarten becoming more academic, children who attend preschool are less likely to require special education services or repeat grades. The long-term benefits extend into adulthood, with those who attended preschool experiencing lower incarceration rates and better overall health compared to those who did not.

Historically, preschool was only available to families who could afford it or to those who qualified for public programs based on income. However, with recent program expansions, hundreds of thousands of families now have greater access to affordable preschool options.

How to Choose the Right Preschool

Take a Tour
When selecting a preschool, families should take a tour to observe the interactions between teachers and students, as well as assess the overall environment. Amanda Batts, who oversees quality assurance for the National Association for the Education of Young Children, recommends looking for teachers actively engaging with children. Teachers should be involved in activities, asking questions, and guiding children through play-based learning. On the other hand, red flags include disorganized classrooms and a lack of available learning materials like toys and books.

Ask About Teachers and Curriculum
Parents should inquire about teacher qualifications and compensation. According to Steven Barnett from the National Institute of Early Education Research, many preschool teachers have bachelor’s degrees and certifications similar to K-12 educators. Others may hold or be working towards a child development associate (CDA) certificate, which requires coursework, exams, and practicum hours. A preschool’s curriculum is also crucial, as it shapes how children are taught. Barnett emphasizes the importance of a play-based, social-emotional learning approach, which allows children to practice peer interactions and develop essential life skills.

If worksheets are present, it may be a sign that the teaching methods are not developmentally appropriate for preschool-aged children, Batts warns. Instead, children should be engaged in interactive, hands-on activities that encourage learning through play.

Don’t Focus Too Much on Specific Educational Philosophies
Some preschools may promote a specific philosophy, such as Montessori, Waldorf, or Reggio Emilia. While these methods may offer structured approaches, Steven Barnett notes that individual schools often vary in how strictly they adhere to these philosophies. The most important aspect to consider is whether a preschool follows a cohesive learning plan that aligns with the child’s developmental needs.

Define Your Priorities
Families must outline their key priorities when choosing a preschool. Practical concerns such as scheduling, location, and cost often play significant roles in decision-making. Batts encourages families to rank their priorities to find the best match, acknowledging that it’s rare for one preschool to fulfill all criteria.

Financial Assistance and Subsidies
Many families may qualify for free preschool or child care subsidies. With increased public preschool funding and programs that help cover costs for private institutions, more options are becoming affordable. The federal government funds organizations, such as Child Care Aware of America, to assist families in navigating these options. This group’s website features a tool that helps parents find local agencies offering financial support.

Check Licensing and Accreditation
Once families narrow their choices, checking the preschool’s licensing is essential. Licensing requirements differ between states, but they typically include health, safety, and staffing guidelines. Some preschools may also have exemptions for home-based programs, but states like Alabama award higher ratings to schools with additional staff training and parent engagement. Accredited programs, such as those recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, are often held to even higher standards, although many high-quality preschools may not seek this credential.

More on Education