All parents have had or will have the same challenging decision: What is the best school for my child?

It is the right of all children to have the opportunity for quality care. In addition, all children can and will learn given the proper opportunity.  However, not all schools match all families' needs.  Some key points to keep in mind may facilitate this anxious time for all parents.

Is the school religious based  or non-sectarian?  How important is it for you to have both religion and academics interrelated? Chances are that if you are already attending a church, temple or another religious community, your child will inevitably be exposed enough to develop some type of faith.  Also, perhaps placing your child in a non-sectarian school environment may help your child to become more empathetic to other groups and to develop better socialization skills (getting along with others is a life-long skill!)

Another important factor is the type of curriculum a school offer.  Although most schools strive for academics and socialization, it is imperative to know how will the school's curriculum address and provide YOUR CHILD'S learning needs. All parents have the right to ask as many questions as he/she may need to have answered.  DO DO IT!  Your child deserves it!

Beware of jargon used by school directors.  Don't let language that you may not understand confuse you or elude you to think that just because it sounds professional that is must be so.  NOT AT ALL!  ASK QUESTIONS -  LOTS!

Finally, the best way to "feel" the school is to be present.  Bring your child to the center and let her/him "feel" it.  Listen to your child's response to the people at the center and to the school environment.  You know your child better than anyone will ever do.  Trust your intuition and don't forget to ASK QUESTIONS to everyone at the center, specially the ones working directly with your child.

Some things to ask: Teacher's Training; Teacher's Philosophy of Teaching, Director's Training; Curriculum and how it relates to your specific child; What is the school's plan in case my child has any issues (biting, speech, emotional, academic, etc); How does the school integrate parents in the program; and most importantly: how will this program prepare my child to a lifelong desire for learning?

Fernanda Durlene, Executive Director-Happy Hippo Preschool