Watching your child grow up can be both exciting and nerve-wracking—especially when they’re getting ready to enter kindergarten. Fortunately, you can help them make this big leap by enrolling them in a local preschool program. But, with so many options available, it can be tough to determine which program is right for your kid. To help you narrow down the process, here are five qualities you should look for when selecting a preschool for your little one.

5 Characteristics of a Quality Preschool

1. Structured Curriculum

Preschool is designed to help kids get ready for kindergarten. To ensure your child has a good head start, make sure your educator offers a structured curriculum that prepares students for all the areas of learning that they’ll be exposed to—such as reading, math, art, and science.

2. Convenient Scheduling

Transitioning to preschool can be tough for both children and parents for many different reasons. One way to eliminate stress is to find a preschool program that fits your schedule. When classes are held at convenient times, you and your child will never feel disrupted or rushed, allowing you both to enjoy the process.

3. Well-Organized Classrooms

When you tour a preschool, take note of how the classroom is put together. Ideally, your child should have a clean and organized environment to learn in. In addition to good hygiene and safety, a well-organized learning space helps kids get comfortable in the classroom atmosphere that will be similar to what they’ll experience in kindergarten. It may also make resources more accessible so that students feel encouraged to engage with learning materials in the class.

4. Nurturing Teacher-Student Dynamic

If you have the opportunity to shadow a current class, take it. During your visit, observe how the teacher interacts with students. While the teacher should have good control of the group, they should also foster excitement, engagement, and encouragement. Classes that have a small student-to-teacher ratio tend to have this positive dynamic.

5. Good Recommendations

Talk to other parents about the preschool program to learn more about their kids’ experience in the class. Find out what could be improved, as well as what offerings are particularly unique. Since every perspective can be different, it’s smart to get a few recommendations before settling on a decision.

If you’re searching for trustworthy and empowering preschool programs in the Greensboro, NC, area, turn to Guilford Child Development. Having built local early childhood development resources since 1967, this organization can help connect you to a variety of affordable preschools—including Head Start/Early Head Start programs. Visit this organization online to learn more about these opportunities and other child care services. If you have questions about finding an educator for your child or current enrollment options, call a friendly team member at (336) 887-8224.