Indiana

Tips for choosing a preschool

Child/staff ratios

A wealth of research shows students in smaller classes learn better. The lower the ratio of children to teachers and aides, the better, so experts say a high-quality school should exceed the state's minimum standards for licensing commercial preschools. Minimum licensing standards are:


Age 5: 15 children per adult, with a maximum of 30 children per class.

Age 4: 12 children per adult, with a maximum of 24 children per class.

Age 3: 10 children per adult, with a maximum of 20 children per class.

Age 1-2: Five children per adult, with a maximum of 10 children per class.

If a class mixes ages, the ratio rules for the youngest children in the class applies.

Teacher qualifications

Ask the school about the education and training of its staff. Experts say quality instructors should have one of the following qualifications, or at the very least should be working toward one.

There are several early childhood certifications available to teachers. The most widely accepted is the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential from the National Association for Education of Young Children, or NAEYC. To obtain a CDA, teachers must receive 120 hours of academic or on-the-job training, and undergo an assessment and classroom observation by the association.

An associate's degree in child development or early childhood education, which is a two-year academic program.

A bachelor's degree in child development, early childhood education or elementary education with a kindergarten endorsement.

Accreditation

The NAEYC is the most widely used of several independent organizations that accredit preschools. Schools are evaluated for compliance with rigorous standards on class size, teacher training, curriculum and other criteria. To find out if a preschool is NAEYC-accredited, call (800) 424-2460 or log onto www.naeyc.org/accreditation/search/.

Safety

Ask if staff members have undergone a criminal background check, and if checks are ongoing or occur only before hiring.

Ask if staff members are certified in first aid and CPR.

Ask if the facility is licensed by the state's Bureau of Child Care, a division of the Family and Social Services Administration. To obtain a license, the center must submit to regular inspections and meet basic health and safety standards.

Does the preschool have regular fire drills?

What kind of security system is in place to prevent child abductions?

Nutrition

Find out how often meals and snacks are served, and ask to see several weeks' worth of menus so you can evaluate whether the food is varied and healthful.

Curriculum

Ask extensive questions about the curriculum. First and foremost, there should be one. Preschool is not child care. It's educational, and well-planned, hands-on, interactive activities should reflect that. Instruction should be age appropriate and improve skills that will serve the child well in elementary school and beyond. If the school allows prospective parents to observe a class for a few hours, take advantage of that.

Research

For a list of licensed preschools in your area and minimum standards of care set by the state, log on to www.in.gov/fssa/carefinder/

Source: Bureau of Child Care, Family and Social Services Administration

Comment: Good article. Parents should learn to ask all these questions and not be satisfied with centers and preschools who dodge these standards. When a place says, "It's not my responsibility," run for your life.