Founder Of The Sagemont School, Outlines A Focused Approach To Selecting A Quality Preschool

Choosing the best learning environment for preschool children can be difficult. Renee Goldman, an Early Childhood authority, outlines a focused approach to finding the best school for your child. End Quote

Fort Lauderdale, FL (1888PressRelease) July 01, 2010 - Selecting the best learning environment for a preschooler can be a difficult task. The steps below will help parents navigate the process of choosing the right preschool for their child and family.

Step #1: RESEARCH SCHOOL ACCREDITATION-Quality preschools are accredited by an array of recognized organizations.

Step #2: DETERMINE THE DESIRED TYPE OF SCHOOL -Consider the options of religious based or secular schools? Look at the features offered by a national chain or locally owned preschool (eg. YMCA, Head Start). Are you looking for a small environment (50 or less students) or a larger school (50 to 200)?

Step #3: PRE-SCREEN YOUR OPTIONS-Visit the school's website and do a Google search on the school. Telephone your final list of 3-5 schools. Use the following questions as a guideline, plus add your own personal questions.
• Is the school accredited?
• What is the total school enrollment and classroom enrollment?
• Has the school received any recognition for quality?
• Is the school secular or religious?
• Is there diversity among the students?
• What percentage of the staff has been with the school for 3 years? 5 years?
• What is the educational background of staff (college degrees, CDA credential)?
• Are parent volunteers welcome?
• What are the communication procedures used with parents (email, telephone, regular conferences)?
• Are prospective parents encouraged to tour the campus?

Step #4: INTERVEW FAMILIES OF CURRENT STUDENTS-Consider asking to talk with parents whose children are currently enrolled at the selected schools. Use the above list of questions to focus the conversations.

Step #5: VISIT THE SCHOOLS ON YOUR FINAL LIST OF POSSIBLE OPTIONS- Again, use the questions suggested above, plus add your additional questions. Does your tour guide seem to be knowledgeable? Does the guide spend sufficient time with you?

Step #6: ASK THE SCHOOL IF YOUR CHILD CAN SPEND TIME IN THE SCHOOL BEFORE ENROLLING-Please remember that a young child, especially a child with no formal school experience, may need a few days to adjust.

By using this outlined framework, parents will have the tools they need to make a thoughtful, quality selection for their preschool child.

Dr. Renee Goldman, EdD, Founder of The Sagemont School and Another Generation Preschools has been working in the education field for over forty years.

The Sagemont School is a private school serving preschool students starting at age three through high school graduation. This respected college prep school caters to the Fort Lauderdale area, including Weston, Davie, Southwest Ranches, Cooper City, Miramar, and Sunrise. For students in preschool through grade 5, Sagemont provides core concepts in a creative environment combined with weekly specials that include science, art, music, Spanish for non-native & native speakers, swimming, PE and media and technology. From middle school through high school graduation, Sagemont students choose from a variety of regular, honors and AP course work. In addition, students share in a networked wireless laptop environment and participate in a comprehensive guidance program for college entrance. Visit The Sagemont School Web site at http://www.sagemont.com/. For more information on The Sagemont School contact Dr. Brent Goldman, President at (954) 389-2454 ext, 305, or email to bgoldman ( @ ) sagemont dot com.

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