Choosing the right preschool program for your child can feel overwhelming with so many options available. A great place to start is by touring recommended programs, and spending time in the environment to see how it feels. It’s good to ask yourself, “Can I picture my child here?” Trusting your instincts as a parent is important, as you are the one who truly knows best. Hopefully a tour is available, as I would be hesitant to enroll my child in a preschool that doesn't offer a tour or the opportunity to visit the facility and ask questions.
Be sure to ask plenty of questions, both about your child’s specific needs and the facility itself. Topics like the school’s safety record, teaching philosophy, and daily routines are all worth exploring. Also ask questions specific to your child’s needs. It can help to make a list of questions ahead of time and to keep adding to it as new ones come to mind.
Alongside your intuition, doing some research is key. One useful resource is the Licensing Inspection report on the Child Care Look Up tool at alberta.ca. I always suggest parents read online reviews, visit the preschool’s website, check out their social media, and, of course, take an in-person tour. If you’re fortunate to have a community of other parents with preschool-aged children, ask if their children attend a program they’re happy with, as their insights can be very helpful. If you’re drawn to a particular educational philosophy, try to find programs that align with those values.
In addition, think about what works best for your family logistically. How does the commute fit into your daily routine? Is the drop-off and pick-up schedule manageable? Sometimes a wonderful school is just around the corner; other times, an exceptional program is worth a longer drive.
Setting your child up for success begins with choosing the right preschool environment and helping them prepare for it. One simple way to start is by familiarizing your child with the school before their first day. You can walk or drive by the preschool together, wave to the building saying, “Hello little school!” and talk positively about it. Arranging playdates with other children can also help ease the transition by building social confidence and friendships prior to school starting. Some parents find it helpful to attend a parented program with their child beforehand, which provides a gentle introduction to a structured group setting, or having their child attend classes such as a music, story time, dance or a sports activity that allows them to be in an environment with other children and a teacher.
If you anticipate your child may experience separation anxiety, it’s helpful to create early opportunities for short separations. For example, having your child spend a few hours with a trusted family member or family friend can help them learn that you can leave them and that you’ll always return. This small step can build your child's confidence and make the transition to preschool smoother.
Each preschool program offers its own unique strengths so it’s important to consider what matters most to you, whether that’s small class sizes, second language exposure, STEAM education, free play, or enrichment with academics.
If you believe your child would thrive in a self-directed learning environment, a Montessori program could be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if a faith-based approach aligns with your family's values, consider preschools that incorporate those principles into their curriculum. Alberta offers a wide range of preschool options, so it's best to begin researching and touring programs early.
Some preschools have a waitlist, so it’s good to get your child in the cue even before it’s time for preschool entry. It’s truly never too early to start. Keep in mind that registration timelines vary by school, with some enrollment opening in January for the following September, so it’s important to start your search at least a year in advance if you want your top pick. Be mindful of application deadlines and requirements.
Ultimately, finding the right preschool means looking at your child’s interests and learning style, identifying areas where they may need extra support, and choosing an environment that aligns with your family’s values. Selecting a program designed to nurture these aspects is key to setting your child up for success.
Margaret is the Director of Edelweiss Preparatory School.
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