Photo by Lynley Baker Phillips

Preschool has the reputation of being all about cutting and pasting, nap time and snack time. Although these things do occur in the majority of preschools, early education is big business. Preschools are striving to provide a beneficial environment to young children (usually between the ages of 3 and 5) that not only creates an instant positive impact on their emotional, social and intellectual development but also establishes a foundation of learning which effects the adults years later in life.

Scribbling with a vibrant shade of red or proudly singing the "ABC's" is great fun to young children. Such "routine" childhood activities, when experienced in a quality preschool, positively impact one's life long after they have moved on to higher education. The US Department of Education has found that individuals who attended a quality preschool are more likely to graduate high school, more likely to have higher paying jobs and more likely to own their house. When faced with statistics proclaiming such benefits of children attending a quality preschool, parents know that early eduction does more than simply teaching numbers or providing a chance to interact with a peer group.

Knowing that preschool cultivates such positive benefits for a child, parents understand that early education is a great idea. But how do parents decide when and where to send their child? Living in a large metroplex area such as Dallas/Fort Worth gives parents a vast array of preschool options from which to make their selection. Just like with any decision, having to choose from so many options can make it hard to decide on one particular program.

Decide what your family wants and needs from a preschool.

All families have different needs and desires. Such individualities also impact the decisions one makes for their child. When attempting to decide upon a preschool, think about what your family needs. Do you need a school close to home or one that has extended hours that suits the schedules of working parents? Preschools differ in hours of operation and the amount of days a child attends Decide what type of preschool schedule your family desires before choosing a particular school. Would you prefer that your child attends a religious based preschool or learns a foreign language during the time spent at school? Do you want particular learning styles incorporated into your child's early education? Discipline strategies also need to be considered when choosing a preschool. Take time to think about the type of discipline you want used in your child's prospective preschool.  Deciding what is important to the family when it comes to education is the first step to making a preschool choice.

Compile a list of local schools.

After deciding upon the values and principles you desire to be present in your child's education, make a list of local preschools that fit the bill. To find potential schools use local parenting websites to chat on-line with area parents and take time to scan the advertisements in free parenting magazines. Pay attention when driving around town running errands, making note of the preschools close to home.

Visit, chat and visit some more.

Once a list is devised, start talking. Call potential preschools and ask if you can come visit or if they host an Open House for perspective parents. Most schools have an open-door policy and welcome the visits of potential students and their parents. Observe a class and see how things run at perspective schools. Ask the director if he/she would recommend a current student's parent that would be willing to answer any of your questions. Talk to friends and ask them where their children attend preschool. Question fellow mothers about what they like and dislike about their child's preschool. A child's education is extremely important. Never feel embarrassed for asking lots of questions and seeking out plenty of advice when attempting to decide upon a preschool.

Assess the basics.

Once a few schools seem to be in the running as potential preschools for your child, assess some basic issues. Is the preschool certified and accredited (either through their particular certification board or through national accreditation programs)?  Texas has developed its own system for ensuring that preschools are not only teaching young children but also making sure they are equipped with the skills needed to perform successfully in the kindergarten classroom. Another basic issues to consider is student to teacher ratio, meaning how many students are assigned to one teacher (a good ratio is no more than 12 to 1) and teacher certification. Parents must also look at the facility itself. Are classrooms clean, playgrounds fenced and safe, and learning materials in good condition? Finally, examine cost. Preschools range in costs from being free (usually bases on a variety of things, such as income and location) to charging a substantial tuition fee.

Get started.

Preschool has been shown to be more than painting a picture and eating a few crackers with friends. It has dramatic, positive effects on the life of a child. It is not too early to begin thinking about preschool choices for a child. Get started on the process of deciding upon your child's early education to ensure that you make a good decision for your child.