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| How to Choose? |
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| ©2009 Play and Learn • McKinney, Texas • 972-548-2093 |
How to Choose a Preschool or Day Care?
The moment has arrived. Your little baby has sprouted wings and is ready to leave the nest – at least for a few hours. Preschool looms on the horizon.
Finding a preschool / day care that's right for your child will make their days pleasurable and stimulating, and give you peace of mind.
So how important is this? It turns out, very. Those crayons and pipe cleaners may look innocent enough, but how and where they're introduced can
have long-reaching ramifications.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, preschool plays a large role in later academic success. "Children in high quality preschools display
better language, cognitive, and social skills than children who attended low quality programs." They have longer attention spans, stronger social
abilities, and better language and math skills well into their elementary school careers. In fact, 20 or 30 odd years after they've put down their wooden
blocks and stepped away from the sand table, they're still reaping the benefits – they're more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to hold
high paying jobs, even more likely to own their own house.
The moment has arrived. Your little baby has sprouted wings and is ready to leave the nest – at least for a few hours. Preschool looms on the horizon.
Finding a preschool / day care that's right for your child will make their days pleasurable and stimulating, and give you peace of mind.
So how important is this? It turns out, very. Those crayons and pipe cleaners may look innocent enough, but how and where they're introduced can
have long-reaching ramifications.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, preschool plays a large role in later academic success. "Children in high quality preschools display
better language, cognitive, and social skills than children who attended low quality programs." They have longer attention spans, stronger social
abilities, and better language and math skills well into their elementary school careers. In fact, 20 or 30 odd years after they've put down their wooden
blocks and stepped away from the sand table, they're still reaping the benefits – they're more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to hold
high paying jobs, even more likely to own their own house.
 | Consider their reputation and safety practices | |
| Compare their schedules | |
Word of mouth can serve you well here -- talk with your friends, neighbors, and acquaintances about preschools in your area. You can learn
about schools with fine reputations and see what kind of experiences their children have had at them. Also review references or parent
comments from the preschools that are touring. Ask for personal and business references. Also find out how does the school ensure
student safety? How do they keep track of pickups at the end of the day?
At Play and Learn, we offer both personal and professional references in addition to comments from our current parents.
door is always securely locked and only people who are known are allowed in.
about schools with fine reputations and see what kind of experiences their children have had at them. Also review references or parent
comments from the preschools that are touring. Ask for personal and business references. Also find out how does the school ensure
student safety? How do they keep track of pickups at the end of the day?
At Play and Learn, we offer both personal and professional references in addition to comments from our current parents.
door is always securely locked and only people who are known are allowed in.
Some preschool programs are from 9-12pm, others are from 8-10am. Class times vary widely and can last from 2 -5 hours per day, for 2 to
3 days per week. In order to accommodate families in which the parents work outside the home, some preschool programs offer extended
lots of free play later in the day, and increased learning time). With thoughtful planning, programs combining preschool and child care can
work well.
Our preschool program is from 8-12pm with drop off between 7:40-8:00am and pick up from 12:00-12:25pm. We do also
offer extended hours where your child would benefit from an increased amount of learning time.
3 days per week. In order to accommodate families in which the parents work outside the home, some preschool programs offer extended
lots of free play later in the day, and increased learning time). With thoughtful planning, programs combining preschool and child care can
work well.
Our preschool program is from 8-12pm with drop off between 7:40-8:00am and pick up from 12:00-12:25pm. We do also
offer extended hours where your child would benefit from an increased amount of learning time.
| Consider their location | |
| Know what you want | |
Transportation is another important real-world consideration. A child who has to spend an hour in the car or on a bus to get to a really great
preschool might arrive too tired out or antsy to learn. For some children, going to school close to home can make it easy to continue
friendships after school and on weekends.
However, for those children who go to school near where their parents work, time spent in the car with their parents can be turned into
quality time, and it's often easier for parents to be readily available in the event that they are needed. Whatever your situation may be,
transportation considerations should be factored into your decision.
We are located in North McKinney, right off of Hwy 75 making us a close to most of McKinney, Melissa, and Anna
residents. We are also near many major employers such as Raytheon, the county court house, Blockbuster, and much
more.
preschool might arrive too tired out or antsy to learn. For some children, going to school close to home can make it easy to continue
friendships after school and on weekends.
However, for those children who go to school near where their parents work, time spent in the car with their parents can be turned into
quality time, and it's often easier for parents to be readily available in the event that they are needed. Whatever your situation may be,
transportation considerations should be factored into your decision.
We are located in North McKinney, right off of Hwy 75 making us a close to most of McKinney, Melissa, and Anna
residents. We are also near many major employers such as Raytheon, the county court house, Blockbuster, and much
more.
Know what you can afford and how long you want your child to be there each day. By knowing how much money you can spend on a
preschool program or that you just want a break a couple of days a week, you may be able to significantly shorten your list of preschools in
your area.
There's a difference between day care and preschool. Day care often offers more hours for kids of working parents, in a less scheduled
environment. Preschool programs tend to be shorter, and more structured. Decide your needs and look for a program that correlates.
We do offer an exceptional preschool program with an uncommonly low tuition rate. We love children and enjoy teaching
them. Our in-home environment saves on expenses so we can pass on the savings. Play and Learn offers preschool
from 8:00am-12:00pm. In addition, we also offer extended care from 6:30am-7:00pm. We strive to fit your schedule.
preschool program or that you just want a break a couple of days a week, you may be able to significantly shorten your list of preschools in
your area.
There's a difference between day care and preschool. Day care often offers more hours for kids of working parents, in a less scheduled
environment. Preschool programs tend to be shorter, and more structured. Decide your needs and look for a program that correlates.
We do offer an exceptional preschool program with an uncommonly low tuition rate. We love children and enjoy teaching
them. Our in-home environment saves on expenses so we can pass on the savings. Play and Learn offers preschool
from 8:00am-12:00pm. In addition, we also offer extended care from 6:30am-7:00pm. We strive to fit your schedule.
| Consider the school's philosophy | |
| Plan a visit | |
Different preschools follow different philosophies of education. Click here for a summary of different types of preschools or click on the
individual school of thought. Many are based on the writings of John Dewey, who stressed learning by doing. Many others are based on the
works of Italian educator Maria Montessori, who revolutionized preschools when she introduced her Casa dei Bambini in 1907 in the slums
of Rome. You're also likely to hear about Waldorf schools, the Reggio Emilia approach, academic preschools, so-called traditional
preschools, and others. Be advised that there's only so much you can learn by a school's label--the term "Montessori" means many different
things to different administrators and teachers, for instance -- and always ask any school in which you're interested to spell out their
individual philosophy and teaching methods for you.
More brain development occurs in the first five years of life than at any point thereafter. Educators have different views and approaches, even
letters to prepare them for kindergarten. It all comes down to learning style.
At Play and Learn, we offer a "play and learn" hands-on approach to educating your child, which means that we utilize
play with the right tools (called manipulatives) to guide your child into understanding core concepts. Our goal is for your
child to answer "play" to your inquiry of what they did each day! We want them to have fun and develop a love of
learning. We have incorporated the beliefs of numerous scholars (such as Dewey, Montessori, Waldorf, and more) into
our program to create a well-rounded curriculum that is the best for your child!
individual school of thought. Many are based on the writings of John Dewey, who stressed learning by doing. Many others are based on the
works of Italian educator Maria Montessori, who revolutionized preschools when she introduced her Casa dei Bambini in 1907 in the slums
of Rome. You're also likely to hear about Waldorf schools, the Reggio Emilia approach, academic preschools, so-called traditional
preschools, and others. Be advised that there's only so much you can learn by a school's label--the term "Montessori" means many different
things to different administrators and teachers, for instance -- and always ask any school in which you're interested to spell out their
individual philosophy and teaching methods for you.
More brain development occurs in the first five years of life than at any point thereafter. Educators have different views and approaches, even
letters to prepare them for kindergarten. It all comes down to learning style.
At Play and Learn, we offer a "play and learn" hands-on approach to educating your child, which means that we utilize
play with the right tools (called manipulatives) to guide your child into understanding core concepts. Our goal is for your
child to answer "play" to your inquiry of what they did each day! We want them to have fun and develop a love of
learning. We have incorporated the beliefs of numerous scholars (such as Dewey, Montessori, Waldorf, and more) into
our program to create a well-rounded curriculum that is the best for your child!
observe in a classroom. In order to observe effectively, stand or sit quietly away from any action, and don't try to talk with the teacher or
children during the class. Plan to stay for at least 20 to 30 minutes to really get a sense of how the class runs.
We do offer an initial tour in the evenings where you and your child may come and see the class rooms after the current
students have left for home. This allows your child the time to view the surroundings without the pressure or stress
associated with meeting their peers. This way, they can play in our learning centers with you (their parent) close by
which further increases their sense of security. This aids in an easier transition and less stress and anxiety for your
child. At the conclusion of that appointment, you may set up a time to come by during the day to view the class in action.
children during the class. Plan to stay for at least 20 to 30 minutes to really get a sense of how the class runs.
We do offer an initial tour in the evenings where you and your child may come and see the class rooms after the current
students have left for home. This allows your child the time to view the surroundings without the pressure or stress
associated with meeting their peers. This way, they can play in our learning centers with you (their parent) close by
which further increases their sense of security. This aids in an easier transition and less stress and anxiety for your
child. At the conclusion of that appointment, you may set up a time to come by during the day to view the class in action.
| Compile a list | |
Compile a list of preschool programs in your area -- talk with your friends, neighbors, and acquaintances about preschools in your area.
Think about the things that you want or need from a preschool. Is your child ready or are they clingy? Separation anxiety is a natural
occurrence at some point in nearly every child's life. Are you looking to socialize your child? Want them to be "ready" for kindergarten? Need
only a few days a week or do you need full time care?
Preschool is hard work for young children. After a half day, some are ready for a break from the activity and excitement.
They are tired, cranky, and ready for a little quiet time. Some of our students go home and take a nap, others stay here
and have quiet time then continue with free play and learning activities during the afternoon. We work with your needs.
Think about the things that you want or need from a preschool. Is your child ready or are they clingy? Separation anxiety is a natural
occurrence at some point in nearly every child's life. Are you looking to socialize your child? Want them to be "ready" for kindergarten? Need
only a few days a week or do you need full time care?
Preschool is hard work for young children. After a half day, some are ready for a break from the activity and excitement.
They are tired, cranky, and ready for a little quiet time. Some of our students go home and take a nap, others stay here
and have quiet time then continue with free play and learning activities during the afternoon. We work with your needs.
| Choosing a preschool program for your child can be stressful. Every parent wants their child to be happy and have a good education at the same time. There is a lot to consider when looking for a preschool program. Please schedule a tour to view our program. Let us help to put your mind at ease and aid your child into a smooth transition into preschool. Click here to learn more about our program. |
Preschool can be tricky for parents and children alike. It is often the first time that
your child will be away from you for an extended period of time. While most same.
Here's how to sort through the preschool mumbo jumbo, and pick the right place
for your child.
your child will be away from you for an extended period of time. While most same.
Here's how to sort through the preschool mumbo jumbo, and pick the right place
for your child.
| Look at the class room | |
How is the layout? Does it look inviting? Is it set up into learning centers (areas)? Is there enough items to keep the children busy and
happy? Or is there a shortage of supplies?
A picture is worth a thousand words, so look at what's hanging on the walls. Does everything look the same? Is all the crayon within the
lines? Some schools emphasize facts: "Trees are green." Others encourage imagination: "Interesting. I've never seen a purple tree before!"
Play and Learn offers many learning areas and well-stocked class rooms. Our students are happily engaged in learning
and playing all day. We do many projects and activities throughout everyday, some are individual projects, while others
are group tasks.
happy? Or is there a shortage of supplies?
A picture is worth a thousand words, so look at what's hanging on the walls. Does everything look the same? Is all the crayon within the
lines? Some schools emphasize facts: "Trees are green." Others encourage imagination: "Interesting. I've never seen a purple tree before!"
Play and Learn offers many learning areas and well-stocked class rooms. Our students are happily engaged in learning
and playing all day. We do many projects and activities throughout everyday, some are individual projects, while others
are group tasks.
| Consider the menu | |
One of the great things about preschool is that children are positively influenced by their peers – they may not touch fruit at home, but if
everyone else is eating apples, they might be coerced to try them. Of course, they may also be negatively influenced. Does the school
provide lunch and/or snacks or will you pack them from home? If they supply the goods, ask what they serve. Pretzels and cheese cubes, or
cookies and milk? Don't choose a school with a teacher who loves to bake if you don't want your kids eating sweets. Also, if your child has
food allergies, make sure they can ensure their safety.
Day care menus often lack variety and tend to be low in calories, iron, and zinc; while high in fat and sodium. Check that menus feature a
variety of foods from every food group and that selections change frequently, which also lets children experience new tastes. Take into
consideration the center's overall nutrition program, including the content of meals and snacks, its nutrition education program, and the
mealtime environment. In addition, meal and snack time should be cheerful, unhurried events. Teachers should sit with the children, eat
the same foods, offer choices, allow the children to serve themselves, and model appropriate behaviors. They should engage the children
in upbeat food-related conversations, make positive comments about nutrition and encourage, but not require, children to taste all foods.
We do offer an extensive menu, including many types of foods such as Italian (pizza and pastas), Mexican (tacos,
nachos), Irish (corned beef and cabbage), Chinese (stir-fry, Lo Mein [noodles], sweet and sour chicken), as well as
standard American foods (chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries-we bake them). We serve lots fresh fruit
and vegetables, exceeding the state requirements on the number of servings offered. We actively teach our students to
make wise food choices and to exercise in our Fun Fit program and also have a yearly theme surrounding nutrition every
November. We encourage every child to try everything (building adventurous taste buds) and to eat all food groups
through our "happy plate" program which encourages them to try a small teaspoon of everything, emptying the plate.
Then they can have seconds of whatever they want. Amazingly, they tend to go after the food that they did not want!
We always eat with the students and promote a calm environment. We serve only the best food for your child! Our
motto is "if we won't eat it, we won't serve it!" as we always eat what our students eat.
everyone else is eating apples, they might be coerced to try them. Of course, they may also be negatively influenced. Does the school
provide lunch and/or snacks or will you pack them from home? If they supply the goods, ask what they serve. Pretzels and cheese cubes, or
cookies and milk? Don't choose a school with a teacher who loves to bake if you don't want your kids eating sweets. Also, if your child has
food allergies, make sure they can ensure their safety.
Day care menus often lack variety and tend to be low in calories, iron, and zinc; while high in fat and sodium. Check that menus feature a
variety of foods from every food group and that selections change frequently, which also lets children experience new tastes. Take into
consideration the center's overall nutrition program, including the content of meals and snacks, its nutrition education program, and the
mealtime environment. In addition, meal and snack time should be cheerful, unhurried events. Teachers should sit with the children, eat
the same foods, offer choices, allow the children to serve themselves, and model appropriate behaviors. They should engage the children
in upbeat food-related conversations, make positive comments about nutrition and encourage, but not require, children to taste all foods.
We do offer an extensive menu, including many types of foods such as Italian (pizza and pastas), Mexican (tacos,
nachos), Irish (corned beef and cabbage), Chinese (stir-fry, Lo Mein [noodles], sweet and sour chicken), as well as
standard American foods (chicken nuggets, hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries-we bake them). We serve lots fresh fruit
and vegetables, exceeding the state requirements on the number of servings offered. We actively teach our students to
make wise food choices and to exercise in our Fun Fit program and also have a yearly theme surrounding nutrition every
November. We encourage every child to try everything (building adventurous taste buds) and to eat all food groups
through our "happy plate" program which encourages them to try a small teaspoon of everything, emptying the plate.
Then they can have seconds of whatever they want. Amazingly, they tend to go after the food that they did not want!
We always eat with the students and promote a calm environment. We serve only the best food for your child! Our
motto is "if we won't eat it, we won't serve it!" as we always eat what our students eat.
| "Child care centers have a real impact on the nutritional quality of children's diets and can significantly influence developing eating habits," said Dr. Theresa Nicklas, a research nutritionist with the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center and a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. |
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