My daughter is not even two yet, but I’m already feeling the preschool PRESSURE. Seriously.
What school are you zoned for?
Have you toured any preschools yet?
Are you going to do private or public school?
Seriously. I thought I was leaving this pressure behind by moving to Boca from New York City where you literally have to apply days after (or maybe even before?) your child is born! Apparently not.
So I reached out to Grandview Preparatory School, for some well…direction.
Here are Grandview’s Top 6 Items to Consider Before Choosing a Preschool in Boca Raton for Your Son or Daughter:
- Safety: Tour the facility to make sure that your child will not only be taken care of, but also that the facility a safe place. Is the school secure? Is the playground away from public view? What about the equipment– is it in good condition and up to code? What about proper supervision on the playground and in the classroom? Seeing any safety lapses during a tour is a red flag for parents.
- Staffing credentials, ratios, and past problems: Find out what ratios the facility observes, what certifications or degrees the teachers and assistants have, the number of years of experience the staff has, and if the facility or staff has past citations with the Department of Children and Families. Visit the DCF website (http://www.myflfamilies.com/) to find this information.
- Curriculum: It is important to ask what type of curriculum the facility follows. Do they follow an organized curriculum or do the teachers have full range of what to do in their classrooms? Also ask what the school’s philosophy of education is. Does it apply to what you want your child to learn and how you want them to learn? Will your child be successful there?
- What other parents are saying: Word of mouth is the BEST way of knowing about a facility when choosing a preschool. Other people will tell you why they liked a school or the reasons why they did not. Gather information from others, but be sure to visit the school and come to your own conclusion. Keep in mind that what works for one family does not always work for another, and always keep an open mind.
- Get a taste of school life: If available, visit or take a class at the school you are considering. For example, Grandview Preparatory School offers thrice monthly “Mommy & Me Classes” that expose little ones 10 months old and older to the school facilities and the teachers they would have in preschool.
- Proximity of the school: How far do you want your child to be from you? Consider if you would like your child to be closer to home, to your work, to your spouse’s work, or close to grandma and grandpa. Think also of the everyday route you drive: Where would you like your child’s school to be? Also, consider that if a “wonderful” school you love is far away, it may seem like a good idea at the time– but when life becomes hectic it may not be the greatest choice.
Wow, I never even considered half of these. Forget Santa Claus– this is the list that I’m making and checking twice!
Here are Grandview’s MOST IMPORTANT words of advice on choosing a preschool in Boca:
If you ever tour a facility and you do not get a good feeling from the start, don’t fool yourself; you never will feel comfortable.
Choosing a preschool for your child is a personal decision; choose the school that is right for your child and for your family. Remember that schooling isn’t just about academics—it’s about developing your child, keeping them safe, and inspiring them to be their best selves every day.
Sponsored: This Choosing a Preschool in Boca post was sponsored by Grandview Preparatory School. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own and not influenced in any way by the sponsor. Any statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclosure for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
