i've been looking all around our town trying to find a preschool that I feel is suitable for my daughter Sarah, but I always seem to find one thing or another that I don't like about the preschool. I dont' know if i'm being too protective or if I should just keep looking. What should I do? what if I can't find a preschool? Should I consider homeschooling?
Sarahsmom
If you can't find a preschool you are happy with I would definately consider homeschooling. Preschool curriculums are so easy to find and fun to come up with and your child will love the time with you.
If homeschooling isn't for you, have you talked to other moms and asked them where their preschoolers go to school? They can be the best resource. Many daycares offer a preschool program during the day. Find out if you have a local resource and refferal agency that can send you in the right direction. High Schools and local Universitys sometimes have great preschool programs. If they don't have a program that fits your needs the University Early Childhood Education program may have advice for you as well.
Good Luck!
Signs of a Good Preschool
I can see that this message is old, but just in case anyone else has the same kind of concerns I wanted to post my thoughts.
There are a lot of advantages to a good preschool as opposed to homeschooling. If you plan to eventually send your child to an elementary school, I think the right preschool can help pave the way--not just for academic success, but also for social and emotional skills.
I have a nephew that really blossomed due to being placed in the right Pre-K program. At the age of 3, he was really shy and rarely spoke. His cousins are very boisterous, and his mom was worried that he didn't know how to cope and stand up for himself. He was placed in a pre-K program that was hand-picking children that could work and interact with special needs children. After just a few weeks at the pre-K center, the difference in him was amazing. He was more outspoken, laughed a lot more, and was generally more confident and happy.
When you're looking for a good preschool or pre-K center, I think it's important to ask about their curriculum. Are the teachers and administrators knowledgeable about teaching social and emotional skills? The list Rachel posted above is a good reference. Also, I found this link that lists the social and emotional skills a good preschool can teach your child.
http://dillydays.robert-leslie.com/archives/42