most
families needn't look beyond a fifteen block radius. Books, websites (we like Go City Kids) and even the
yellow pages can be used to create a list of preschools in your neighborhood. To be clear,
we are not suggesting you select your child's school from a yellow pages advertisement.
The goal of this phase is simply to define an initial list of potential schools. You will
eliminate schools that do not fit with your family's needs in the evaluation phase.
After assembling your laundry list of potential preschools, the next step is to define your
preschool short list. Many preschools have websites that will give you some of the bare
facts of their program, such as: program hours, tuition fees, types of students (e.g. co-ed
or single-sex), educational philosophies,...etc. These basic facts will help you begin
shortening your list. Since we recommend sticking to your neighborhood if possible, it
should be easy to stop by schools and talk to parents. If you like what you see and what you
hear, contact the school to request an information packet and enquire about open house
tours. Remember that many schools have a rolling admissions process that begins shortly
after Labor Day. Make every effort to select your target preschools as early as possible. Do
not be late to the admissions party!
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