Preschool teachers and administrators are dedicated to strong communication with parents, but sometimes they forget that they have not shared information. Additionally, many parents do not regularly attend PTA meetings, so there are often new people at the meetings. Don’t assume there is common experience or a common knowledge base. If you don’t know something or understand something, make sure to speak up. Also, ask the teachers what is new at the school or what new plans they have for the future.
Some of the best questions are those that seek to support the preschool. Early education requires constant adult supervision and many hands-on activities. The teachers could use help. Ask when and where they need volunteers, such as adults to read stories or help pass out snacks. Child care workers and early educators are low paid compared with others with similar education positions, yet they often replenish supplies with their own money. Ask what they need. Parents can take turns bringing in copy paper, paints and craft supplies.
Find out whether there is an education philosophy guiding the school and whether there is an established curriculum. You can then get more specific with questions about such things as the development of literacy and how it is supported at different ages or what activities are used to help the children understand numbers and math concepts. Inquire as to how often the children participate in large motor and small motor activities, which support mental as well as physical growth.
Your child’s success depends in part on how you reinforce what happens in school. Ask the teachers how this is best done and how they will communicate with individual parents. Make sure you understand how children are redirected or disciplined when they misbehave and make sure this is compatible with your beliefs and desires. Ask to see the daily schedule and monthly calendar. This way you can prepare your child for what lies ahead each day, and you can feel more connected while you are at work.