Preschools operate in a variety of places and environments. From independent or private centers to public schools, early education programs offer an array of options for parents to choose from. Independent preschool programs may be found in home-based centers, private Pre-K and up schools, child care centers or other similar educational institutions. Although some preschools are stand alone centers, many can be found within a larger school that provides educational programs for older and/or younger students as well. For example, some child care centers offer daycare services for children ages 6 weeks and up, but also have separate preschool program for students who are almost of school age. Additionally, many public schools have no-cost preschool classrooms within elementary buildings for children under 5-years-old.
Age is often a main focus when choosing a preschool option. Many schools and centers consider preschoolers to be anywhere from 3 to 6 years of age. Specific programs may cater to a tight age grouping such as younger 4-year-olds or older 3-year-olds. These programs typically try to keep children of very like ages together. On the other hand, some preschools feature a multi-age classroom approach. These schools encourage collaboratively learning with more mature or knowledgeable students helping younger ones. In this type of environment, one classroom may have students anywhere from 3 through 5 or 6 years of age together.
Educational theory and developmental philosophy may be a guiding force in some preschool program options. These programs typically follow a specific curriculum, approach to learning and/or methods to achieving developmental goals based on a theoretical model. Some examples include the imaginative and independence based Montessori program, the creative and nature based Waldorf approach and the art strong project-centered Reggio Emilia philosophy. Choosing one of these, or another philosophy based school, is a viable option for parents who have strong beliefs about education and learning.
Length and time of day provide several different preschool options for students and parents with different needs. Many traditional preschools maintain that they are not child care or daycare programs, and therefore do not operate on a daily or full day basis. Instead of full day care, preschools may have half day sessions in the morning or afternoon. These may or may not be full five day weeks. When selecting a preschool program, parents should weigh their needs against the various options. If you work full time, then a program within a child care facility may be a better scheduling option. Stay-at-home parents or those with extra help may prefer a half day or non-full week program.