Consider your family circumstances and your child's needs. Decide how many hours a week you want your child to attend school. Nursery or preschool hours vary from 2-3 days a week and 3-4 hours each day. All children are unique individuals and will benefit from different preschool programs. Some programs offer help in meeting developmental milestones, while others focus on academic goals. Decide whether your child has special needs that require an accommodating preschool.
Interview several nursery schools. Check their licensing and references from other parents. Ask about the staff turnover rate and staff-to-child ratio. Make sure their school hours will accommodate your work hours.
Observe the classroom environment in your top choices. Make sure you visit the preschools more than once, and at different times of the day. Carefully observe the children. They should look comfortable and at ease.
Talk about the nursery school with your child. Explain the routine to her in terms she can understand. For example, your child can understand that she will leave for school after breakfast and will return home after lunch.
Take your child to visit the preschool you choose. Introduce her to her potential teacher. Ask if child can participate in an activity. If your child can get involved she will be more likely to be excited about preschool. If your child is still nervous, visit the school several times.
Maintain a positive attitude. Your child will learn how to react to nursery school from your reactions. When you drop your child off, say good-bye and remind her when you will return. Do not try to sneak away while your child is not looking.