Preschool is not a requirement, and it is not the same thing as daycare. In preschool, children learn lessons in preparation for elementary school. Depending on the age and level of the children, they may be taught things such as colors and shapes, letters and numbers, and how to tie their shoes or spell their names. They are also taught social skills, which can be especially helpful for only children who stay home with a parent or caregiver the majority of the time.
There are preschools focusing on children with special needs, such as autism, blindness or deafness, and developmental delays. Montessori schools teach children about cultures and living things as well as typical preschool skills, with an emphasis on encouraging children to think independently. Waldorf preschools aim to incorporate all aspects of the minds, bodies and souls of children. There are numerous other types of preschools as well, based upon different philosophical or religious beliefs.
A good preschool should have a very clean environment. This does not mean it will not get messy. However, a parent should never walk into a preschool and find it "dirty." The school's curriculum should be challenging to your child, but not so far over his or her head that your child will struggle. Fun should definitely be a large part of the day, too. The preschool's staff should be warm, friendly, and caring at all times.
Just because one preschool is more expensive does not necessarily mean it will stand head and shoulders above the others. A preschool with lots of bells and whistles, such as new busses, computers, and other costly equipment may be spending the bulk of their money on these eye-catching features. Schools who pay their staff adequately will naturally have happier teachers, which will trickle down into the way they care for the children in their classes.
Trust your parental instincts. If you are interviewing a preschool, or even have your child currently enrolled, and something feels "just not right," do not question that feeling. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your child's safety and emotional well-being. Also, contacting the Better Business Bureau and local authorities to check on any past complaints and how those were handled is always a good idea.