Although fall may still feel far off, planning for the 2021-2022 school is well underway. Spring enrollment has already taken place for next year’s preschool classes, but it’s not too late to consider finding placement for your toddler. The need for early decisions often comes as a surprise, especially for first-time parents.

Getting familiar with nearby school options and their enrollment deadlines will help narrow your choices. It is also important to define what you are looking for in early childhood education. Are you seeking a set curriculum and a punctual routine-based schedule? While most preschools do include some academics with fixed hours, their approach otherwise varies.

From nature school hosted outdoors to Montessori and other specific methods, our community benefits from unique approaches that can be the perfect fit for your child. Less formal settings that include free play are also an option.

Community Connection for Child Care (CCCC) is Kern County’s only preschool resource and referral agency. CCCC describes itself as “a child development and family services agency dedicated to providing options, education, and support to children, families, child development professionals, and the community.” Find more information at https://kern.org/cccc/.

Choosing the perfect preschool depends on your parenting style, childcare needs, and, most of all, your unique child.

Here are five tips to guide your preschool search:

Check licensing status and read previous violations: Not unlike daycares, preschools are required to be licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Criteria to evaluate sanitation standards, teacher-to-child ratios and other metrics help ensure that preschools maintain optimal conditions for young children. Find full reports, including complaints and history of violations, at http://bit.ly/CDSS_preschool.

Visit the classroom: Even with COVID-19’s new standards of reduced capacity and social distancing, preschools should welcome parent tours, classroom observations, and in-person trial days. “Come play with us!” should be a common theme. Whether you spend half a day or half an hour, take the time to go in person before settling on a specific school. Meet the director, talk with teachers, and take your time in the space where your child could be spending a significant portion of their early years. While schools certainly prefer parents to schedule a tour, dropping by unannounced can give you a better sense of how a typical day goes.

Ask about standard practices: Make a list of questions before you go. In addition to your own need-to-know queries, be sure to inquire about these important topics:

• What is a typical day like in the classroom?

• What is your average teacher-child ratio?

• How are your teachers selected and are they professionals with degrees?

• What is teacher turnover like here?

• How are your curriculum standards developed?

• What key skills or major concepts will children have gained after completing the academic year?

• Is a nap mat required? Are safe sleep standards followed?

• Does a child have to be potty trained to attend or just working through age-appropriate progress?

• How are allergies handled at school?

• How long is recess and how many recesses are incorporated into the day?

• What paperwork is required to complete enrollment (i.e. birth certificate, vaccine records, etc.)?

Verify total cost: Double-check monthly fees, which may have increased during the pandemic. Be aware of enrollment fees. Asking for the first and last month’s tuition in advance is also a standard practice at many preschools, in addition to supply fees. Seemingly small expenses can add up. Ask in advance what additional fees can be expected throughout the year, such as uniform requirements, field trips costs, class portraits or mandatory contributions to charitable causes. A portion of your tuition may be tax deductible; do not hesitate to ask office staff for full disclosure of financial aspects related to attending. An available scholarship or subsidy may surprise you.

Have a second option or third in mind: As with many parenting decisions, the ability to be flexible is also important when it comes to preschool. Even when enrollment is readily available, having a second or even third designated choice that checks the boxes for budget and quality can minimize frustration later if your first option isn’t working out.

Choosing a preschool may not feel like child’s play during the selection process, but it is a worthwhile effort with outstanding benefits. Social, academic, and developmental progress are part of almost every school setting. No matter which preschool you choose, cheers to your choice.