Preschool can be an important stepping stone for your child. Depending on where you live, you may have access to a large number of preschools, and deciding which one is right for you and your child can be a daunting and overwhelming task.

There are a few important things to consider before you begin your search. The most important is to decide is if preschool is in the best interest of your child. It's not required by law, and while many schools offer 2 and 3 year old programs, many parents feel that preschool is only necessary for a 4 year old or sometimes not at all.

Next, it's best to whittle your list down by these factors so that you are only left researching the schools that will be the best fit. Preschools will vary by cost, length of program, religious affiliation and student teacher ratio. Check with your school district, town government or local mom's club for information...they may hold an annual open-house preschool fair or have a directory of preschools that they can mail to you.

Cost:

Depending on where you live, the cost of preschool can be pretty significant. Some schools may offer a payment plan or financial assistance for families that qualify and many towns offer free or discounted preschools to families in need. Decide what you can afford so that you can rule out schools that are not in your price range.

Length of Program:

Next, you will want to determine how many days and for how long you want your child in school. While some schools offer many different programs at all times of the day, some schools may only have one set program. For example, if you decide to send your daughter for 2 mornings a week, eliminate schools that only offer a 5-day program.

Religious Affiliation:

A large number of preschools are held in church basements, but that doesn't mean there is religious education involved. And many religious-based preschools will allow a child of any faith to attend. The only way to be sure is to ask the director specifically.

Student Teacher Ratio:

Your state law requires a preschool to have a certain number of children per teacher. Many schools may follow this, but some schools may offer a better ratio, meaning less children per teacher, but often at an added cost reflected in their tuition.

Once you've narrowed your choices down by these factors, you should begin making phone calls. A lot of preschools offer open-houses at certain times of the year, or you can schedule a private tour of the facilities. Never sign on with a school if you haven't met the director and/or teachers.

Finally, begin your search at the right time. In areas where preschool admission can be competitive, schedule your visits and questions as early as the school will allow it. Otherwise, you may be left choosing a school because it has space left...not a great reason to choose a school for your child.

Good luck with your search and remember to research it well! =)