Choosing the Right Preschool for your child
steps to navigate the selection process
“High-quality early education isn't just an investment in children, it's a foundation for our future.”
Dr. James Heckman, Nobel Prize-winning economist
Choosing a preschool is an important milestone in your child’s educational journey With so many wonderful programs available, the decision can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be.
This guide is here to help you reflect on what matters most for your child and your family These six simple steps will give you clarity, confidence, and a starting point for meaningful conversations as you explore your options
We’re cheering you on!
Warmly, The Admissions Team St Paul’s Episcopal Day School
What to Expect from a Preschool
Edward Zigler (Yale University) named these essential features to assess preschools:
Opportunities to hear and use complex, interactive language.
Curricula that supports school readiness, including active learning and social-emotional skills.
Meaningful family involvement.
Knowledgeable, well-qualified teachers.
Ideally, every preschool will possess these essential features. So, how do you distinguish among them all and make a choice?
Which preschool is best for your child?
As a parent, you need a plan to follow when you begin “shopping” for a preschool. That is why we have created the following “To Do” list. Read on to discover six steps to help you navigate the process of selecting the best preschool for your child.
Click here to read reviews about St Paul’s
Ask questions and listen.
Ask friends, neighbors, and family for recommendations and then ask why they chose their particular preschool. Things to consider may be: the school’s educational philosophy, culture, mission, excellent teachers, school community, learning environment, or volunteer opportunities.
Happy children and happy parents are the place to start.
We love St. Paul’s! The leadership, the teachers, the values, the culture, the community The children are truly nurtured and loved.” -Current Parent
Tip: Make a short list of your child’s strengths and challenges to keep in mind while evaluating schools
Click here to learn about St Paul’s mission & values
Do your research.
Check out each school website to discern more about individual schools, especially the mission, values, and admissions information pages.
Learn about accreditation, school hours, daycare options, religious affiliation, and social emotional development programming.
Ask, “What do I value in my child’s early education?” and “How does this school fit our family values?”
There is no better feeling that dropping off our son at school knowing he is surrounded by a community that cares about him and supports his development. From academics to learning how to manage his emotions to growing his independence each week we are so impressed with all he has learned!” -Current Parent
Tip: Consider the school’s mission Do you see it coming to life in the classroom?
Click here to sign up for an Open House or private tour at St. Paul's
See the school in action.
Attend Open Houses or an Admissions Tour so you can “meet the school in person,” during a typical school day.
Be attentive to the school culture and community as you meet the administrators, teachers, and students.
Ask about teacher qualifications and retention.
Ask about accreditation and strategic planning
Visit the playground and any student common spaces.
Ask about curriculum, including the arts, foreign language, and special programs. What areas are important to you? Get details about those.
Find out how the school communicates with parents, including how school progress is shared.
Notice engaged learners and budding relationships between teachers and students as well as with peers.
Ask about parent roles in school life.
Try to imagine your child in this setting. Now imagine your family at the school.
Bringing our children to St Paul’s was the best parenting decision we ever made! With caring and highly-educated faculty, students are learning in a community which prides itself on inclusivity, respect, honesty, and kindness. Our children are becoming confident learners who are engaged in the KC community -Current Parent
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions or request examples after your tour.
Click here to learn about the early childhood years at St. Paul's.
Compare the options.
Make a list of your values and priorities. Read the “fine print ” Compare choices:
Teacher experience level?
Location/accessibilities/transportation?
Cost?
Class sizes?
Safety?
Facilities and playground?
Diversity?
Religious education?
Before and after school care?
Summer program?
What are your needs?
What are your child’s needs?
Are you making a short-term decision or a longer-term commitment? (Some programs are multiage. Some schools have entry-level ages. Some preschool programs are part of a larger school.)
Not only are the St. Paul’s teachers kind and patient, they are also knowledgeable about best practices and new techniques for teaching their specific grade levels I really can't say enough great things about St. Paul's! It's been a great fit for our family.
-Current Parent
Tip: Trust your gut If a school feels warm and welcoming, take note of that. Click here to see why St Paul's could be great fit for your family.
Evaluate the community & make the match.
The preschool years are just as much about family belonging as they are about academics.
Ask yourself:
Does this feel like a place where my child will be known and loved? Are the school’s values aligned with ours? Will we be welcomed into a strong, inclusive parent community?
You know your child best. Ultimately, the choice of a preschool has to meet the unique needs of only one child - yours!
We appreciate that St. Paul's values the child, family, and community and is very attentive to mental health and emotional growth. The music and art curriculum are both fabulous as well as the school library. Check out the St Paul's Community Pledge-this is just one reason why we have decided this is the school for us!”
-Current Parent
Tip: Don’t forget to ask about the admissions timeline and key deadlines.
Click here to learn about the St. Paul's admissions process
Trust your choice.
The preschool years are just as much about family belonging as they are about academics.
Ask yourself:
Does this feel like a place where my child will be known and loved? Are the school’s values aligned with ours? Will we be welcomed into a strong, inclusive parent community?
You know your child best. Ultimately, the choice of a preschool has to meet the unique needs of only one child - yours!
Best school in KC. St. Paul’s has exceeded our expectations! It’s very inclusive, has a wonderful supportive community and teachers who are dedicated and loving to our kids. Academics couldn’t be better.”
-Current Parent
Curious about St. Paul’s?
As a parent, you want to make the best choices possible for your child, especially when it comes to selecting a preschool.
Our accredited preschool/early childhood program is the foundation of a St. Paul’s education. Our program for two- to sixyear-olds includes a kindergarten year, where students internalize the basics they learned in their years as Early Learners (age 2), Preschool (age 3), and Pre-Kindergarten (age 4). Students leave the St. Paul’s Early Childhood Center armed with the tools they need for life. Our trained and certified faculty’s central goal is to help each student grow in independence and self-regulation, as they become life-long learners.
The nurturing St. Paul’s Early Childhood Center environment creates a balance of work and play with a range of creative materials and manipulatives for learning. ECC teachers provide opportunities to develop independence, confidence, and cooperation as they build important academic readiness and social-emotional skills.