18 minute read
Questions to Ask
This checklist is designed to help families select the right pre-k program for their children. It includes the program qualities and components that research says are most important for a child’s growth and development. It does not cover either basic health and safety standards that all licensed programs must meet and which vary by state or whether nutritious meals and snacks are provided.
Use the checklist when interviewing the school principal or pre-k center director as a guide for your observation of the pre-k classroom. To find the best available pre-k program, you may need to visit a few centers. Remember, this is only a tool to help guide your decision. You know your child best; so, ultimately, you must decide which program will best prepare your child for school.
When meeting with the Program Director, ask these questions: □ Does the program have a state license, or if not, is it exempt from state licensing because it meets the school district’s standards instead? □ Is the program accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young
Children or any other nationally recognized accreditation organizations? □ Does the lead teacher have a bachelor’s degree? □ Does he/she have certification in early childhood education? □ Does the classroom aide have specialized training in early childhood development? □ Have the majority of the teachers been at the program for at least three years? □ Has there been any teacher turnover in the last few years? □ Do the teachers participate in 12 hours or more of inservice training each year? □ Is there a system for helping teachers improve their teaching expertise? □ Is there at least one teacher for every 10 children? □ Are there no more than 20 children in a class? □ Does the room have separate learning centers (reading, art, dramatic play, writing, blocks, etc.) with interesting equipment and materials to encourage learning? □ Does the teacher use a well-known, quality, pre-k curriculum to guide what is taught?
INFANT-TODDLER CENTER & PRESCHOOL Serving children from 2 months - 6 years old
• 2, 3, or 5 days a week • Half day 8:30am - 12:30pm • Full day 8:30am - 3:00pm • Extended Care 7:30am - 5:30pm • Full year, school year & summer programs!
Virtual Tours Available
Your child will enjoy daily age-appropriate activities as well as optional enrichment programs including Spanish, Yoga, Amazing Athletes, Gymnastics and more!
Email now to schedule a tour!
13 Bates Rd. • Watertown | Email: elizabeth@stepcare.net 617-926-1434 | www.stepcare.net
300 Boston Providence Highway Walpole, Massachusetts 02032 508-850-3900 www.leagueschool.org
League School of Greater Boston
For more than fifty years, League School of Greater Boston has remained committed to helping children and young adults, ages 3-22, with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by teaching them the skills they need to be as independent as they possibly can in all aspects of their lives: social, emotional, academic, behavioral, and vocational. We uphold this mission through three distinct programs designed to teach social, academic, behavior and community-life skills based on a student's age and ability. Each program includes: content area academics (reading, math, science and social studies); full array of services (social pragmatics, communications, sensory integration, occupational therapy and behavior therapy); adapted physical education, art, music, culinary arts, daily living skills, community field trips and vocational training.
If yes: Does the curriculum prepare children for kindergarten based on the state standards for school readiness?
Does the curriculum take into account the various learning styles, cultures, disabilities, and languages of the children and their families?
Does the curriculum provide opportunities for the children to explore topics in detail and in multiple ways? □ Does the class follow a daily routine that offers a variety of activities throughout the day? (i.e. art, make-believe play, outside play, reading, and science activities) □ Do children have outdoor unstructured playtime every day, except when the weather is extreme? □ Does the class take at least two field trips a year? □ Do activities change regularly so the children have a chance to learn new skills? □ Do teachers have access to trained professionals such as a social worker, mental health consultant, and/or behavior specialist to help children who have challenging behaviors or attention problems? □ If a child has a disability or special needs, does the school provide accommodations and support? □ Are parents welcome to drop in without making an appointment? □ Does the teacher have face-to-face or phone contact or provide regular e-mail or written reports with parent(s) at least twice a month? □ Does the program hold parent/teacher conferences at least twice a year? □ Does the school have a number of ways for the parent(s) to be involved and help their child at home? (i.e. a school newsletter, classroom volunteers, family events, book or toy lending library) □ Does the teacher keep the parent(s) regularly informed of the child’s progress and school activities in a language they can understand?
If yes, how often?
If the teacher does not speak the family’s language, how do they communicate?
YOUR OWN OBSERVATIONS Spend at least an hour in the classroom. Ask yourself: □ Do I feel welcome? □ Are the teachers warm and caring with the children? □ Do the teachers handle problems and conflicts in a positive manner? □ Do teachers have one-onone conversations with children? □ Do teachers work with children individually and in small groups of three or four? □ Does staff show acceptance and respect to all children regardless of culture, race, language, or disability? □ Do the children appear to be happy and engaged in activities?
□Do the children have opportunities to select what they want to do at times throughout the day? □ Are the children talking and interacting with each other? □ Do the children seem to be working well with one another (sharing, playing cooperatively, and taking turns)? □ Do you see evidence that the teachers use a variety of methods to teach letters, numbers, shapes, and new vocabulary words? □ Does the classroom have a library with a variety of books and other reading material? If yes, are the books in good condition and attractively displayed?
If yes, are there books in the appropriate languages for the children who don’t speak English? □ Do the teachers encourage hands-on learning such as learning science concepts with water and sand or math through cooking? □ Do the display areas on the walls contain children’s artwork, writing samples, and photographs of class projects or activities? □ Are the furniture, playground equipment, and toys age appropriate, clean, and in good condition? □ When the children are outside, are the teachers engaged in and encouraging the children’s play? □ Does each child have enough room indoors and outdoors to move around without interfering with other children’s play space?
Finally, review the preschool’s contract. Make sure you understand their policies on enrollment/ withdrawel procedures, hours, fees, payment structure, vacation, sick days, illness policy and meals. Also, keep in mind that as your child grows, you and your child’s needs will change. Will the preschool be able to grow with your little one? ²
CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL DIRECTORY
CAMBRIDGE-ELLIS SCHOOL
80 Trowbridge St., Cambridge • 617-354-0014 www.Cambridge-Ellis.org
We provide a warm, nurturing and stimulating learning environment through emergent curriculum planning and by using an inquiry-based approach for teaching and learning. Our unique Preschool Language Program offers immersion language classes in Mandarin, French, and Spanish for preschoolers. The school draws inspiration from the philosophy of John Dewey, the Reggio-Emilia approach to learning, and the pedagogy of Frances and David Hawkins.
477 Longwood Avenue, Boston • 617-739-6455 www.fjecc.org/
The Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center is committed to providing the highest quality education in both secular and Judaic studies in a safe, nurturing and non-pressured environment under the guidance of the highest caliber teachers. Our philosophy is rooted in respect, individual dignity and self-worth. At the FJECC, children have the opportunity to thrive and grow, to have fun and to enjoy themselves while learning about their physical, intellectual, social and emotional selves, their language, and their world.
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BOSTON
387 Western Avenue, Boston • 617-779-7393 www.gisbos.org/
At our Lower Campus, children learn through play in a vibrant new space designed specifically for Preschool and Kindergarten. We partner with you to nurture their independence and empathy, their enthusiasm for discovery, and their German language development. With small group sizes, children with all levels of German language ability from absolute beginners to native speakers are welcomed, supported, and challenged. Teachers speak exclusively German with your child, using a range of methods to promote language learning regardless of your child’s initial exposure to German. Our mixed-age classes (children ages 2.9 – 5 in preschool, and ages 5 – 6 in kindergarten) serve as microcosms that reflect the larger world. In our diverse and joyful classrooms, children learn to share, work through differences, express feelings, and describe new ideas. Contact us to schedule a tour!
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF BOSTON
45 Matignon Road, Cambridge • 617-499-1451 http://www.isbos.org
ISB offers a distinctive bilingual education rooted in the best of French, American, and international academic traditions. The School’s mission is to shape lifelong learners who can speak and think in multiple languages and who can apply their knowledge.
JCC EARLY LEARNING CENTER – BROOKLINE
50 Sutherland Road, Brighton • 617-278-2950 www.bostonjcc.org
Our educational approach begins with the belief that children are curious, contributing participants in the world. This child-centered philosophy aligns with our rich Jewish culture, traditions and values. The Center’s modern facility features sunlit classrooms and a spacious on-site playground. Swim lessons and enrichment classes are among the wide range of activities your child will enjoy. Our diverse school community welcomes families of all faiths, and we are experienced working with bilingual children. Become part of our vibrant ELC community!
JCC EARLY LEARNING CENTER – HINGHAM
1112 Main Street, Hingham • 781-355-7718 www.bostonjcc.org
Our curriculum encourages children to be actively engaged in their learning experience. Jewish values and traditions are an integral part of our program. Recently voted Hingham’s number one preschool in
the Readers’ Choice Awards, the JCC Early Center at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom is a centrally located school for children ages 15 months to 5 years. We are housed in an inspiring, modern facility with sunlit classrooms and a spacious, on-site playground. Our diverse school community welcomes families of all faiths. Become part of our vibrant ELC community!
JCC EARLY LEARNING CENTER – NEWTON
333 Nahanton Street, Newton • 617-558-6420 www.bostonjcc.org
Our Center is dedicated to providing children and their families with a rich and nurturing learning environment filled with Jewish values and traditions. We have the advantage of being located at the JCC Leventhal-Sidman Center, so ELC kids spend lots of time playing and learning outdoors on our beautiful campus. Our new, state-of-the-art playscape incorporates all the wonder of the natural landscape. As part of the JCC community, ELC families have access to a wide range of activities. These include swim lessons and enrichment classes for children, as well as fitness, arts and cultural opportunities for the entire family. At the JCC, children and parents find opportunities for life-long learning and friendships. Become part of our vibrant ELC community!
25 Canton Street, Sharon • 781-795-4900 www.bostonjcc.org
Our Center provides a family-oriented environment where we bring Jewish culture and traditions to life with hands-on learning experiences. We focus on building community, while supporting each child’s academic, social and emotional development. Located in a modern facility with sunlit classrooms and a spacious on-site playground, we offer children a wide range of experiences and interactions. Our goal is for every day to be your child’s best day ever. Our diverse school community welcomes families of all faiths. Become part of our vibrant ELC community!
LESLEY ELLIS SCHOOL – ARLINGTON
34 Winter Street, Arlington • 781-641-5987 www.lesleyellis.org
The Early Childhood Years are a time when children develop a sense of belonging, self-worth, and selfesteem–essential elements that form the foundation on which all learning is built. At Lesley Ellis we believe that all children are naturally curious, capable learners.
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The Lesley Ellis Emergent Curriculum Philosophy is one that builds upon the interests of the children. We do not separate the curriculum into discreet blocks of time for math, language, etc. Rather, children learn about themselves and the world around them through investigation and discovery, as well as art, dramatic play, and social interaction.
NORWOOD MONTESSORI SCHOOL – NORWOOD
462 Walpole St, Norwood • 781-762-3700 www.NorwoodMontessoriSchool.com
NMS offers a quality Montessori education for children ages 1.6 to 18 years old. We offer a Montessori curriculum & multi age, fully prepared classrooms & a wide range of quality materials. Our goal is for each child to acquire a love of learning. We offer a school year program as well as a summer camp and Extended care for working families.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – BRIGHTON
370/400 Western Ave., Brighton 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – BROOKLINE
15 St Paul Street, Brookline 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – JP / REVERE
1 Roanoke Street., Jamaica Plain 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – JP / SOUTH STREET
57 South Street, Jamaica Plain 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – KENDALL SQUARE
695 West Kendall Street, Cambridge 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – NEEDHAM
65 Fourth Avenue, Needham 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – NEWTON
1326 Washington Street, Newton 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – NEWTON HIGHLANDS
54 Lincoln Street, Newton 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – PORTER SQUARE
2067 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
PINE VILLAGE PRESCHOOL – SOUTH END
700 Harrison Avenue, Boston 617-416-7763 https://pinevillagepreschool.com/
Our Mission is to educate and nurture each child’s individuality within a culturally diverse, bilingual community so that every child develops a true passion for learning and an ability to engage in any environment and community.
ST. BENEDICT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – NATICK
2 Pleasant Street, Natick • 508-650-1900 www.stbenedictelementary.com/curriculum/prekindergarten/
St. Benedict Elementary offers a classical Catholic education for the whole child, fostering academic, moral and spiritual excellence. In uniting the Catholic tradition with classically- inspired academics, and integrating into the life of the school the virtues first learned in the family, our students gain not only knowledge, but an appreciation of education as a noble pursuit. The St. Benedict Elementary preschool program serves students 4 years of age and engages in developing core academic concepts in mathematics, literacy, science, and the arts in an approachable and developmentally appropriate manner. Our curriculum is inspired by the classical model which, while academically robust, tailors subject matter to each child’s natural cognitive development. Instruction begins in the younger grades with strong emphasis on developing mastery over skills in the core subject areas of reading, writing, grammar and math while building a broader framework of knowledge in history, literature, language and science. This progression from learning facts to developing the ability to think analytically, combined with the integrated study of classical subjects, provides young children with the tools to think for themselves and to become independent, lifelong learners.
ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION SCHOOL – BROOKLINE
67 Harvard Street, Brookline • 617-566-7184 www.stmarys-brookline.org/pages/St_Mary_of_the_ Assumption_ES
St. Mary of the Assumption school is a richly diverse Catholic community serving students in grades pre-k through eight. We are dedicated to providing each child with a strong foundation intellectually, spiritually, and socially in a learning environment of reverence, respect, and responsibility.
STEPPING STONES INFANT TODDLER CENTER & PRESCHOOL – WATERTOWN
13 Bates Road, Watertown • 617-926-1434 www.stepcare.net
Stepping Stones believes that each child is a unique person. Each child is respected for his or her individual personality, learning style and family background. We have created an environment where your child is nurtured while building self-esteem. Our objective is to provide a setting where your child will feel secure and you are confident in the care being provided.
TEDDY BEAR CLUB – NEWTON
239 Concord Road, Lincoln 1466 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton 781-259-0009 617-332-1611 teddybearclub.org
From TBC’s founder, Laura d’Angosse Perlman: I started the Teddy Bear Club in 1993 because I saw a need to combine the best elements of American preschool programs with some of the wonderful aspects of the French education I received growing up in Paris. I highly value the focus American preschools place on the development of social skills, creativity and self-confidence but I also recognized an opportunity to further emphasize the more academically focused approach that typifies European education. TBC was born out of this desire to layer a well-rounded academic curriculum over a socially focused preschool experience, in a bilingual French/ English environment. Twenty-five years later, our program continues to instill confidence and selfesteem in our students while building a solid foundation for their future academic success in primary school and beyond.
TENDER LOVING CARE CHILDCARE CENTERS – WESTON
101 River Road, Weston • 81-703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com/
TLC Childcare Center strives to provide a quality Early Childhood Education Program filled with carefully chosen staff members, filled with love and compassion for children. We believe that children are our most important resource and that their early childhood experiences are crucial in the development of their future.
TENDER LOVING CARE CHILDCARE CENTERS – WOBURN
23 Warren Avenue, Woburn • 781-703-5088 www.tenderlovingcarechildcarecenters.com/
TLC Childcare Center strives to provide a quality Early Childhood Education Program filled with carefully chosen staff members, filled with love and compassion for children. We believe that children are our most important resource and that their early childhood experiences are crucial in the development of their future.
TOBIN CHILDREN'S SCHOOL – NATICK
71 Cottage Street, Natick • 508-653-6300 www.tobinchildrensschool.org/
Leaders in early childhood education, The Tobin Children's School offers licensed, NAEYC-accredited full-day, full-year early childhood programs for infants up to PreK. Offering highly respected early childhood education for over 25 years. Tobin Children's School is a Boston Parent's Paper Family Favorite Top 10 award winner for the past three years.
THE TOBIN SCHOOL – NATICK
73 Cottage Street, Natick • 508-655-5006 www.thetobinschool.org
Leaders in early childhood education, The Tobin School offers licensed, NAEYC-accredited school-year, school-day programs for PS, PreK, Jr. Kindergarten, Kindergarten & 1st Grade. We also offer a Full-Day Jr. Kindergarten program and afterschool options for our Kindergarten & 1st Grade. The Tobin School is a Boston Parent's Paper Family Favorite Top 10 award winner for the past three years.
TOBIN SCHOOL WESTWOOD – WESTWOOD
1054 High Street, Westwood • 781-329-7775 www.tobinschoolwestwood.org/
Leaders in early childhood education, The Tobin School Westwood offers licensed, NAEYC-accredited school-year, school-day early childhood programs for PreK & Jr. Kindergarten, as well as summer program options for this age group. The Tobin School Westwood offers a cozy and bright setting with beautiful outside spaces.
TRANSPORTATION CHILDREN'S CENTER – BOSTON
10 Park Plaza, Suite 3330, Boston • 617-973-8200 www.transchildrencenter.org
The Transportation Children's Center has been serving the needs of working parents and their children since 1986. With our safe and attractive environment, and our outstanding staff of childcare professionals, parents can have complete confidence that their children are getting the best possible care. Our role is to not only take care of children while their parents work, but also to provide an environment where those children will attain emotional, social, physical and intellectual strengths to prepare them for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
WESTWOOD CHILDREN'S SCHOOL – WESTWOOD
808 High Street, Westwood • 781-329-7766 www.westwoodchildrensschool.org/
Leader's in Early Childhood Education, Westwood Children's School is part of the Tobin Family of Schools. Westwood Children's School offers licensed, NAEYC-accredited full-year, full-day programs for infants, toddlers and preschool. In operation for over 34 years, the Westwood Children's School provides a rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum which addresses each child's needs. ²
