AboutPam Koons Expertise Early Childhood Education For Prospective, New and Existing Teachers, and also Pre-School Owners/Directors. I can offer Teaching advice and also School Business advice. I owned a private Pre-school that I started over 22 years ago. I have degrees in Early Childhood Education, Business Management and Children's Theater. Can answer a variety of questions on anything having to do with Early Childhood Education, both teaching and business aspects.
Currently, I mentor folks wanting to start up their own preschools and daycares: www.PreschoolMentor.com. Please visit me there!
Experience Success in many areas. President of the local Chamber of Commerce. My school was voted #1 best private Pre-School in my county. 26 newspaper articles were written about my school and a half page news article about myself. Published Author in a Children's Anthology now on Amazon. Guest lecturer at the local College.
Question Pam, thanks for the insights. Have you seen any research that illuminates how parents go about selecting a preschool/kindergarten? I'd like to better understand the drivers of selection from an objective perspective if possible and haven't seen any available studies. Thanks.!
Answer Here is a copy of what I give my preschool parents to think about when they are at the investigation stage:
What to Look For In a Preschool
1. Teacher to Student Ratio
2. Reputation
3. How Long In Business?
4. Staff Turn-over
5. Qualifications of Teachers; Any Certification?
6. Is it a Day Care Too?
7. What level of Parent Participation?
8. Curriculum
9. Creativity
10. Cleanliness, Orderliness
11. Organization
12. Disciplinary Policies
13. Field Trips?
14. Community Visitors
15. Accredited?
16. Snacks?
17. Accessibility of Director
18. Progress Reports
19. Location
20. Cost
21. Schedule
22. Carpools
23. Schools General Philosophy
24. Gut Feeling
25. Separation Problems… How Handled?
26. Tuition Policies
27. Environment… Cheerful?
28. Playground
29. Observation?
30. Decorated, Cheerful and Colorful?
