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Choosing a preschool for your little one can be a daunting task. There are a million and one factors to consider — location, budget, schedule, staff, class size, availability, curriculum, word-of-mouth, etc. The list goes on and on.
For many families, one important step in narrowing the search is choosing a specific philosophy or approach. Different preschools subscribe to different theories of early childhood education, and therefore emphasize different values or teaching styles. As a parent, you'll have to decide which philosophy best suits your child's needs and personality. Here's a basic primer on some of the most common types of preschools to help you get started.
Different types of early childhood education
Montessori
The Montessori philosophy is based on an approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori in the early 1900s. According to the American Montessori Society (AMS), the program is "student-led and self-paced," which means that children are encouraged to learn in their own way, in their own time. Teachers act as "guides," and classrooms are set up to facilitate independent exploration. There are also specially designed learning materials — such as the iconic pink tower — that teach skills and concepts through hands-on activities and puzzles.
Another hallmark of Montessori programs is the "multi-age classroom." You might see 3-year-olds working and learning alongside 5- and 6-year-olds, for example. AMS says this enables younger children to learn from older kids through observation, while teaching the older kids about leadership skills and socialization.
Montessori schools also aim to empower students through "uninterrupted work periods," during which time kids can choose their own activities. This isn't mindless play time, though — all of the activities in a Montessori classroom are designed to support and complement the curriculum, which includes lessons in practical life, math, language, cultural studies, and sensorial learning.
Reggio Emilia
As with Montesorri schools, Reggio Emilia-based programs encourage children to take learning into their own hands. According to Scholastic, teachers build the curriculum around their students' interests and ideas, and then guide kids toward in-depth, interactive projects that relate to those pursuits. These projects can take anywhere from days to weeks, and there's a strong focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and self-expression. Throughout it all, teachers take care to document the students' work and progress through photos, videos, and quotes.
The philosophy requires some flexibility and creativity from both educators and their pupils, but it can be just as productive as more structured programs.
"Literacy and math learning are all embedded," Jane Racoosin, director of NYC's Reggio-inspired Beginnings Nursery School, told the New York Times. "Will a child learn a letter of the week? No. Will they learn about literacy? Oh yes."
Waldorf
The Waldorf philosophy, based on ideas put forth by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, prioritizes "inspired learning" with an undercurrent of routine. According to Great Schools, a nonprofit education resource for parents, Waldorf programs follow a consistent daily and weekly schedule, with set days and times for specific activities. This is because, as Spring Garden Waldorf School notes on its blog, "Waldorf believes the child thrives in a rhythmical and predictable environment."
Waldorf preschools also emphasize play and creativity over strict academics, with a goal of nurturing kids emotionally as well as intellectually. "To assist children to continue this journey into life in a healthy way, through an ever-deepening understanding of the human being in body, soul, and spirit, is the task of the Waldorf early childhood educator," the Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America notes on its website. To that end, children in Waldorf programs often have the same teacher for several years and through multiple grades. This enables instructors and students to bond over a longer period of time.
HighScope
The HighScope method centers around "active learning," the idea that kids gain knowledge "through their natural play and interactions with the environment, events, and other people." HighScope schools prioritize communication between students and teachers, consistent daily routines, and ongoing assessment based on a system "key developmental indicators."
The curriculum, according to HighScope's website, consists of eight primary content areas, including social and emotional development, creative arts, mathematics, science and technology, and language, literacy, and communication.
Bank Street
Bank Street's self-described progressive approach to education is based on the idea that "children learn best when they are actively engaged with ideas, materials, and people." Teachers act as "facilitators of learning" and "provide students with meaningful learning opportunities best suited for their learning and growth." Per Great Schools, lessons focus primarily on social sciences and aim to nurture kids' emotional and social growth in addition to their intellect.
Cooperative
Cooperative preschools are ideal for parents who want a very hands-on role in their child's education. These schools may or may not follow a single philosophy — what really defines them is the fact that parents have a say, and a responsibility, in how they're run. According to Great Schools, parents in a cooperative preschool typically handle things like upkeep, food, and finances. In most cases, a professional teacher runs the classroom, but parents may help develop the curriculum and even act as aides.
Which one is right for you?
Choosing a preschool is a personal decision that comes down to what best suits your needs and the needs of your child. It may help, though, to ask for referrals and advice from other parents you know and trust. Erin Kravitz, whose daughter recently started preschool, told Mom.com that while she cared about philosophy, she also valued recommendations and the "vibe" she got from each place she visited. And she's not alone in that.
"One of the biggest questions we asked ourselves was whether we could we imagine our child happy in that location," writer Betsy Aimee wrote for Mom.com. "This was our biggest question and the answer came down to our gut and intuition. Making the decision is challenging, but you will know when you have found the right place. If you're not feeling it, maybe you need to keep looking."
