Selecting a Preschool

For today’s parents, the decision as to which preschool is best for their child is causing a great deal of emotional stress. In fact, I have heard the amazing stories of the elite, $20,000 per year preschools and the parents who believe that getting their child into one of these entities is do or die. Apparently, in the minds of these folks, if somehow a space cannot be found at one of these prestigious places, then their child is doomed to a lifetime of mediocrity.

Fortunately, some big time experts are offering a different viewpoint, one that offers a wee bit of sanity. In fact, the people offering the advice are none other than Nancy Schulman and Ellen Birnbaum, the directors of the famed 92nd Street Y Nursery School in Manhattan.

The 92nd Street Y runs $21,000 a year for 4- and 5-year-old students. Considered by many a preschool Harvard, the teachers at 92nd Street are considered the very best in the preschool field. The school is so sought out that those seeking access for their children include the likes of Woody Allen and Michael J. Fox as well as many Wall Street executives.

However, the two directors have released a new book, “Practical Wisdom for Parents: Demystifying the Preschool Years,” (Knopf), and essentially debunk the hype. According Brinbaum and Schulman, parents know their child best and therefore recognize what they are looking for that youngster. The directors state unequivocally that parents should not get caught up in the other factors such as tuition costs or the reputation as much as they should seek a clean and organized place that feels happy.

The authors note that a visit to the school is critical. They state that it is important to pay attention to how the teachers are interacting with the children, do they seem warm and friendly and are the children comfortable. In addition, if there is to be a true mix of play and learning, the children should literally be a buzz with activity.

The two ladies acknowledge the change in expectations for staff today. One example is the lead teacher in many states must be certified in early childhood education and have a master’s degree. One other standard is the ratio of children to teachers for two, three and four year olds. Even with four-years-olds the ratio of children to teacher should not exceed eight-to-one.

As to the wee bit of sanity, consider the following Schulman quote released by the Associated Press:

“We always advise parents to go with your gut feeling. I think parents are often looking for a certain pedigree; and that may or may not suit your child or family. A reputation is important, but it’s really much more important that you send your child to a place that you walk in and feel a sense of comfort, in the tone of the place and the people and teachers who are running it. That’s the No. 1 priority.”