Choosing the best preschool for your child

Winter for parents with young children can be the best and worst of times: Christmas celebrations, playing in the snow, feeling cooped up by arctic temperatures and little daylight. Add to that the decisions to be made about the child's preschool for the upcoming year. Winter is the season for preschool open houses and info fairs, allowing parents to compare their educational choices.

Immanuel Lutheran Preschool of East Dundee has some pointers for parents who are looking into preschools.

• Ask yourself what you want your child to get out of the preschool experience. Are you looking for social interaction, faith training, kindergarten readiness skills work? What mix of experiences do you prefer?

• Talk to friends and neighbors who have children. Ask about their experiences with local schools. Were the schools welcoming to the entire family? Did parents form friendships with other parents?

• Visit the schools to get a feel for the teachers, the space and the philosophy. See a few difference types of schools to compare.

• Think about your child's temperament and what kind of classroom environment will be a good fit. However, don't forget preschool can be a great time to expand your child's comfort zone, so don't hesitate to choose a setting that will allow for trying new and different things.

• Trust your heart. Many parents research and visit schools, finding one that "feels right." Once you have done the research and chosen a preschool, relax and help your child look forward to the coming school year.

Immanuel Lutheran School of East Dundee has offered preschool for nearly 40 years and grade school for over 150 years. Located on Main Street (Route 72) between Route 31 and 25, Immanuel serves families from all over the Fox Valley area with children ages 3 through 8th grade.

Visit campus for an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, or schedule a tour. Registration for the 2015-16 year begins on Jan. 30.

Applications will be available at the open house and on the website at Immanuel-ed.org.

Current offerings include classes for almost 3s, PK3, and PK4. The school offers extended care on all school days from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Julia Heinz, director of admissions, at jheinz@immanuel-ed.org or (847) 428-1010.