A preschool primer

With so many preschools in our growing community, it can be hard for parents to pick which one their child will attend.

Add to that the stories of years-long waiting lists and differing kindergarten prep programs, and it can put a lot of pressure on families.

In hopes of making that decision somewhat easier, the Huntley Area Public Library will host its sixth annual preschool fair this weekend.

From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church in Huntley, representatives from 24 different preschools in the area will be on hand to answer questions about their programs, and to help parents make informed decisions when selecting the right location for their child.

"We like to provide this service for our patrons, so they have all of the preschools in one location," said Tammy Cappitelli of the library's Youth Services department.

Area preschool directors say the open house is a great way for parents to start sifting through the numerous choices out there for their child's preschool education.

When looking at the different preschools, they said, you'll want to find one that fits with how you want your child to be educated at this age.

Do you want a church-based program, or do you want one that stresses academics, or one that combines both? That is something parents need to decide, they say.

"I think every school in the area has something unique to offer. It's a matter of how they fit in with the parent's philosophy," said Michelle Sullivan, director of Faith Community Preschool in Huntley.

Once you've found a few that interest you, you'll want to ask even more questions, preschool directors say, such as what the educational background of the teachers is, and how the teachers will handle different situations -- such as if a child doesn't want to come into the classroom, or if a child misbehaves.

"Ask a lot of different scenario questions," said Peggy Hansen, program director for preschool and summer camps at The Learning Tree in Huntley.

Probably the most important thing parents can do when searching for a preschool, local educators say, is to make a site visit to the school.

"I would look at a place that when the parent walks in to visit, they just have a good feel for it. If you don't have a good feel for it, you're not at the right place," said Connie Lombard, director of the Huntley Park District's Seedlings Preschool.

She added that the visit should also include your child, so you can see how he or she reacts to the setting and the teachers.

Hansen said you should also notice how the staff reacts to your child.

"If you come in and they're very friendly to your child and include your child in snack or story time, and greet you with warmth, you kind of get the feeling that's what's going to happen when your child is there in school, too," Hansen said.

While you're at the school, there are many attributes you should look for, they all agreed.

Each mentioned a clean, bright environment, where creativity is encouraged and the children are the center of the environment.

For example, Lombard said, it's a plus if the school has children's artwork displayed throughout.

"It puts importance on the work they are doing," Lombard said.

Depending on what you're hoping your child learns in preschool, there are other things you should look for on your visit, she said.

"One thing I think is important is, are the children writing their own names on their papers or is the teacher doing it for them?" Lombard said.

Sullivan added that you'll want to look at what the kindergarten teachers in your district expect the students to know once they enter school, such as if they know how to write their names.

She says her school knows what District 158 expects of its students, and tries to help the students prepare for kindergarten.

However, she said, parents shouldn't look for a school that focuses solely on academics.

"You always want to have a very balanced program," Sullivan said. "We make sure we're preparing children for the District 158 experience, but we're also offering them the opportunities to be children as well.

"You want to look for open-ended activities where they can create what they wish to, but balance it with activities that will help them raise their understanding."

Many of the educators also stressed that parents want to make sure the school is always looking out for the safety of the children.

For example, they said, you need to find a school where the staff is CPR-certified.

And for some parents whose children have severe allergies to things such as peanuts and tree nuts, you'll want to look for a school that understands the severity of the situation.

For example, Sullivan said, her staff has an allergy action plan, and trains its teachers and aides each semester on how to administer help to children who do have an allergic reaction.

Other things to check out on site visits are creative and pretend play areas; opportunities for gross motor skill development on playground equipment; and condition of the preschool rooms themselves.

"There are lots of things to look for. It can be hard for new preschool parents to know what to look for. They just have to think about what's important to them and their child," Lombard said

"Just make sure there is lots of opportunity for creativity," Lombard added.

Cappitelli said for parents who cannot attend the preschool fair at the library on Saturday, starting Sunday the library will have a booklet listing all of the preschools that attended the fair, and specific information about each.

For information call the library at (847) 669-5386.