Preschool is about more than just crayons, finger paints and nap time. There are also more than just a few to choose from in Western Washington. So how do you whittle down the choices? A special event going on tonight at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue just might help.
It's called Preschool Preview Night and is organized by the local group called Parent Map. Representatives and teachers from more than 60 preschools will be under one roof tonight talking to parents, explaining their programs and helping moms and dads find the perfect fit for their child.
Another Preview Night will be held in Tacoma on February 27th, at Clover Park Technical College between 10a.m. and 2p.m.
"There are so many different types of preschools. There's Montessori, Waldorf, play-based, private schools and co-ops," says Kimberly McDonald with Parent Map.
"You want to be an involved parent. You just don't want to drop your child off at any old school. You want to know who the other families, teachers, and directors are and make sure you're comfortable with the preschool as well," says McDonald.
McDonald also says early childhood education is important, especially at the preschool level.
"It develops that love of learning. You want to make sure your child wants to learn and if they're in the wrong environment early on,that could be an issue later on in life."
McDonald adds children develop fine and large motor skills, sensory play and social skills. Cindy says preschool really helped her older daughter
"She hit the ground running, and she didn't have to spend the first half of kindergarten learning how to socialize."
It's called Preschool Preview Night and is organized by the local group called Parent Map. Representatives and teachers from more than 60 preschools will be under one roof tonight talking to parents, explaining their programs and helping moms and dads find the perfect fit for their child.
Another Preview Night will be held in Tacoma on February 27th, at Clover Park Technical College between 10a.m. and 2p.m.
"There are so many different types of preschools. There's Montessori, Waldorf, play-based, private schools and co-ops," says Kimberly McDonald with Parent Map.
"You want to be an involved parent. You just don't want to drop your child off at any old school. You want to know who the other families, teachers, and directors are and make sure you're comfortable with the preschool as well," says McDonald.
McDonald also says early childhood education is important, especially at the preschool level.
"It develops that love of learning. You want to make sure your child wants to learn and if they're in the wrong environment early on,that could be an issue later on in life."
McDonald adds children develop fine and large motor skills, sensory play and social skills. Cindy says preschool really helped her older daughter
"She hit the ground running, and she didn't have to spend the first half of kindergarten learning how to socialize."
