You’ve made the decision that your child will be enrolled in preschool for the upcoming year. But how do you go about making sure that your toddler will get the best pre-education? Preschool can be a challenging time for both parent and toddler, but a few tips and even more preparation can help you and your child to feel very confident about the preschool you’ve chosen.

Compile a list of possible preschools

Take a look at the preschools in your area, browse through the phonebook or Internet, and get feedback from family and friends in order to compile a list of preschools you think would be good for your toddler. Base your decision on the location of the school, the amount of children per classroom, and the friendliness and qualifications of the staff. Be sure that the preschool is licensed by the state, and you can even check the National Association for Early Childhood Education (NAEYC) website to find a list of accredited preschools in your area.

While you’re making your list, take your schedule into consideration. Find out whether or not the preschool offers care for a full day or half a day, so even if the academic program is what you want for your toddler, you may have to major some arrangements to make sure your child can attend the school and have reliable transportation each day. So, try to choose a preschool that is as close to your home or job as possible. This way, your child will be able to make it to school on time each day, and won’t be restless or cranky by the time they arrive at school.