A well-designed preschool program builds an essential foundation for your child’s learning and social development. Unfortunately, not all preschools are created equal. Whether you live in Coconut Grove, South Miami, Coral Gables, or Pinecrest, these guidelines can help you choose the best preschool for your child.
Tip # 1: Look for an Accredited Preschool in Greater Miami
If you live in the Greater Miami area, you may be considering a preschool in Coconut Grove, South Miami, Pinecrest, or Coral Gables. You probably already know that any legitimate preschool will be licensed by the State of Florida to meet certain basic health and safety requirements.
To find the best preschool for your child, you’ll want to seek a learning center that goes the extra mile. A nationally recognized standard like accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an excellent indication that your child’s preschool experience will be top-notch, stimulating learning and following strict standards for curriculum and overall quality. Fewer than 10% of preschools earn this elite, research-based certification.
The Margaux Early Childhood School at Temple Judea is among the few preschools that have merited NAEYC accreditation. In addition, our talented staff of preschool teachers have decades of experience teaching young children. Several of them have earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, and Child Psychology.
Tip #2: Ask Other Parents in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, & South Miami for Recommendations
Most people like to have the reassurance of a review, recommendation, or testimonial from someone with personal experience. Your close neighbors in Pinecrest or Coconut Grove can tell you about finding the best preschool for their children. Or, if your next-door neighbors don’t have kids, you can always look to your virtual neighbors in South Miami or Coral Gables to give their opinions in online reviews.
For example: Online reviews reveal that many parents and children love being part of the close-knit, joyful community at The Margaux School. The school maintains a family atmosphere with strong Judaic values and teaches children to reach out in loving acceptance to the broader world around them.
Tip #3: The Best Preschool? Find Out Firsthand!
Even with detailed descriptions from your real-life or online neighbors, there’s nothing like your own personal experience to help you decide whether you’ve found the best preschool for your child. Arrange to spend part of a day or two at the preschool. Walk around the facilities, observe classes, and talk to other parents. We also welcome prospective students, grandparents, caregivers, and others to come see how comfortable you will feel in our environment.
The Margaux School offers regular opportunities for both parents and prospective students to visit. If you’d like to spend some time at the school, discussing it with other parents before you consider bringing your child along, think about attending a “Coffee and Nosh” session. If you’re ready to take the plunge and find out what your son or daughter thinks of The Margaux School, register for a “Bagels and Blocks” session, in which you and your child (or your child with another caregiver) can spend the morning singing, dancing, playing, and getting to know other children and families.
We firmly believe that, if you take the short drive from South Miami, Pinecrest, or Coconut Grove to visit The Margaux School in Coral Gables, you will find the best preschool in Miami-Dade County…and, quite possibly, in all of Florida and beyond. But don’t take our word for it—come visit us and decide for yourself!