Top Tips for Selecting Early Education

Choosing the right early education program is a major decision for your family. With so many options available, it can be hard to find the best fit for your child’s needs and your family’s circumstances.

How do you navigate these choices effectively? The YMCA of Greater Seattle, with decades of experience in early education, is here to provide insights and guidance.

Download Top Tips Guide

Here are four key building blocks to consider when selecting a program:

Visit the Center

Visiting in person is arguably the most important thing to do when evaluating your options. It lets you see firsthand how the center operates and whether it feels welcoming and engaging. Pay close attention to how staff interact with children. Are they leading activities with enthusiasm and patience? Happy and supportive teachers are crucial for creating a positive learning atmosphere.

Ask if the program supports social, emotional, and creative development. Look for a stimulating environment, organized spaces, and diverse activities. Additionally, check the staff-to-child ratios and employee retention. Longer-tenured staff often correlates with higher-quality care and education.

Finally, be sure to review any compliance records or violations through resources like Child Care Check

Questions to ask:

• What are the qualifications and educational backgrounds of the staff?
• Do they provide ongoing professional development?

Find the Right Fit

It’s important to select a program that aligns with your family’s needs and priorities. First, see how close the program is to your home or workplace, and make sure the hours of operation work with your schedule. You may also want to consider the program’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Does it celebrate and respect people of different backgrounds and needs?

Some programs offer care for a limited age range, while others provide a stable and consistent learning environment from infancy through pre-kindergarten. Research by the Harvard University Center on the Developing Child shows that stable, nurturing relationships in early childhood are crucial for emotional and social development and other lifelong skills.

What about Cost?

Ask about the cost structure and whether flexible tuition options or financial assistance are available. Many programs offer help if you qualify.

Ask About Approach

Understanding how a program teaches and nurtures is key to making the right choice. Questions to ask: 

• What curriculum do you use and why was it selected?
• What teaching methods and activities are used to engage children?
• Do you track individual development and adapt plans to suit different learning styles and paces?

While academics are important, so too is a holistic approach to learning – including social, emotional, and physical growth. Play-based curricula are often effective in fostering a love of learning and developing essential skills through interactive activities. 

Why Pre-K?

Research shows that pre-kindergarten (classroom-based preschool for children under five) offers a significant return on investment for brain development during a child’s educational journey.

Look for Key Qualities

How do you know if the program you’re considering is high-quality? Exceptional early education programs stand out in several key areas, including:

• Diverse and nutritious meals that expose children to a variety of cultures, encourage healthy eating habits, and support cognitive development
• Regular physical activity with at least two hours of active play every day
• Access to specialists to help support kids with unique needs
• A supportive community environment that creates a sense of belonging for children and families
• Opportunities like summer camps and family events that foster long-term connections and engage the community

The right early education program sets the foundation for your child’s future success. We hope these key building blocks will help you find a program that supports your child’s development and well-being and meets the needs of your family.

If you have additional questions, learn more about the YMCA of Greater Seattle Early Education program here or call us at (206) 382-4927.