Step 1:  Ask around

Other parents in your area with older children can give you advice about good preschools in your area but bear in mind that everyone has different values.  Ask people who have values similar to your own and also ask early services staff working with your child.  It is best to stay in your local community so that friends are nearby for your child.

·         What curriculum do you follow?

·         What are your policies/ do you have written info you could send?

When you have narrowed down your list, arrange to visit all the remaining preschools and go prepared with the questions you will ask and what information you are looking for.  It is worth visiting to find the best possible fit for your child.  You are looking for an environment that will suit your child’s needs so be clear about what those needs are.  Good staff will also ask you questions about what you are looking for and what are your child’s needs.  Children with Down syndrome vary considerably and they will need to know if there are any particular needs out of the ordinary (e.g. feeding difficulties, medical issues).  This is often to make sure that they employ adequate resources and not to make you feel uncomfortable.  Start as you mean to go on and have open, honest and positive dialogue.  Here are some things to ask about and watch for in your visit:

• Watch the staff interactions with the children.  Are they positive and supportive or are they authoritarian?  Are the children in control or the staff?  Do the children appear comfortable and do they approach staff readily?  Do staff interact readily or do they sit back and disengage?

• What is the teacher-staff ratio that you observe?  
• What is the daily schedule like?  Is there sufficient variation to allow children to explore in different ways and to keep them challenged?

• What philosophy do they have?  For example, they may claim to be Montessori, but these can differ from one another quite a bit.  If they apply a philosophy rigorously that may indicate not adapting to a child who might benefit from another method of learning. 
• What is your ‘gut’ feeling about the school?   Your gut feeling is probably right, so don’t ignore it.

• What is the staff turnover like, and what are their qualifications?  Bear in mind that in some countries a preschool ‘teacher’ can have completed a very short training programme with little ‘hands on’ training.  How long did they study and where

• What is the classroom like?  It is warm and inviting?  Is it over-stimulating (e.g. too many colours, pictures, clutter)?  Is it clean and safe?

Questions you might want to ask:

1.    How long has the preschool been in operation?

10. What is the ratio of staff to child?

11. What educational philosophies do you hold?  Do you sometimes employ other methods?

Step 4:  Check references

A good preschool will not be insulted by you asking for the names of parents whose children have attended or are attending the service.  Ask for names and call the parents to get their view of the service. 

There’s no beating the best test of all- the kid test!  Arrange to bring your child for a short visit and see how well it goes.  If you feel that your child is happy and the staff are confident and relaxed with your child, then you are probably on to a winner.  You know your child best, so go with your ‘gut’ reaction.  The staff do not need to know much about Down syndrome, a positive attitude and willingness to learn can be as good as an experienced teacher.

Got a question for Ann Wheeler? If so, drop her an email here.