Tis the Season!
No, I’m not talking about fall or winter holidays...I’m referring to the season when many families begin thinking about enrolling their children in preschool, often for the very first time. As a longtime preschool teacher and director, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with hundreds of families over the years, each bringing unique perspectives and goals to the preschool tour table. Allow me to share a little background, insight, and reassurance as you begin this process.

Familiarize yourself with different educational philosophies. Every preschool has its own approach:

Some schools are “purists,” following one model with great fidelity, while others blend best practices from multiple philosophies to meet the needs of their community.

• Montessori programs focus on independence, hands-on learning, and mixed-age classrooms where children learn at their own pace.
• Reggio Emilia schools emphasize creativity, collaboration, and project-based learning inspired by children’s interests.
• Play-Based programs prioritize exploration, imagination, and social-emotional growth through play.
• Academic or Traditional preschools may place more structure on early literacy and numeracy skills, preparing children for elementary school routines

Tour multiple programs and do so during the heart of the day. This is when you can see teachers and children in action, observe classrooms in full swing, and get a true feel for the facilities and daily rhythm. Taking time to compare and contrast what you see will help clarify your priorities.

Trust your instincts. You will “know” when you’ve found your preschool home: a place where you can picture your child growing, thriving, making friends, and preparing for the world beyond preschool. But your preschool home is not only for your child—it’s also for you. Ask yourself: Are these my people? Do I connect with them? Do I want my children to be friends with their children? Some of the strongest friendships in my own life were formed during my children’s preschool years and remain just as meaningful today.

Above all, remember this: at the end of the day, the most important thing is finding a school that will nurture and love your child. A place where your child feels supported, safe, and free to be their authentic self. The academics will come but it’s that strong social-emotional foundation that truly sets the stage for lifelong success.

Stephanie Lampert is the Director of the MJCCA Schiff School in Sandy Springs. As a graduate of The University of Texas, Stephanie has always had a passion for early childhood learning and development. After receiving her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Georgia State University, she began her teaching career in Cobb County as a kindergarten teacher and then spent more than a decade as part of the PreK team at The Epstein School. In 2018, she took on a new and exciting challenge: helping to open the MJCCA Schiff Preschool as its director, where she continues to grow as a Jewish educator and connect with young children and their families in meaningful ways.