Beyond Savvy: What Else Can I Do?

True, The Savvy Source offers unprecedented information about preschools. And we're thrilled that you are using it to narrow your preschool options to a manageable list. But at some point you will need to gather more information about your top prospective preschools. Here is more about how to get what you need.

• Visit each preschool's website, if any.
• Request the preschool's written brochure (and admissions materials if you don't already have them).
• Attend an open house. These are often prepackaged and do not give you a chance to ask questions about the best fit for your child politely. Attend anyway, so you won't wonder what you missed.
• Schedule a tour and brief interview with the director. This is best done before the preschool is interviewing you and/or your child.
  1. Ask the few fit and quality questions that a preschool may not have addressed on The Savvy Source.
  2. If possible, observe a couple of classrooms and get a few minutes with a few teachers to ask top quality and fit questions.
  3. Ask the director for the names of parents whose children have top fit needs similar to your child.
  4. Remember to be polite, listen well, but be firm to get the information you need.

• Talk to parents whose children have needs similar to your child. Ask about the preschool they chose, then ask about the preschools they considered and did not choose. Would they make the same choice now?
• Re-read pertinent sections of this guide to refresh your memory and focus on what matters most for making your final selection.
• Revisit The Savvy Source to refresh your memory and do detailed comparisons among your top contending preschool options.