How to Choose a Preschool in Portland

Researching preschools for the first time can feel overwhelming for parents. We help cut through the buzzwords, explain the philosophies behind different programs and offer a list of questions you should ask when touring prospective preschools.

Hunting for preschool can be a daunting task. Aside from the month-long waitlists and the numerous tours to schedule, parents often get hit with trendy “buzzwords.” Unfortunately, when many schools claim Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf or play-based philosophies, it can be difficult to unravel what the school means, and which programs are truly quality. More than that, for parents starting from scratch, it’s often challenging to even know what questions to ask. Read on for the full scoop on the different types of preschools available in the Portland area and some helpful tips on selecting the right program for your child. 

Preschool Licensing Types

The first thing to understand when searching for a preschool is the type of license a school has. In Oregon, there are three primary licenses: center-based, certified family and registered family. Preschools falling under these licenses operate more than four hours a day and are monitored regularly by the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). Other (unlicensed) programs tend to run as recorded programs and operate fewer than four hours a day. Many preschool co-op programs fall under this category. They are recorded with the state, but do not have to follow the same procedures as licensed schools.

Center-based care runs out of a commercial property, school or church. The rules for center care tend to be more stringent than those for family care. Centers typically offer multiple classrooms, and depending on space, can serve more than 100 children. They tend to have more consistent and continual schedules with fewer breaks as they serve a broader population demographic. 

Certified family and registered family care both operate out of homes. These are usually run by providers or teachers who live in the home. Like center care, licensed home providers still work to follow safety and basic quality requirements, including background checks and annual training. Under a certified family license, providers can serve up to 16 children. Registered family providers can care for up to 10 children.

Although knowing the type of program is important, what’s more crucial in the search for quality child care is understanding the core philosophies and values that drive a program. Often, preschools use words like Montessori or play-based to draw families through the doors. However, while many do incorporate tenets of these philosophies, providers can use these terms in different ways — and not always correctly. Read on for more information.

Montessori Preschools

A true Montessori program is a program accredited through an authorized association such as the American Montessori Society. Ideally, most of the lead guides, as teachers are called in the Montessori tradition, will have training in Montessori methods. A Montessori environment is also very carefully arranged to create space for the children to work as both individuals and as groups. Materials are selected and created based on the research of Maria Montessori, and focus on skills-based training and the child’s curiosity.

One of the key benefits of a Montessori education is the independence of the child and instillation of real-world skills through intentional work. Children are given access to real tools over toys, and encouraged to explore and investigate over imaginative play. Another tenet of a Montessori program is that guides are there to help facilitate and observe children instead of lead large-group teaching instruction.

Waldorf and Lifeways

Like Montessori programs, Waldorf programs (and their home-based counterparts Lifeways) are accredited schools with teachers trained in the specific Waldorf model. Waldorf approaches take on a holistic view of child development. Enriched by the arts, children are encouraged to spend time in imaginative play, telling stories, exploring outside, music and rhythmic exercises, and working on handicrafts such as felting and sewing, and other art projects such as watercolors. 

One of the key components to a Waldorf program is the daily and weekly rhythm. Typically, each day will have a different focus that repeats weekly. For example, Mondays are baking days, Tuesdays are gardening, Wednesdays are music circles, etc. Within the day there is a rhythm as well. One thing to note about true Waldorf education is that, in the preschool years, the printed word aspect of literacy is not as encouraged as much as oral storytelling traditions are.

Reggio Emilia Approach

Unlike Waldorf and Montessori philosophies, Reggio Emilia itself is not an accredited philosophy that schools can claim. What they can do is use “inspired” practices and draw on the overarching ideals of a Reggio Emilia education. Named after a city in Italy, it’s better known in the U.S. as an educational philosophy that centers on a child-led, project-based approach that includes documentation of children’s learning, is rich in art, and incorporates elements of the community throughout the school. The Portland area has several schools, including the Wild Lilac Child Development Community (pictured opposite page, top right), that draw heavily on the ideas founded in Reggio Emilia practices. 

When asked what practices Wild Lilac specifically incorporates into its school from the Reggio approach, Executive Director Beverly Ajie, mentions two key tenets of the philosophy: observation with documentation of students’ work and project-based work. “Our teachers work to be observers first and then co-learners second. … You’re watching and then you’re ready to catch those learning moments when they arise by asking open-ended, thought-extending questions, and then bringing in the materials or changing the environment,” says Ajie. Documentation, or reflection of students’ learning processes, are seen throughout all the halls of the school in mindful displays and written pieces about the projects. All of these practices are enveloped by a rich practice of community, including a clothing closet, parent classes, a lending library, and open communication between teachers and families. 

“Monti-sort Of” and Play-Based Learning

Heidi Lawler of Whimsy and Wonder Preschool categorizes her school as “Monti-sort of.” She has worked at accredited Montessori programs and Waldorf programs. However, these days, instead of strictly following one philosophy or another, she pulls from multiple beliefs based on what her students need — an approach that many providers have started taking. These practices tend to be wrapped up in the term play-based learning, where children learn through hands-on, experiential modes of sensory and imaginative play. True play-based learning is not a free-for-all, but is facilitated by educated teachers trained to observe, assess and create learning opportunities. Lawler provides an environment filled with the artistic and mindfulness components of a Waldorf education along with simple and intentional tools drawn from the Montessori approach.

The Right Match for Your Child

As one would expect, there are pros and cons to all types of programs. So how do you know which site is a good fit for your family?

According to Anna Pickel, owner of Happy Go Lucky Childcare, one of the biggest characteristics of a quality program is whether or not the director is involved. “If the person who’s supposed to be in charge is checked out or not even on site, that’s a red flag,” she says. Ultimately, the director is the one responsible for ensuring that employees are trained according not only to state regulations, but also to the vision and direction of the site. It’s also important that the director has a close relationship with the teachers.

Although Michelle Lewis-Barnes of Childspace Preschool is now a provider, she used to be a licensing specialist; her advice is to check the safety of the site through the state child care safety portal using any and all information you have on the child care provider. 

Another thing to look out for is the teacher training and knowledge. Do not be afraid to question preschool providers who do use a philosophy about how it is incorporated into their site. If they cannot give specific examples, or if the examples do not match up to the philosophy, that is another red flag. If a preschool does not claim a label, ask them how they believe children learn best and how they encourage that in their classrooms. 

The philosophy itself is not always as important as the primary goal that drives the program. Pickel says the social and emotional well-being of each child in care is key. “It starts with building relationships, and that relationships are really the key to everything that we do. … If you don’t have a relationship with children, family and your co-workers, something is going to break down. …” 

Ultimately, a quality preschool program is going to be one that focuses on the child and family connection. Regardless of the direction a family takes, communication between the school and family is going to be key in creating and maintaining a healthy environment for the developing child.

Ask These Questions When Touring a Preschool

• What is the teacher turnover and how long have the current teachers been with you?
  
• How much training do the teachers receive each year and what type of training?
  
• What are the cleaning protocols?
  
• What is the school community like?
  
• Has your school received a valid safety finding in the past two years? If so, how has it been corrected?
  
• How do you able to support and accommodate children with special needs? (Please note, not every school is equipped to handle every child, and this is not the fault of the school or the child. It’s important to have these difficult conversations up front.)
  
• Pro tip: Ask the school about discounts offered such as sibling discounts and prepay discounts. If you are already enrolled in Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), ask the preschool if they accept ERDC payments.

How to Choose a Preschool

• Identify which characteristics or tenets of each philosophy you agree or disagree with. How do you think your child best learns? This can also include what the environment looks like and feels like.
  
• Tour as many schools as possible, including one school that may offer a different perspective to your ideal philosophy.
  
• Talk with administration about the fine print, including illness policies, payment options, school closure calendars, guidance policies, etc.
  
• Register for multiple schools or waitlists with the recognition that finding the ideal school in your budget and on your timeframe can be difficult. 
  
• Eligible parents can also apply for Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) funding through the state; however, there is currently a waitlist. Additionally, Preschool for All is an expanding program in Portland that increases child care availability by providing free preschool for eligible families.