PRESS ADVISORY/REQUEST FOR COVERAGE
Springfield Day Nursery
947 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01103

Contact: Kimberley Lee, Vice President Advancement
733-2181 x118

(Pioneer Valley, August 12, 2003) September is traditionally peak enrollment time for preschool.  Enrolling a child in preschool is a momentous event for both parents and children, as it is that first big step from babyhood to childhood.

The decision to place your trust and your child in a preschool center is one that should be made with considerable thought and preparation. Springfield Day Nursery offers the following guidelines to assist parents in their efforts to choose the best possible setting for children:

*  REPUTATION:  A quality preschool should have a solid reputation in providing a nurturing, stimulating and caring environment for children.  Ask the Director for references, request to observe classrooms, stop by during afternoon pick-ups and consider speaking with other parents. Trust your instinct, your own first impression is what matters most!

* "PARENTS AS PARTNERS":  Parents are their child's primary teachers. Quality preschools not only recognize the parent's role, but choose to include parental involvement in program planning throughout the year. Through daily communication, newsletters, volunteer opportunities, parent conferences and field trips, get ready to share in the joint effort of your child's early childhood experience.

*  A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT:  The physical environment in any preschool

setting is key in supporting the educational goals for young children. Colorful, clean and organized, the overall classroom should represent the world of learning opportunities for children.  Creative art, pictures and resources representing family and community should be displayed, as well as a multitude of materials in all "learning centers". These centers may include (but are not limited to) language arts, science, math, writing, music and movement, blocks, library and life skills. Your child will have opportunities to participate in learning centers throughout the course of the day.

*  AN ESTABLISHED CURRICULUM: A quality preschool will have a written educational philosophy supported by a variety of activities in each learning center on a daily basis. Through meaningful experiences, your child will have an enormous opportunity to develop in social, emotional, physical and cognitive developmental areas.  A developmentally appropriate approach, one which meets the individual needs of each child, will motivate your child to engage in interests and challenge abilities that will set the foundation for future learning. Daily schedules should include a balance of activities that include plenty of time for physical activity, quiet time, group interaction, individual activities, meals, snacks and structured play.  Many preschools incorporate the "National Association for the Education of Young Children" standards in their curriculum as well as the Department of Education's "Standards for Early Childhood Education".

*  YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH AND SAFETY:  All licensed preschools must identify a Health Care Consultant who reviews the program's Health Care Policies and is available to answer all health related questions.  Each faculty member is trained in First Aid and most, in CPR.  The Center Director will provide you with a copy of their policies and procedures regarding illnesses and accidents.

*  SPECIAL EVENTS:  Quality preschool centers provide year-round opportunities for Family Involvement through a host of gatherings, informational sessions and special events.  Field trips related to the weekly/monthly themes in each classroom are a wonderful way to spend time with your child and for you to have an opportunity to participate in their learning experiences.

*  COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:  Resourceful preschool programs will utilize the community as a basis for integrating learning opportunities in the classroom.  From the library and museums, live animals and puppeteers, to local civic leaders, your child will greatly benefit from the exposure of the community in which they live and attend school.

*  POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:  Each program should have well established policies and procedures which are explained and distributed to all parents. These policies and procedures include everything you will want to know regarding not only the care and safety of your child, but your rights as a parent.  From meeting the needs of your daily schedule, program hours of operation, holidays, "snow days",etc., these policies and procedures will help in guiding you through the program in detail.

*  LICENSING:  Last, and certainly not least, all preschool programs are required to be licensed by the Office of Child Care Services.  The regulations required for licensing are thorough and enforced by the Office in order to provide a safe and well rounded experience for your child. These regulations also identify appropriate classroom size, faculty to child ratio, certification and training requirements for faculty.  In addition, some preschool programs, such as Springfield Day Nursery, have applied to and been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.  this is the ultimate "Good Housekeeping" seal of approval for childcare centers.

There are many resources in our community available to assist parents in locating childcare settings and centers.  In Springfield, that referral source is the Preschool Enrichment Team and can be reached by calling 736-3900.

Take your time finding the right preschool for your child.  By the time they are two, children are  generally ready for a more structured, social environment.  Provide them with an opportunity to "kick start" their life-long learning adventure. Take our "list" along on your search, and take your time!!!