It's January! Time for Enrollment!

Happy New Year!!  With the arrival of the new year, also comes the time to enroll our little ones for school...preschool or big school.  Before you proceed with this (sometimes daunting) task, perhaps you could use a few pointers!  Important decisions are to be made that affect your child...and you too!

Before you make a choice, do your homework.  Take advantage of local publications...like Carolina Parent...and the information they share.  Talk with friends, neighbors, co-workers, people who attend your church.  Find out what their experiences have been...their likes and dislikes of schools their children have attended.  Keep their input in mind...but remember the old phrase "different strokes for different folks."  Children are different, families are different.  Keep the needs of your child and your family in mind as you research.

*Make a list of your options.
*Confirm the locations of each.  Which will work for you?  It is worth the drive to find the best situation for your child.  Just carefully consider the circumstances of your family.  Are their carpool options?
*Check the calendar and schedule of the schools on your list. Do they work for your family?
*Clarify your desires.  What type of setting are you looking for?  Highly academic?  Learn through play?  Strictly structured?  More low key?  What best suits the needs of your child?  Where can he/she flourish and grow?
*Visit those schools that are possibilities.  Call ahead and schedule an appointment.  Take advantage of Open Houses and designated Observation Days.  Getting the "feel" of a place, experiencing the environment will help guide you.
*Meet with directors, principals, (and teachers if possible) to understand the vision of the school and what they hope to offer your child.  Prepare yourself with questions in advance.  Think about things like class size, curriculum used, behavior management, parent involvement, etc.
*Compare the cost.  What can you afford?  Are there scholarships available?  Remember, your child is worth the investment you make in his/her education.

Do your homework!  Explore your options!  Ready, set, go!