BigNutbrownHare

Okay, I have about an hour between preschool tours today (I have been to four already and have two more to go) and I have a couple of quick questions. To you, how important are factors such as student:teacher ratio and gender-balanced classrooms?

One school that I really like has a 10:1 student:teacher ratio in all the classrooms but all the classrooms were completely in order and all the kids were amazingly happy and involved and each playing with their own thing at their own pace. I visited two preschools where the ratio was 5:1 or better and there was total chaos - all the kids were being forced to sit in one place and seemed flustered and unfocused. On paper, the difference in ratios would likely affect how I registered Ash, but after the tours I am leaning the exact opposite way. So is ratio really all that important?

How important is gender balancing? I hadn't really thought about it but then I saw one 2yo class where there were 8 girls and 2 boys. It didn't bother me that much but when I mentioned it casually to my mom she pressed me to look for classes that were more balanced. Anyone have any really negative experiece with gender unbalanced classes?

TIA. I will be back later to respond to other posts. I hate the days that I have to be away from my computer/SMS!

KATin NJ

Ally,
RE: Ratio
While it's important to me, the dynamics of the classroom FAR outweigh the ratio. That one teacher may have a better handle on the students, experience balancing the dynamics and personalities....

RE: Male/Female Ration
I see no difference. Will was first in a class with 7 girls and 4 boys and the following year 10 boys and 5 girls. IT did not bother him at all. The early years, I don't think it matters who the playmate is. Now in Kindergartne, Will chooses to hang more with the boys.

bugginsmom

Student/Teacher ratio is very important. However, I caution you because if you have already seen four schools today, it is hard to get a great feel for the entire program. You are seeing different parts of the day at each one. For example, you saw center/free play/focused play (whatever they call it at each particular place) at one school, a group time or transition at another, etc. Whenever I visit a preschool I have stayed an entire morning to see the whole program and how transitions , center work, focused work, group time, etc. were handled. Watching and listening to how the teacher interacts with the children, how she handles any type of redirection, etc.

If it is only one adult and 10 children my concern would be that if one particular child needs adult attention then who is focusing on the other children. Also, I *want* to see quality adult interaction in the children's play. The teacher should be a facilitator in expanding the learning situations and, if properly trained, the lower the ratio, the stronger the learning environment.

I guess my bottom line answer is that it is important, but if you have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 that you really like I encourage you to take Asher and spend a morning with the class. I have learned a lot about certain teachers by how they interact with my child when he doesn't want to share, etc. during a visit. Then again, I am pretty hard to please when it comes to e.c. programs so....

JenR

I agree with Kat. The atmosphere and teacher quality is more important than the ratio number without other considerations. On the gender issue, I wouldn't even consider it. We've had it both ways and it didn't affect my kids at all. DD's best friend in her 2 yo class was a boy. Also, the numbers could change as people move, find a different provider, etc. Good luck!!

bugginsmom

Also, another thing to consider...were the schools all the same philosophy?

Gender wouldn't play into it as you never know who is enrolling next year anyway. That is just the luck of the draw so basing it on this year's observation probably won't do much good anyway.

Vanesa

I was about to post exactly what Kat said.
I visited a several dayc ares when looking for G and When I tour the one she's in I just new it. That was what it would be good for her.

BigNutbrownHare

I didn't have choice about my visits. The tour times were set by the schools and it just so happened that I could manage to make it to several in one day because the set times were staggered. None offer anything remotely like having your child visit for a day or spending a whole morning in a classroom. I don't even have the time for that if they did. I am juggling just *barely* as much as I can right now even making it to these tours! Especially since I need him registered in two different states.

Also, these schools are all the same philosophy with very similar daily schedules. Trust me, the vibe in one was "under control" and the vibe in the other two was "out of control".

But it all may be pointless anyway. I just visited another school and I am in **LOVE** with it. There is a teacher, a parent (it's a coop), and a college student teacher per classroom of 8. I think it may be the ideal preschool for us for a variety of other reasons as well. OF COURE, it has to be a 35-minute drive from the area we want to live!! Argggh.

Bensmom

Glad you found something you love Ally! I think the idea of a parent coop is great, there is one local to us that I hope to send Ben too when he is old enough.

BigNutbrownHare

LOL - I love it, but now I have to wait and see if we get in!!

Bensmom

That will be our issue to...there are only 20 slots and they give preference to families that have already had children in the program. Hope Ash gets a spot!