Nathaniel is proud of the art project he completed at Wilde Lake Children's Nursery School.

A good preschool knows how to balance large group activities - like the one Fiona Domingue, Sadie Saula and Alex Sommers are participating in - with free time.

'If you have a happy teacher, you're going to have happy children,' says Carol Klein of Delaney Day School.

Shortly after her son turned 2, stay -at -home mom Pat Stoos, of Ellicott City, noticed that he was growing bored with activities they were doing together — painting, reading and trips to the library.

“I could tell he was ready for more socialization and structured learning,” says Stoos, who decided to look into preschool programs. “I didn’t have a particular program in mind. But I knew I wanted something that would get him ready for what’s ahead.”

Stoos isn’t alone. Most parents are looking for a program that will prepare their child for educational success in kindergarten and beyond, says Carol Klein, program director of Dulaney Day School in Riderwood. But a good preschool program will also develop life skills, such as being respectful and making good choices, she says.

Of course, parents want to choose the best program possible for their child. But where do they start and what should they look for? Local preschool experts share the following tips:

Tip 1 Start Planning Early

Many preschools have waiting lists, and others fill up quickly once registration begins. If you’re thinking about sending your 2-, 3- or 4-year-old to preschool next fall, it’s a good idea to start planning now.

Begin by prioritizing your needs and those of your child, says Kelly Carney and Carol Grady, teachers at East Columbia Preschool in Columbia. They suggest considering such things as cost, location and hours, as well as your child’s personality, likes and dislikes.

“Know the lingo,” says Carney. She explains that there are church-based programs, co-ops that are run by parents and programs available in day cares.

“Ask friends and family for the names of schools they’ve liked,” says Elizabeth (Zibby) Andrews, head of lower division for The Garrison Forest School in Owings Mills. “Ninety-five percent of our students come to us from word-of-mouth.”

Check out preschool lists, like the one found in this issue on page 17. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has a searchable online list of accredited centers and preschools on its Web site at www.naeyc.org.

“A lot can be learned about a preschool just by visiting its Web site,” says Andrews. “It’s something parents can do at work or at night when the kids are in bed.”

Tip 2 Visit The School

Once you’ve done your research and have a list of your top choices, it’s time to start visiting. The best way to get a feel for a program is to sit in on a class in progress and simply observe, agree the experts.

“Look at the interaction between teachers and students,” says Klein. “Are the teachers smiling? If you have a happy teacher, you’re going to have happy children.”

According to the NAEYC, the classroom should be clean, orderly and organized to encourage social interaction. Children’s original artwork should be hanging up.

“Pay close attention to the structure of a program,” says Klein. There should be a good balance between individual, small-group and large-group activities, as well as free play and teacher-guided activities, she says.

“Bring your child to a class,” says Carren Adler, director and teacher for Wilde Lake Children’s Nursery School in Columbia. “A deciding factor for many parents is watching how their child interacts in the classroom.”

Tip 3 Ask The Right Questions

Visiting a preschool also provides an opportunity to ask questions. It’s a good idea to have a list of questions prepared ahead of time. Here are several to get you started:

What are the school’s accreditations? A curriculum approved by the state of Maryland or the NAEYC is a reliable sign of quality, says Klein.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio? This helps determine how much individual attention your child will get. The NAEYC recommends having at least one caregiver for every five to seven children ages 2 to 3, and a 1:8 to 1:10 ratio for 4-and 5-year-olds.

What education and training do teachers have? Look for teachers who have a four-year degree in early childhood education, as well as continued training, says Tracy Kahler, director of First Lutheran Preschool in Ellicott City.

What is the teaching philosophy? Some curriculums focus on independence, while others are more teacher-directed. Some concentrate on academics and others focus on learning through play. A program with a good mix is ideal, says Carney.

What are the discipline policies? “We discipline children without using harsh words,” says Klein. Teaching respect and sharing, as well as acknowledging good behavior, are also important, she says.

What is a typical daily schedule? Outside play, snack time, story time, independent exploration and small group activities should be occurring daily, says Kahler.

Tip 4 Discuss Parental Involvement

There should be a close working relationship between teachers and parents during the preschool years, agree the experts. Ask how information is shared with parents, such as conferences, newsletters or e-mails.

“Communication between teachers and parents is also critical in identifying and addressing learning difficulties and special needs,” says Adler. “The more information shared between the two the better.”

Some preschools such as co-ops, require a certain amount of parental involvement, says Carney. Parents at her school are part of the teaching team, she says. Other schools offer opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom, as well as with family events and fundraising efforts throughout the year.

If you are a parent who likes to be involved, choose a school that will welcome your involvement, says Adler.

Tip 5 Go With Your Gut

Not every school is for every child. That’s why there’s a lot to be said for parental intuition, says Klein. You know your child best of all. So if something is telling you he or she will love the school, it’s probably the right fit.

After visiting East Columbia Preschool, Stoos remembers walking away with a huge smile on her face. “It fit everything I was looking for. The teacher had a great rapport with the kids, I loved the co-op experience and the facility was great.”

It may feel like there’s a lot involved in picking a preschool, but all the planning, research and leg work will help you feel confident that your child will have the best possible start.

“I felt very comfortable with my choice,” says Stoos, who enrolled her son in a 3-year program this fall. “I knew my son would be safe and have fun learning.”