Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child 2025/26

Choosing a preschool is one of the most important decisions parents make in their child’s early years. While it’s easy to think of preschool as simply childcare, the reality is that it’s so much more. Preschool is where children begin developing social and emotional skills, building confidence, and laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

But with so many choices it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Should you go with the closest location? An available space? Or the program your friend swears by?

The truth is: finding the right preschool means looking beyond convenience and availability. It’s about finding the environment where your child will thrive.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best preschool for your family.

Step 1: Know What Matters to Your Family

Before you start touring schools or filling out applications, take time to think about what’s important to you. Ask yourself:

• Do I want a play-based, academic, or alternative philosophy?
• How structured do I want my child’s day to be?
• Is location or schedule flexibility a top priority?
• What budget is realistic for our family?

Understanding your priorities makes the search less overwhelming and helps you evaluate options more clearly.

Step 2: Learn About the Different Types of Preschools

Not all preschools are the same. Each has a unique approach to early childhood education. Here are the most common types you may encounter:

Play-Based Preschools

• Philosophy: Children learn best through play and exploration.
• Classroom style: Toys, art, music, and free-choice centers like blocks, dramatic play, and sensory tables.
• Focus: Social skills, creativity, problem-solving, independence.
• Best for: Children who thrive in flexible, less-structured environments.

Academic Preschools

• Philosophy: Early preparation for Kindergarten and Grade 1.
• Classroom style: Structured lessons in letters, numbers, reading, writing, and worksheets.
• Focus: Cognitive development, early literacy, numeracy.
• Best for: Families wanting a strong academic head start.

Montessori Preschools

• Philosophy: Independence and self-directed learning, based on Dr. Maria Montessori’s methods.
• Classroom style: Specialized materials, mixed-age classrooms, and lots of choice for the child.
• Focus: Life skills, concentration, responsibility, respect for the child’s pace.
• Best for: Children who enjoy working independently and families who value structure with freedom.

“An authentic Montessori preschool is the right fit for every child.  Each Montessori follows a carefully planned holistic curriculum and emphasizes active, self-paced, individualized learning based on children’s interests.  Specially trained teachers observe and facilitate the use of the multi-sensory Montessori materials to develop concentration and capacity for learning.  Through this engaged process of discovery, children become more confident, independent, self-regulated and self-disciplined.”  

Tiffany Goulding – Head of School North Star Montessori 

Reggio Emilia Preschools

• Philosophy: Children are capable, competent, and full of potential.
• Classroom style: Open-ended projects, lots of collaboration, documentation of learning.
• Focus: Creativity, self-expression, critical thinking, inquiry.
• Best for: Families who want child-led learning and strong parent involvement.

Outdoor Learning/Forest Preschools

• Philosophy: Emphasizes connection with the outdoors, risk-taking in safe environments, and holistic development.
• Classroom style: Activities take place almost entirely outdoors rain or shine, using natural elements as learning tools. Teachers guide rather than direct, allowing child-led exploration and discovery.
• Focus: Resilience, confidence, creativity, problem-solving, environmental awareness, physical literacy, and sensory-rich learning.
• Best for: Adventurous children and families who value nature-based education, hands-on learning, and holistic development.

Multi-Disciplinary Preschools

• Philosophy: Children thrive in a balanced environment that mimics life by offering both structured and flexible opportunities to practice a full range of academic, creative, and socio-emotional skills.
• Classroom style: Free-choice centers and structured activity areas that are open or closed at different times of the day. Emergent self-guided elements complement structured teacher-led lessons.
• Focus: Development of the whole child, preparation for success in academia society, and life in general.  Individualism balanced with a sense of Community.
• Best for: Children who thrive in an environment that provides freedom of expression with opportunities to try new things and the reliability of a consistent routine. 

“All children are unique, with different family backgrounds, diverse cultures, and coming from a wide range of parenting styles.  Providing a first classroom that meets children where they are in their learning journey is key to building their confidence. Having a blended philosophy gives the teachers a bigger toolbox from which to help each child reach their greatest potential.” Miss Jennifer, Director of My Whole Earth Academy

Co-operative Preschools aka PPP

• Philosophy: Parents and teachers run the preschool together.
• Classroom style: Parents volunteer in classrooms and help with administration.
• Focus: Community, affordability, parent involvement.
• Best for: Families who want to be hands-on in their child’s education.

Language Immersion Preschools

• Philosophy: Children learn in a second (or third) language.
• Common in BC: French, Mandarin, Spanish.
• Classroom style: Activities conducted in the target language.
• Focus: Bilingualism, cultural awareness, cognitive flexibility.
• Best for: Families wanting children to grow up multilingual.

Knowing these options will help you choose a program that fits your child’s personality and your family’s values.

Step 3: Visit and Observe

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule visits or tours. Being in the space gives you an immediate sense of whether the preschool feels warm, organized, and inviting.

While visiting, notice:

• Children: Do they look engaged and happy?
• Teachers: Are they warm, patient, and respectful?
• Classrooms: Are they safe, clean, and full of stimulating activities?
• Atmosphere: Does it feel calm and joyful, or chaotic and stressful?

Trust your gut—first impressions are often telling.

Step 4: Ask the Right Questions

During a tour, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. Good ones include:

• What’s your daily schedule like?
• How do you handle discipline and conflict resolution?
• What is the teacher-to-child ratio?
• How do you communicate with parents?
• What’s your policy on naps, snacks, outdoor play, and screen time?
• How do you support children during transitions or separation anxiety?

Step 5: Look for Consistency and Communication

A great preschool isn’t just about curriculum—it’s about relationships. Young children thrive with consistent caregivers and clear routines. Ask about staff turnover rates and how teachers build connections with children.

Equally important is how the preschool communicates with parents. Do they send daily updates, weekly newsletters, or use apps? Feeling informed builds trust and strengthens the parent-school partnership.

Step 6: Consider Practical Details

While philosophy and environment matter most, practical considerations also play a role:

• Hours of operation and flexibility.
• Location and commute.
• Cost and payment options.
• Availability of part-time vs. full-time spots.

Balancing these logistics with your child’s needs is key.

Step 7: Prepare for the Transition

Once you’ve chosen a preschool, ask about how they help children adjust. Many programs offer gradual entry, where children start with shorter days before moving into the full schedule. Talk to your child about what to expect and keep drop-offs consistent. Some tears at the beginning are normal, but with support, most children settle quickly.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right preschool is about finding a place where your child will feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. Preschool is more than daycare. It’s the first step into the world of education, friendships, and independence.

Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts. When you find the right fit, you’ll know and your child will thrive.

Top 5 Questions Parents Forget to Ask

When touring preschools, parents often focus on daily schedules and tuition—but these overlooked questions can reveal a lot about how the program really works:

1. How do you handle sick days and contagious illnesses?
   Policies vary widely and can affect your work schedule.
2. What is your approach to conflict between children?
   Understanding whether teachers redirect, problem-solve, or discipline is key.
3. How do you support children with different learning styles or temperaments?
   Every child is unique—look for flexibility in approach.
4. What kind of professional development do teachers receive?
   Ongoing training shows a commitment to quality care.
5. How do you help children transition into and out of your program?
   From the first week to kindergarten readiness, support matters.

Preschools to consider

Goodwin Academy

8 Locations in Surrey,1 more coming to Surrey
goodwinacademy.ca

Goodwin strive to provide safe dependable childcare when you need it. Let them care for your child. They provide parents with peace of mind through their many safety features, extended hours, educational components, arts programs, open layouts, and caring staff.

My Whole Earth Academy

Kerrisdale, Vancouver
mywholeearth.ca

They go beyond traditional preschool! They blend Montessori, Reggio, Waldorf, and the BC ELF to create personalized learning plans for every child. Their unique curriculum teaches life skills through developmentally appropriate, project-based learning. And you’ll enjoy their flexible scheduling, parent-teacher consultations, and deep family partnerships. Book a visit to learn more!

North Star Montessori

North Vancouver, 604/980-1205
northstarmontessori.ca

North Star offers Montessori programs for Infants & Toddlers, Preschool & Elementary aged children. Committed to meeting the developmental needs of each child, we foster a love of learning, independence, and respect. Practical experiences build confidence and inspire an intrinsic motivation to ‘learn’ and ‘do’ that students carry with them throughout their lives.

Oakridge Montessori School

Vancouver, 604/ 263-1686
oakridgemontessori.com

Oakridge Montessori School is a BC Certified, independent school for preschool-aged children to Grade 3 and is dedicated to providing all children with a vibrant, enriching, and distinctive learning journey that instills a lifelong love of learning.  

Gatehouse Montessori School

West Vancouver, 604/925-1437

At Gatehouse Montessori, children thrive in a warm, Montessori-inspired environment that fosters independence, curiosity, and confidence. Our caring educators support each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth through engaging activities that foster a lifelong love of learning.

PJ Kids

West Vancouver, 604/926-5972
pjkidsclub.com

PJ Kids Club preschool for children  30 months to 5 years old, with French, music, nurturing and inclusive environment with activities that engage children’s natural curiosity and needs, created in collaboration by a team of professional Early Childhood Educators.  Contact us at [email protected].

Royal Academy

Richmond, Langley, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, and Pitt Meadows
royaleducation.ca

Royal Academy offers nurturing programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers ages 0–5. Inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, our eco-designed classrooms foster confidence, curiosity, and creativity.

WMA Early Learning Centre

Vancouver, 604/434-9611
westsidemontessoriacademy.ca

The new WMA Early Learning Centre offers year-round, full-day Montessori programs for preschool-aged children, fostering joyful learning, creativity and independence. Located at 668 East 20th Ave, we’re the sister school to Westside Montessori Academy at 5550 Fraser St.

About the Author

Sarah Jensen is a writer on parenting and an early childhood educator with over a decade of experience helping families navigate preschool choices. She blends research with practical advice to support parents in making confident, informed decisions.