Dr. Carole Keim gives parents information on daycare and preschool - from the different types of preschools available to how they operate - so you can find the best fit for your child, but also for you in terms of community. 

There is a lot to consider when choosing a preschool: in the United States there are three main types of preschools and they would each suit specific child needs or parent desires differently. Dr. Keim breaks down what to expect and what to look for in preschools. She also explains the frequency of illnesses that children are more likely to get in school, how they circulate, and how you can avoid germs at home.

In this episode:

• Daycare 
• Montessori
• Waldorf
• Reggio Emilia 
• Considerations
• Illnesses at school
• Avoiding germs at school

Daycare 00:33

• Wide range, often regulated by health and safety organizations 
• Sometimes mixed ages, sometimes separate ages
• Ratio of children to teachers can vary 
• Setting can vary - can be in a classroom, in home, at a public building, etc.

Montessori 01:34

• Layout: furniture is child sized, wooden shelves along the walls, low educational pictures/diagrams, shelf layout increases in difficulty as you move left to right and top to bottom (children are meant to move through them sequentially)
• Atmosphere: Children move around freely, do what they want when they want, adults are there to give presentations or to intervene only when needed, children of various ages help each other
• Teachers: certified in Montessori, observe
• Children: free thinkers, helpers/cooperative, self-sufficient, creative 

Waldorf 03:48

• Layout: natural, decorated with things from nature, plain wooden toys (encourage creative play), few distractions
• Atmosphere: simplicity, goodness, beauty, wonder; free play, nature exploration, projects / handcrafts, classroom functions like a home. Reading/writing/math introduced later than in public school
• Teachers: accredited, masters degree or certificate, stay with the children their whole time at the school, i.e. K-5 or K-8
• Children: creative entrepreneurs, problem solvers, self-directed learners, imaginative thinking 

Reggio Emilia 06:59

• Layout: child-based, colorful, activity/theme stations, children’s artwork on the walls
• Atmosphere: play-based learning, teachers play with the children, learning by theme, some structured activities, plenty of play time and child-directed time
• Teachers: certified in early childhood education 
• Children: learn to follow their passion, creative thinkers, well-rounded children, problem solvers 

Things to consider 09:33

• Hours
• Cost
• Location
• Ratio of children to teachers 
• Teaching style 
• Community 
• Tour the school to get a feel for it 

Illness at school 11:14

• Average 4-6 illnesses per year for the first 2-3 years (sick enough to come to the doctor), plus some milder ones 
• Tend to cluster in winter months
• Can spread between family members

Avoiding germs at home 12:31

• There’s a chapter in my book, The Baby Manual
• Wash hands as soon as you get home
• Use separate hand towels
• Keep toothbrushes apart (not in a cup with other people’s)
• Sleep in a different bed than the sick person 
• Don’t share utensils or food, blow on children’s food if you’re sick, or touch their food to your lips to see if it’s hot 
• If anyone is sick, they should not come within 6 feet (and ideally in the same room) as anyone at high risk, such as babies under a year, people with medical conditions, etc.

Dr. Keim’s information here is designed to help you make daycare and preschool choices for your children a bit easier. For additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers, follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels. Her book, “The Baby Manual”, covers the first year of baby life and is the subject of Season One of this podcast. Remember, it is always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• The Baby Manual - Available on Amazon
• Subscribe to this podcast 
• DrKeim LinkTree - for vitamins and supplement link

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Dr. Carole Keim MD: linktree | tiktok | instagram