Written by: Maggi DeJesus-Wilson, Assistant Director of the Purchase Children’s Center
It’s springtime—and if you don’t act soon, you know it may be hard to find a spot in a preschool for the fall. So many parents have been there. I have been there myself.
How do I know my child is ready?
Am I ready?
The honest answer is… you might not know.
And that’s okay.
The beauty of early childhood education is that high-quality programs are designed to meet your child exactly where they are developmentally. There isn’t a single definition of “ready.” Instead, strong programs are responsive to your child’s growth, their personality, and their pace.
But just as important—and often overlooked—is this: we are also responsive to the needs of the child’s family. That means you.
A high-quality early childhood program doesn’t just support children. It supports parents, too. We work in partnership with you to help navigate what can feel like a big and emotional transition. While so much attention is placed on the child, it’s important to remember that families need support, reassurance, and connection just as much.
What Should You Look for in a Preschool?
New York State offers a resource called the Core Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. If you’re wondering what defines a strong program—whether it’s a daycare, preschool, nursery school, or a home-based program—this is a great place to start.
Explore the Core Competencies.
Across this and many other frameworks, there is one shared belief that stands out:
Children learn best when the adults in their lives work in partnership with one another.
This idea is foundational. In fact, as the competencies state:
“Several core beliefs exist at the heart of these competencies… These core beliefs serve as a foundation and guide for all efforts to support New York’s children and families and its early childhood education workforce.”
And one of the guiding practice principles makes it even clearer:
“Strong, active partnerships with parents, families, caregivers, and communities benefit children’s development, learning, and well-being.”
This isn’t a new or cutting-edge idea—it’s simple, and it works. It’s also something we’ve built into the mission of our program at the Purchase Children’s Center since we first opened in 1980.
You Are the Expert on Your Child
When I was pregnant with my first child, I attended a class about caring for a newborn. The pediatrician leading the session kept emphasizing something that stuck with me:
The health and well-being of parents is just as important as the health of the newborn.
It sounds obvious—but it’s surprisingly easy to forget.
That’s why your care team matters. We chose a pediatrician who cared about us—not just our baby—who supported us as new parents and treated us like people, not numbers.
That is the experience you should expect from your child’s preschool.
Yes, early childhood educators are experts in child development. But you are the expert on your child. Your family’s values, culture, and beliefs should be reflected in your child’s learning environment. Your voice should be heard, respected, and included in decision-making.
You are not on the outside looking in. You are an essential part of your child’s learning.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Family
Every family’s needs are different, and a strong program recognizes that. That’s why having flexible options matters.
At Purchase Children’s Center, we offer a range of program times—from morning programs as short as three hours to full-day programs as long as nine hours—so we can meet your family where you are.
Readiness isn’t just about your child; it’s about your whole family feeling supported and confident.
Still Unsure? That’s Okay.
If you’re not sure whether your child—or you—are ready, start by exploring.
Take a tour.
Visit different programs.
Ask questions.
Pay attention to how each program makes you feel.
Do you feel welcomed?
Do you feel heard?
Do you feel like a partner?
Those answers matter.
Because in the end, preschool readiness isn’t about checking off a list of skills. It’s about finding a community where your child—and your family—receive support, reassurance, and connection.
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