How to Select a Preschool That Supports Your Family’s Vision for Learning

In a rush? Here's a quick rundown.

• Start by defining what learning means to your family — creativity, structure, nature connection, or school readiness.

• Understand different preschool philosophies like Play-Based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and Academic to find the best fit.

• Visit centres in person to observe how children engage, how educators interact, and whether the environment feels right.

• Consider practical factors like location, hours, fees, and availability alongside your values.

• Trust your gut — if it feels right and ticks your top priorities, you're probably onto a winner.

Choosing the right preschool isn't just about bright classrooms or colourful toys — it's about finding a place that feels like a natural extension of your home and values. For toddlers, those early learning experiences shape how they approach challenges, build friendships, and discover the world around them.

At The Green Elephant, we understand every family has a unique vision for their child's learning. That's why we support multiple avenues of learning and create a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity, confidence, and growth.

Let's explore how to choose a preschool that aligns with your family's goals and gives your child the best start.

Define Your Family's Vision for Learning

Before you start comparing centres, take a moment to reflect on what learning means to you as a family. Do you value creativity and freedom of expression? Is structure and school readiness more your focus? Do you want your child to connect with nature or be surrounded by multicultural experiences?

At The Green Elephant, we believe learning is a partnership between families and educators. We take the time to listen, understand your priorities, and create an experience that honours your values. Whether it's supporting emotional development, encouraging independence, or simply giving your child space to be themselves, we're here to work with you.

Understand Different Preschool Philosophies

Preschools vary widely in their teaching styles and learning environments. Understanding the different approaches can help you choose a curriculum that suits your child best.

Play-Based Learning

This method uses play as the foundation for learning. Children are encouraged to explore, create, and lead their own learning experiences with guidance from educators.

Benefits:

• Develops social and problem-solving skills

• Encourages creativity and curiosity

• Builds independence and confidence

  
  

Great for children who thrive in open-ended, hands-on environments.

Montessori

Montessori programs emphasise independence, self-discipline, and freedom within structure. Classrooms are calm, carefully prepared, and full of tactile materials that support focused learning.

Benefits:

• Promotes responsibility and decision-making

• Nurtures fine motor skills and attention to detail

• Encourages self-directed exploration

  
  

Ideal for children who enjoy working at their own pace with gentle structure.

Play-based learning lets children lead their own discoveries

Reggio Emilia

This approach focuses on collaborative, project-based learning. Children are viewed as capable and curious, and the environment is designed to inspire inquiry.

Benefits:

• Builds communication and teamwork

• Fosters creative and critical thinking

• Values artistic and emotional expression

  
  

A good fit for families who believe in learning through creativity and community.

Waldorf

Waldorf education is holistic, blending imagination, rhythm, and connection to the natural world. It avoids formal academics in the early years in favour of storytelling, play, and practical life skills.

Benefits:

• Encourages emotional balance and empathy

• Supports imaginative thinking

• Promotes a calm, consistent rhythm to the day

  
  

Great for families looking for a gentle, nature-connected learning path.

Academic/Traditional

These programs are more structured, often with a clear curriculum focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and school readiness.

Benefits:

• Builds academic skills early on

• Encourages focus and goal-setting

• Prepares children for the expectations of primary school

  
  

Best suited to families who value structure and early preparation for formal schooling.

Visit and Observe

Reading about a preschool is one thing, but seeing it in action is another. A visit helps you understand the vibe, the way children engage, and how educators interact.

Things to look for:

• Are the children engaged and happy?

• Do the educators speak respectfully and warmly?

• Is the space clean, safe, and stimulating?

• Are children playing, exploring, and being heard?

• Does the environment reflect diverse cultures and ideas?

  
  

Warm, respectful interactions tell you everything about a centre's culture

Questions to ask:

• Curriculum: Does it reflect your values and support your child's development style?

• Educators: What are their qualifications and teaching philosophies?

• Routine: How is the day structured? Is there a balance between play, rest, and learning?

• Communication: How will you be kept informed about your child's progress?

• Support: How are individual needs and learning styles accommodated?

  
  

Observing how your child responds during a visit can be just as telling as any brochure or website. Do they feel comfortable? Curious? Energised?

Location and Logistics

Even the most perfect program might be unworkable if it doesn't fit your schedule or lifestyle. Be realistic about the day-to-day.

Consider:

• How far is the centre from your home or work?

• Are the operating hours flexible with your routine?

• What are the fees, and what's included (meals, nappies, incursions)?

• Is there availability, or will you need to go on a waitlist?

• Is there easy parking, safe pick-up/drop-off, or public transport nearby?

  
  

Trust Your Gut

Even after all the research, tours, and conversations, the final decision often comes down to a feeling. Does the preschool feel right? Can you see your child smiling there, learning and growing with confidence?

No preschool will be perfect in every way, and that's okay. What matters most is choosing a place where your child is safe, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. If it ticks your top priorities and just feels right, you're probably onto a winner.

When a child feels at home, you just know

Why Learn with The Green Elephant?

At The Green Elephant, we do more than just support your child's learning — we support your family's learning journey too.

We understand that early education is most powerful when home values and preschool values work together. That's why we prioritise strong relationships with families, ongoing communication, and a shared approach to nurturing children.

Our centres incorporate the best of several philosophies to create an environment that meets children where they are and helps them flourish.

Learning doesn't start and stop at the preschool gate. With The Green Elephant, what your child learns with us complements what they learn at home, creating a more consistent, supportive experience as they grow.

FAQ

What's the difference between play-based and Montessori preschools?

Play-based programs use open-ended play as the foundation for learning, with children leading their own exploration. Montessori emphasises independence and self-directed learning within a structured environment using specific tactile materials. Both encourage hands-on learning but differ in their approach to structure.

What questions should I ask when visiting a preschool?

Ask about the curriculum and how it aligns with your values, educator qualifications and teaching philosophy, daily routines, how they communicate with families, and how they accommodate individual learning needs and styles.

How do I know if a preschool is the right fit for my child?

Visit in person and observe how children engage, how educators interact, and whether the environment feels warm and welcoming. Watch how your child responds — do they seem comfortable and curious? Trust your instincts alongside the practical considerations.

What should I look for during a preschool tour?

Look for engaged, happy children and educators who speak respectfully and warmly. Check that the space is clean, safe, and stimulating. Notice whether children are playing, exploring, and being heard, and whether the environment reflects diverse cultures and ideas.

Does The Green Elephant follow one specific teaching philosophy?

We incorporate the best of several philosophies to create an environment that meets each child where they are. We prioritise partnerships with families and tailor our approach to honour your values and support your child's unique learning style.

See If We're the Right Fit for Your Family

Book a tour and discover how The Green Elephant partners with families to nurture curious, confident learners.

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