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

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 assist you in choosing a preschool curriculum that suits your child best.

The Play-Based Method

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.

Reggio Emilia

This approach focuses on collaborative, project-based learning. Children are viewed as capable and curious, and the environment aids in inspiring 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 the 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?

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 preschool 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.

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.

Learn more about our approach to learning and how we partner with families.