The first five years are an incredible period of growth and brain development that sets the stage for later learning.

High-quality pre-K programs for three- and four-year-olds capitalize on this window of opportunity to build core skills kids need to thrive throughout their time in school. Along with their ABCs and 123s, pre-K students learn lifelong skills like following classroom routines, building relationships, naming and managing their emotions, communicating their ideas, solving problems, and working together. Research tells us that kids who attend a high-quality pre-K program are more likely to be ready for Kindergarten and successful in life. All kids deserve a chance to reach their full potential and pre-K helps them start that journey on the right foot.

So how can you find a pre-K program that’s right for your family?

• Confirm that programs you’re considering are licensed or registered, meaning they meet the state’s basic requirements for safety and instruction. 
• Determine whether a program has earned NAEYC or Missouri accreditation – more rigorous sets of program standards.
• When public health conditions allow, visit pre-K programs to get a feel for what its like to be a part of their school community. Keep an eye out for:
  • Caring adults who have positive, supportive interactions with their students
  • Opportunities for active exploration, hands-on learning, and imaginative play
  • High expectations for all children
  • Teachers who support each student according to where he or she is on their developmental journey
  • Staff that stay in regular communication with families and provide a variety of opportunities to be involved with the school community
  • A commitment to prepare children to hit the ground running in Kindergarten
• Identify your family’s specific needs to narrow down the programs that will work for you:
  • How many days of the week do you want your child to attend? 
  • Would you prefer a full- or half-day program?
  • Do you need before- and after-school care? 
  • Would subsidized meals be helpful?
  • Does your child need support as an English Language Learner?
  • Do they have identified special education needs a school should be ready to address?
• Explore affordable options. Early childhood education can be costly, but there are a number of affordable – even free – high-quality options in St. Louis. Those include:
  • Public elementary schools, including St. Louis Public Schools and local charter schools
  • Programs accepting childcare subsidies
  • The STL Pre-K Cooperative, a partnership between K-12 public schools and early childhood providers 
  • Independent schools may offer need-based tuition assistance for pre-K

The pre-K search can feel a little daunting, but pre-K program leaders are always eager to talk about their work with children and families, and the Navigate STL Schools team of School Navigators are available to help you gather the information and resources you need to find the right school for your child. 

Pre-K lays the foundation for lifelong learning. Start your child’s education with a foundation they’ll build on throughout their lifetime.