Choosing the right preschool for your child can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, it helps to step back and consider what matters most to you and your family. Below are several important factors to keep in mind as you begin your search.
Location & Environment
When thinking about location, I’m not just referring to proximity to your home (though that certainly matters), but also to the setting itself—whether the preschool operates in a home or a commercial space. Each option has its own benefits, and it’s worth considering which environment will best support your child.
A home-based preschool can offer a gentle bridge between the familiarity of home and the structure of a classroom. The homelike environment at Seed to Sprout often has a calming effect, particularly for children who may feel nervous about starting school, and provides all students with a sense of safety, comfort, and belonging.
Outdoor access is another important consideration. Many commercial preschools in our area lack dedicated outdoor space, which is unfortunate, as outdoor movement is a critical component of early childhood education. Time spent outside—feeling the sunshine, connecting with nature, and using large muscles—helps children regulate their bodies and emotions. In fact, many behavior challenges can be eased simply by allowing children the opportunity to move and play outdoors.
At Seed to Sprout, we are fortunate to have a fenced yard with ample space to run, jump, throw balls, use sidewalk chalk, tend the garden, and enjoy outdoor dramatic play. Our outdoor space is truly an extension of the classroom—there is very little learning that happens indoors that cannot also happen outside.
Home preschools also tend to offer smaller teacher-to-student ratios, allowing for more individualized attention. My lesson planning is guided by the interests and needs of each unique group of children. I do not reuse the same plans year after year, because no two classes are ever the same. Our daily schedule remains flexible, allowing children to stay deeply engaged in activities rather than rushing them along. These are advantages that can be difficult for larger programs serving many children to provide.
Teachers
When you entrust your child to a preschool teacher, it’s essential that you feel confident and comfortable with that person. A face-to-face meeting before enrollment can be incredibly helpful. Does the teacher get down on your child’s level? Do they speak to children with warmth, patience, and respect? Does their presence feel inviting?
You may also want to ask about the teacher’s educational background and ongoing professional development. Do they have training in early childhood education or child development? Have they completed a CDA or similar program? Do they continue learning through workshops, reading, and professional growth opportunities? Is teaching young children simply a job—or clearly a passion?
While I don’t believe a college degree alone determines the quality of an early childhood educator, I do believe every teacher should understand the why behind their approach. That philosophy should be grounded in current research about how young children grow and learn, and it should be paired with a genuine joy for working with preschoolers.
I hold a degree in Special Education from Utah State University, with an emphasis in early childhood and severe disabilities. I have extensive experience working with children ages 3–5, both with and without disabilities, and I am committed to continuous learning in this field. Every aspect of Seed to Sprout reflects the research, training, and intention behind the way I teach.
Curriculum
Curriculum can feel like one of the most confusing aspects of choosing a preschool. A helpful starting point is asking whether the program is developmentally appropriate. Classrooms that rely heavily on seatwork, worksheets, product-based art, or teacher-directed lessons often miss the mark for preschool-aged children.
Instead, look for environments where children engage in self-directed play using open-ended materials such as blocks, dramatic play props, and art supplies that allow for choice and creativity. You should see teachers asking open-ended questions, supporting problem-solving, and helping children navigate social interactions.
At Seed to Sprout, I strive to provide a well-rounded, developmentally appropriate curriculum that prioritizes long stretches of play, strong social-emotional learning, and meaningful academic experiences that grow naturally out of children’s interests and play.
Cost
If a preschool’s tuition does not fit within your budget, then it simply may not be the right fit—and that’s okay. Preschool is one of many places where children can learn and grow, but it is not the only one. Some families may choose to invest in recreational classes, participate in a preschool co-op, or create rich learning experiences at home instead.
That said, it may helpful to consider the value preschool provides when compared to other extracurricular activities commonly offered for young children. When you look at the number of hours, the level of professional oversight, and the breadth of learning taking place—social-emotional development, problem-solving, language growth, and early academic foundations—preschool often offers far more depth and consistency than many short, weekly classes. While no single program is right for every family, preschool can be an especially meaningful investment for children who benefit from regular routines, peer interaction, and sustained engagement over time.
Seed to Sprout offers competitive tuition rates for the South Jordan area, and our mid-week schedule means fewer missed days due to Monday holidays—helping families get the most value from their enrollment.
Your overall impression
Finally, trust your instincts. Pay attention to how you feel when you visit a preschool and meet the teacher. If something feels off or underwhelming, it’s okay to keep looking. Your initial impression is often a helpful guide.
My hope is that when you visit Seed to Sprout, you’ll catch a clear vision of what a developmentally appropriate preschool can be—one rooted in play, warmth, intention, and joy, within an inviting environment led by a teacher who truly loves spending her days with preschoolers.