Ask the Expert: Future Scholars
See what experts at Future Scholars have to say about what to look for in a preschool and daycare.
What to Look for in a Preschool or Daycare
Choosing a preschool or daycare is one of the most important decisions parents make. While every family has different needs, experts agree that the best early learning environments combine nurturing care, qualified teachers, engaging educational programs, and a strong sense of community.
Choosing a preschool or daycare is one of the most important decisions parents make. While every family has different needs, experts agree that the best early learning environments combine nurturing care, qualified teachers, engaging educational programs, and a strong sense of community.
For Jennifer Tenner, owner of Future Scholars Early Learning Center in Hainesport, creating that family atmosphere has always been a priority. "When children are spending that many hours in someone else's care, parents want to feel like they're leaving them with someone they can trust and someone they enjoy spending time with," she says. "We want it to feel like an extended family."
Parents should look for a program that balances learning and play while preparing children for future academic success. Future Scholars utilizes the Creative Curriculum and participates in Grow NJ Kids, a statewide quality-improvement initiative. The center serves children from as young as six weeks through age 13, offering infant care, preschool, pre-kindergarten, before- and after-school programs, and summer camps.
Safety, cleanliness, communication, and teacher engagement are equally important. During a visit, parents should observe how teachers interact with children and whether students appear happy, comfortable, and engaged.
"Our goal is to challenge the children and allow them to learn through play while building the skills they'll need in kindergarten and beyond," Tenner says.
Ultimately, the right preschool should provide more than childcare—it should offer a safe, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and feel at home while giving parents peace of mind.
Future Scholars Learning Center
Hainesport
609-518-1333
Hainesport
609-518-1333
