Early education is very important for all children. According to a study by The Perry Preschool Project, preschool graduates are less likely to commit crimes, are more likely to graduate high school, and hold higher-paying jobs in the future. There are many advantages to preschools, including learning new skills and social interaction. For parents, the question is not whether or not they should sign their child up for preschool. It's which is the right preschool for them?

Unless you live in a small city, you probably have numerous preschool options. Some new on the scene, while others have been around for a very long time. Choosing the best pre-K school is no easy feat. Let us help you with these three effective tips:

Talk to Family & Friends

Talking to people you know who have been through this process before is one of the best choices that you can make. These people have valuable insight into the program that they selected (and maybe those that they didn't. This is the perfect starting point for limiting your search down to a few choices.

Check Ranking Websites

Do a search for "top-rated preschools in (your area)" and you'll probably find two result categories: actual preschools and ranking websites. These websites will lead you to reviews and rankings for a number of different preschools in your local area. This doesn't mean you should instantly choose the top-rated pre-K school. But it should help you get closer to the right choice.

Take a Tour

After you have finally trimmed your list down to a few choices, visit your preferred preschools. This gives you an opportunity to meet with the teachers, ask questions, look at classrooms, and see if it meets your criteria. Call ahead and find out when these preschools welcome visitors.

With these three steps, selecting the best early education option will be much easier.