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

Unless you live in a tiny city, you probably have numerous preschool options. Some are part of the public school system, while others are charter schools with unique curriculum. Choosing the best preschool can be a daunting decision for all parents. Here are three effective tips that can help make this choice easier:

Get Referrals

The best resource for finding the top-rated preschools in your area are parents with children who attended pre-K classes recently. They can provide valuable information about the program they chose. This is the perfect starting point for limiting your search to a few choices.

Read Ranking Websites

Many websites exist that rank and review local preschools and other institutions. Reading these sites can give you an indication of your available choices. This doesn't mean you need to immediately go with the #1 preschool. But it should help you get closer to the best choice.

Visit Preschools

After you have finally trimmed your list down to a few choices, tour 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 first to make sure you visit during the right time.

With the help of these three steps, choosing the best early education option is much easier.