Are you coveting the days when your child was simply playing with his or her toys? Maybe your child's education wasn't really a priority at that time. On the other hand, you probably selected toys and books that would stimulate his or her mind. Now that your child is older, you may be concerned about the kind of education he or she will receive. If that's the case, here are some ideas that might help you to provide a great education for your young child.

Will Your Child Be Attending A Formal School? - In other words, will your child be going to public school or will he or she be attending a private school? Before you make that decision, ask yourself some important question.

• Do you want a Christ-based curriculum for your child? If so, a private school is a good choice.
• If you want a personalized education for your child, consider a Montessori school.
• Talk to the director of the private school or to the principal of the public school to learn what the school's goals are for children who attend there.
• Find out if the school follows a traditional curriculum or if new teaching methods are tried frequently.

Will You Be Home Schooling Your Child? - Maybe you've decided that neither public nor private schools meet your own goals.

• If you are a traditionalist, maybe you're not excited that the schools you have visited participate in too many education fads.
• Perhaps you are the opposite of a traditionalist and you would like a totally different outlook on education than you found at the schools you studied.
• If you decide to home school your children, consider creating your own curriculum for them.
• The great part about home schooling is that you can mix the tried-and-true techniques with your own brand new ideas.

Have Open Communication - Whether you decide to place your child in a formal learning setting or whether you decide to home school your child, communication is an important key.

• In talking with your child's teacher or teachers, don't just cover academic progress. How does the teacher handle problems like misbehavior? Does your child do well socially?
• Obviously, you'll want to talk with your child a lot, too. You don't want to drill him or her. A conversation that accompanies an after-school snack is a good time to learn about your child's day.
• If you are home schooling your child, ask him or her direct questions like Do you need more personal reading time? Would you like to go on field trips wth other home schooled children?
• Remind your child that he or she should always feel free to ask questions or to ask help, whether at school or at home. 

It would be fun for you and your child to keep a journal together. Include activities and studies that he or she has enjoyed the most. Those may lead to further study in the higher grades, including college. Check out companies like Ed Fads Critic for more information,.