You can't undervalue the importance of early education. 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 lots of advantages to preschools, including critical knowledge and social interaction. The real decision that parents need to make is which preschool they should choose.

Unless you reside in a tiny city, you probably have a lot of preschool options. Some are part of the public school system, while others are charter schools with specialized curriculum. Some have only been in operation for a few years, while others have been around for decades. Choosing the right pre-K school can be a daunting decision for any parent. Here are three effective tips that can help make this choice much easier:

Ask Around

Do you have any friends or family members who have passed through this process already? If so, talk to them. These individuals have valuable insight into the program that they used (and maybe those that they didn't. This is a great starting point for narrowing your search down to a few choices.

Ranking Websites

Several websites exist that rank and review local preschools and other institutions. Reading these websites will give you an indication of your available choices. You don't need to choose the pre-K school with top ranking immediately, but these sites should help make your choice easier.

Take a Tour

Before you make your decision, visiting a few top-rated preschools is a must. This gives you an opportunity to meet with the teachers, ask questions, look at classrooms, and see if it meets your criteria. Call in advance to find out when these preschools allow visitors.

Following these basic steps will ideally lead you to choosing the top-rated preschool for your child to receive their early education.