What to look for in a preschool setting

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Children (infants, toddler, and preschool-age children) spend a significant portion of their days in some type of child care setting- family day care, child care center, parent co-op, etc. All children need an environment where their growth and development is promoted through age-appropriate activities, responsive teachers, and a safe and healthy environment. Children need opportunities to form and develop secure relationships with their teachers and caregivers that will nurture a healthy emotional development.

Here is a helpful list of things to consider when looking for a preschool for your child:

Teachers:

  • Are responsive and attentive to the child’s needs

  • Respects children’s individuality

  • Provides a stimulating and child-friendly environment

  • Information about their educational and professional background

  • CPR and First Aid certified

  • All teachers and staff are fingerprinted

  • Teachers have a clearly defined approach to education and care

  • Teachers treat children with respect, listen to them and respond to them sensitively

  • Teachers encourage co-operation, problem-solving and independence in the children

  • Teachers welcome parents into the preschool environment at any time; there is an “open door” policy

Health and Safety:

  • The center is clean and in good repair.

  • The preschool license is posted in a visible place.

  • Doors leading to the outside are secure

  • Staff/caregivers and children wash their hands before meals and after toileting or diapering

  • Toys are disinfected on a regular basis (daily for infants and toddlers)

  • There are clear routines in case of an emergency such as fire, evacuation or accident

  • Cleaning products, medications or other chemicals are stored safely

  • If meals are provided, menus are posted, and the food is nutritious and appealing

  • Outdoor space is clean, well-maintained and available

  • Cribs/ playpens and other equipment meet current safety standards

  • Staff/caregiver has up-to-date first aid and CPR training

  • Parents are aware of the presence and roles of all adults on the child care premises (including family members)

  • The number of children in the center and individual classroom meets state regulations.

Learning Environment

  • Parents are regularly provided with information about the daily schedule and programming, as well as about their child’s day and activities

  • (If the child care setting is multi-age): There are activities, equipment, and materials suited to children of different ages

  • Children have access to a variety of age-appropriate equipment and materials

  • Activities emphasize play and exploration through group and individual activities

  • Children have considerable opportunity for active play, much of it outdoors.

  • The preschool environment is set up in a safe, accessible and exciting way

  • Children are not overly controlled or programmed; at the same time, they are not wandering around aimlessly

  • Children are engaged with the materials and environment

  • There are displays of children’s work and documentation of activities  

  • Diversity – racial, ethnic, gender, ability – is well represented in materials, visually and in programming.

  • The environment is organized to make smooth transitions (from indoors to outdoors, or from active play to lunchtime)

  • There is a welcoming, warm atmosphere for parents

Overall program

  • A policy manual or policy handbook is available to parents

  • Goals and objectives for children and parents are articulated

  • Parents are involved or consulted about the program or other aspects of the preschool

  • There are opportunities for parents to be involved 

  • Parents conferences at least two times a year

  • There is a communication protocol in place

Some questions to consider when taking a tour of the preschool:

  • How often, and how, are parents expected to participate?

  • What are the hours of operation?

  • How much are the fees? When are fees due? Are there late fees for payments? Does tuition go up annually? How much?

  • Is there an extra charge for bringing a child early or arriving later than usual to pick up the child?

  • Does the center accept fee subsidies from the government (if applicable)?

  • What’s the policy about paying for holiday times, vacation, sick day, etc. (when the child is away)?

  • Is there a registration fee? If so, is it refundable?  Is there an annual material/registration fee?

  • Are there any licensing (state regulations) violations? If so, what are they and have they been resolved?

We hope this is a helpful checklist of things to look for and ask when touring a preschool for your child. It is a good idea to ask other parents about their experience at the preschool. Remember, do not be afraid to ask questions and pay attention to how your child reacts in each of the preschools your visit. Ask your child about his/her opinion after each tour. It is a good idea to take pictures of each of the centers you visit, so your child can remember and give you feedback at home.

-Yeni & Gloria