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1. How long has the school been in existence?
2. What experience do the teachers have?
3. What is the daily routine?
4. What is the parent involvement?
5. Is there time set aside for the parent and teachers to discuss the child?
6. How is discipline handled?
7. Does the school have an outdoor space and how often is it used?
8. Does the school take field trips?
9. What is the vacation and holiday schedule?
10. What is the policy for taking care of sick or injured children?
Four Questions to Ask Yourself
When visiting a preschool, rely on what you see. Here are four questions to ask yourself:
1. Are the children safe, busy, and happy?
2. Does the school have a lively, creative order to it?
3. Are the rooms decorated with teacher art or children's art? (Children's art decorating the room is a sign the teachers value what the children create.)
4. Do the teachers seem to like what they are doing?
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# Ask to see the curriculum listing and plan book (or sheets) for the current 4-year-old class.
# How many classes are there?
# What credentials does the school have?
# How long has the present director been there?
# What is the background of the teacher that your son may get? How long has she taught? If a teacher does not have a degree - it's not a big deal. Go by experience and how she presents herself to you and your child.
# How many and what kind of meals are served?
For a more in depth interview - make an appointment.
Make sure you look at the rooms.
# How old is the building? Has it been tested for asbestos and what type of cooling and heating do they offer?
# How big is the inside and outside play area?
# How many children are in one class?
# Is there an aide if the class goes over a certain number?
# What type of discipline guidelines do they have?
# Is the room safe and child friendly?
# Are the toys and books on a low shelf? How often are the toys washed?
# Are there field trips? Who drives for the field trips?
# Is there a music and/or art program?
# If academics are important to you ask about how much writing and reading they will do.
# Don't ditch a preschool if it is not accredited. This process is expensive and some cannot afford it.
# Write down other questions that might be important to your individual child and family.
# If you do not understand any answer -- ask the question again. Do not be shy. Talk to other parents and call references.
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