What is the school’s philosophy (Waldorf, Montessori, Child-Centered, etc.)?
Is the learning style developmentally based – learning at the child’s pace – or academically based, focusing on direct academic learning?
What is the teacher-student ratio? Lower ratios equal more individual attention for each child.
How does this preschool measure academic growth?
Are the classrooms multi-age, or are all the children in the class the same age?
Do the daily activities include opportunities for growth in all areas (i.e., intelligence, language, social, and fine motor skills)? Ask for a copy of a typical daily or weekly schedule, if possible.
Will food be served? Ask about the nutritional quality of the food, alternative choices, and whether you’ll be informed of your child’s eating habits.
Is it required that a child be potty trained in order to attend this school?
What is the school’s discipline policy?
Are naps required?
What happens if a child is injured or sick?
What are the education and experience requirements for the staff?
Must all staff members undergo an extensive background check?
Can parents stop by at any time to see how things are going and observe the classroom?
What is the tuition cost? Is there a deposit?
What is the policy for releasing children? Find out what happens if you’re late, and whether the preschool requires proper ID and prior approval from the parents before letting the child leave with someone else.
It may seem like a lot of work, but choosing a quality preschool program for your child is important. Kids who attend preschool have an advantage when it’s time to begin kindergarten: their language, literacy, and math skills are better, not to mention their socialization skills. Give your child a good head start with a preschool education!