Following are some tips that will help when looking for a quality preschool or childcare
setting. When looking at preschool facilities, it’s important to ask the right questions and
make a visit to see firsthand how it operates and whether it’s a good fit for your child.
Tip #1:
Ask Questions About the Preschool
Is there time for group or individual activities?
Is the preschool licensed?
Have there been any complaints or licensing violations?
Are children busy with activities much of the time? They should not have to sit and listen
to the teacher for long periods of time.
Is there time for teachers to read to children as a group and one-on-one each day?
Do children play inside and outside every day (weather permitting)?
Is there a large play area where children can build things, run or jump?
Is there sand, wood chips or rubber under the play structures (instead of grass or
cement)?
Tip #2:
Get to Know the Teachers
Are the children comfortable with the teachers?
Are children busy with activities much of the time? Children get the most out of preschool
when they’re playing and learning as much as possible.
Do teachers work with the children as a class, in small groups, AND one-on-one? They’re
all important.
Do teachers listen to children and help meet their needs?
Do teachers and children talk to each other with kind words and smiles?
Do teachers get down on the floor and play with the children?
Tip #3:
Check Out the Classroom
Do the classroom and outdoor play areas look safe and clean?
Are there reading, drawing and writing materials in all areas of the facility and are they
easily available to children?
Are there special areas designated for reading, playing, art and group activities?
Are the chairs, tables and other equipment child-sized?
Are all types of families represented throughout the classroom (pictures, toys,
materials)? Preschool classrooms should celebrate diversity.
Is the room warm and inviting? Is the children’s work displayed at an eye level for 3- and
4-year-olds?
Are there building blocks, toys, items for pretend play, art supplies, puzzles and games?
Tip #4:
Observe the Children
Do most of the children seem happy and involved in the activities?
Do teachers or assistants supervise children at all times?
Are the classroom rules fair and are teachers consistent in enforcing the rules with all
children?
Do teachers help misbehaving children learn how to act the next time, telling the child
what behavior is expected?
Do teachers use positive discipline words? “Remember to walk into our classroom” is
better than “No running.”
Are children with disabilities and other special needs included and supported?
Tip #5:
Find out if Parents are Encouraged to Participate
Do teachers and parents share information about the child both at scheduled meetings
and when parents are dropping off or picking up their children?
Do teachers share written information and assessments on a child’s development?
Are parents encouraged to drop-in at any time throughout the day? Parental involvement
in a child’s education is critical to his or her future success.
Do parents help in the classroom by bringing in special activities, books or songs?
More Key Questions to Ask the Preschool
How long has the school been in existence?
What experience, education and training in early childhood development do the teachers
have?
How long have the teachers been at the school?
What is the daily routine?
How is discipline handled?
Does the school take field trips?
What is the vacation and holiday schedule?
What is the policy for taking care of a sick or injured child?
setting. When looking at preschool facilities, it’s important to ask the right questions and
make a visit to see firsthand how it operates and whether it’s a good fit for your child.
Tip #1:
Ask Questions About the Preschool
Is there time for group or individual activities?
Is the preschool licensed?
Have there been any complaints or licensing violations?
Are children busy with activities much of the time? They should not have to sit and listen
to the teacher for long periods of time.
Is there time for teachers to read to children as a group and one-on-one each day?
Do children play inside and outside every day (weather permitting)?
Is there a large play area where children can build things, run or jump?
Is there sand, wood chips or rubber under the play structures (instead of grass or
cement)?
Tip #2:
Get to Know the Teachers
Are the children comfortable with the teachers?
Are children busy with activities much of the time? Children get the most out of preschool
when they’re playing and learning as much as possible.
Do teachers work with the children as a class, in small groups, AND one-on-one? They’re
all important.
Do teachers listen to children and help meet their needs?
Do teachers and children talk to each other with kind words and smiles?
Do teachers get down on the floor and play with the children?
Tip #3:
Check Out the Classroom
Do the classroom and outdoor play areas look safe and clean?
Are there reading, drawing and writing materials in all areas of the facility and are they
easily available to children?
Are there special areas designated for reading, playing, art and group activities?
Are the chairs, tables and other equipment child-sized?
Are all types of families represented throughout the classroom (pictures, toys,
materials)? Preschool classrooms should celebrate diversity.
Is the room warm and inviting? Is the children’s work displayed at an eye level for 3- and
4-year-olds?
Are there building blocks, toys, items for pretend play, art supplies, puzzles and games?
Tip #4:
Observe the Children
Do most of the children seem happy and involved in the activities?
Do teachers or assistants supervise children at all times?
Are the classroom rules fair and are teachers consistent in enforcing the rules with all
children?
Do teachers help misbehaving children learn how to act the next time, telling the child
what behavior is expected?
Do teachers use positive discipline words? “Remember to walk into our classroom” is
better than “No running.”
Are children with disabilities and other special needs included and supported?
Tip #5:
Find out if Parents are Encouraged to Participate
Do teachers and parents share information about the child both at scheduled meetings
and when parents are dropping off or picking up their children?
Do teachers share written information and assessments on a child’s development?
Are parents encouraged to drop-in at any time throughout the day? Parental involvement
in a child’s education is critical to his or her future success.
Do parents help in the classroom by bringing in special activities, books or songs?
More Key Questions to Ask the Preschool
How long has the school been in existence?
What experience, education and training in early childhood development do the teachers
have?
How long have the teachers been at the school?
What is the daily routine?
How is discipline handled?
Does the school take field trips?
What is the vacation and holiday schedule?
What is the policy for taking care of a sick or injured child?
Tips on Choosing a Preschool
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