Choosing the Right Preschool: Key Questions to Ask

Are you starting to look into preschool programs for your child? If the answer is yes, then it’s important to find the right fit. The program should be the best match for your child and family. You choose carefully for your child when it comes down to school community. You consider curriculum and health & safety of the preschool program. Leave no question unanswered!

We thought it would be helpful to share general questions. You should think about these questions and ask them when looking at preschool programs.

School Community

1. What is the student to teacher ratio?
2. Who else is in the building during school hours?
3. How do you communicate with parents about the school day? Is it daily? Weekly?
4. What does parent, family and community involvement at school look like?
5. What is the school’s approach to discipline?
6. When and how are parents informed of disciple issues involving their child?
7. How important is diversity to your school’s teachers and administrators?

Curriculum

1. Can you tell us about your school’s educational philosophy and the curriculum you follow?
2. What certifications do your teachers hold?
3. How do you prepare students for Kindergarten? Do you have a formal Kindergarten-readiness curriculum?
4. How is pre-literacy and math skills taught at your school?
5. What is the school’s approach to learning differences & special needs?
6. In what ways do you implement diversity into the curriculum?

Health & Safety

1. Do you have a fire and emergency drills?
2. Do you have an emergency plan in place? What is the procedure?
3. Is everyone in the building trained in CPR and First Aid?
4. What has been your response to COVID-19? What policies do you have in place?
5. What is the sick child policy?

Final Thoughts

Give yourself plenty of time to do your research. This way, you have options when it comes to choosing a preschool program. Waiting until the last minute will leave you scrambling and on a wait list. It is best to start looking a year in advance. This is important if you are planning to enroll your child in September.