Recently, I had the opportunity to experience a role reversal of sorts. I was the prospective parent, sans Grandparent, searching for a preschool for my granddaughter! It has always been my philosophy that first impressions are critical and usually accurate. Theory tested, I was quite pleased with the school I attended because as desired, a huge welcoming smile greeted me. Without any hesitation, a knowledgeable school representative, in this case the Assistant Director, then offered to give me an unscheduled tour!

Both of these factors should remain at the top of your list when seeking a good preschool program for your child. Children are our focus and number one priority. You should feel that your child is no exception to that! First and foremost, the school personnel including the office staff, administrators and teachers you encounter, must reflect that you are each important to them.

1. Welcoming staff! Phone or otherwise, it is important to impart that you are welcome! A warm greeting should be your first contact. Even in the midst of a busy preschool office, if there is not a happy voice to greet you, turn around!

2. Requests for an unscheduled tour need to be accommodated. No appointments necessary! A “come and see us anytime” motto should prevail.

3. Inquire about the teaching philosophy or methodology of the school. Play based setting versus academics setting often with expectations of skill mastery, is an important comparative. Research has shown that children learn best in an environment structured around play with the manipulation of materials, sensory experiences, hands on activities and other age appropriate challenges to facilitate learning and core objectives.

4. Teacher qualifications and tenure at the school. The level of education and the length of stay of school personnel is indicative of a strong understanding of early childhood and child development. In addition, it demonstrates dedication to the school and its legacy.

5. School discipline is an important issue. Inquire whether there is a cohesive school wide policy and practice. For example, Love and Logic is an excellent disciplinary tool, which utilizes the child’s ability to reason logical consequences put forth in a loving way. Redirection and positive reinforcement are necessary components always. Whatever method the school employs, it should align with your own personal family practice as well.

6. The types of programming included into the child’s daily routine and integrated into the preschool curriculum is important to know. Special area classes, such as Physical Education or Music Enrichment, that enhance a child’s overall educational experience is certainly a benefit. Enrichment classes and lunch bunch or extended structured learning activities may be offered as well. Asking questions about lesson plans and teacher-parent communication is necessary to understand the curriculum content and the partnership in developing and promoting lessons learned at school within the home.

7. Facility appearance and cleanliness. A well-maintained campus is more than aesthetic, it is essential. You want to see clean, good-sized classrooms with materials in good repair and bright, inviting spaces for your child to spend their school time hours. Playgrounds with proper equipment and large areas for gross motor activities is important.

8. Security measures should be addressed with the understanding that the issue is multi-faceted. Appearances aside, though a facility may not be entirely enclosed by high fences around the perimeter or have locking gates and doors requiring key-pad entry, it can still be a safe environment for your child. Vigilance among school personnel to be aware of visitors to the campus at any time of day is an excellent first step. A school policy requiring all visitors to sign in at the Office before entering onto school grounds is another proactive measure to account for guests. Having lockdown protocols in place is yet another level of protection should an emergency arise. Inquiring about dismissal procedures is valid to establish that identification is required of anyone attempting to pick up a child at the end of a school session or at any time, even those authorized to do so.

9. Cost analysis and school hours of operation should meet your needs.

10. Trusting your own good instincts and knowing what you want for your child can override all of the above. Look and listen for the signs that the people you are going to entrust with the care of your child will do exactly that….care and love your child while they are not just learning BUT learning to love school.