Preschool is an important part of preparing your child to take her first steps into kindergarten. When searching for a preschool, every parent should look for a place where children experience a loving environment that is safe and where teachers create learning experiences that involve appropriate socialization as they prepare them for their induction into primary school.

Before you begin exploring various preschools, you should create a list of questions to ask when you tour each school. With this in mind, begin your search 9 to 12 months before you want your child to enroll. Some schools have a waiting list, or it may take you time to visit schools. Also, your child may need to be a certain age to begin preschool. Many begin at age two; however, some schools require that each child is potty trained. Typically, three-year-old’s benefit the most from group socialization.  Look at the schools in your area and make appointments to take tours. Find out about their requirements as well as their application deadlines. When you narrow your choices down to just two schools, you should return for a second visit.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Preschools have different philosophies about how to best prepare students for kindergarten and the primary grades. Some schools may drill students to memorize information while others take a more holistic approach. Consider the types of experiences you want your child to have while in school. You know your child best, so you also know what will help her feel safe, confident, and loved. The philosophy of the school must match your own philosophy.

What is your approach to discipline?

When your child misbehaves, only you know what works best to correct the behavior. All schools must deal with discipline, so you should ask how situations are handled. Consistency is so important for children learning appropriate behaviors, and children at this age are learning how to self-regulate and socialize. Therefore, it is important to find a school where teachers are actually teaching appropriate behaviors through positive discipline rather than punishing for misbehavior. Positive discipline helps children understand how to correct future behaviors rather than focusing on past negative behaviors. A preschool where teachers create consistent routines and correct behaviors through explanation, song, and games promote positive environments where children can thrive.

How much experience do your teachers have?

Preschool teachers often have various backgrounds; however, experience with early childhood learning is a plus when looking for a preschool. When visiting the preschool, observe how the teachers interact with the children. How often do they smile, touch, and interact with the children? When teachers can form trusting bonds with their students, more learning occurs because children feel safe and valued.

The teachers should not be yelling or standing over students; they should be at eye level where they can truly engage with each child. They know each child’s personality and provide a mix of active play with quiet time. It can be difficult to list all of the things a teacher must do to create trust, yet when visiting the classroom, you will clearly see the bond between teacher and students. This bond should be evident.

Teachers should appear happy. You want to know that the teachers are up to date with the latest teaching techniques, so you can ask the director about professional development. You may also ask about teacher turnover as well as wage and benefits. Some of the best schools have high teacher turnover because it is often difficult to make a living as a preschool teacher; however, it is important for you to know if your child will have consistency with the staff. Teachers make the difference between a quality preschool and a mediocre one, so spend the most time observing the classroom.

What is the classroom environment?

While observing the classroom, you should see a variety of activities and resources. Children should engage in active play and have opportunities to use their imaginations. Classrooms should be colorful and contain several learning centers where students learn math skills, reading skills, and social skills. Do you see children’s artwork on the walls? The artwork should be original rather than teacher generated.

You want to also see routines where students sing, interact, and manipulate toys. The classroom should not be one where students are drilled with flashcards and rote memorization. It should be a place where students can develop all aspects of their personality, and where they begin to discover their unique gifts. When students have a mix of self-directed and directed play, they bolster their imagination as well as their social skills.

Classrooms must also be safe. The furniture should be suitable for young children, so look to see that it is small in size and has rounded corners. Electrical sockets should be covered, and toilets should be an appropriate size for young children.  The toys must also be easily accessible and organized in a way that promotes different centers. The reading corner has a variety of books and bookshelves, just as the math corner has a variety of manipulatives where students can learn their numbers and how to count objects. The general environment must also appear clean. It is difficult to stay on top of cleaning every second of the day with young children; however, you should see that areas are wiped clean of food and dust.

While preschool is not mandatory in most areas, it is the best way to help children be successful in kindergarten and beyond.  A quality preschool will help your child feel confident as they start primary school. Remember, you know your child best, so choose a school that meets all of her needs.