what should parents observe when visit a preschool for the first time?

Answer 1

A BIG Sign Of support of President Bush's commitment...

No Child Left Behind Alert


LMAO

Answer 2

Most important- watch how the teachers interact with the children. That will tell you the most about what you need to know about the center (stay long enough to see some displays of how discipline is handled). Observe how the staff handle child-child squabbles, how they reinforce the rules of the class, and if they get down on the child's eye level to talk to them. Questions to ask: What is the ratio of students to teachers? (The lower the amount of kids to teachers, the better) What kind of training are teachers required to have? Do the teachers have training in children with special needs? Does the center encourage staff to continue their education and follow up on the latest in preschool trends? All these questions will help you find out about how dedicated the administration is to continually learning about children. The more educated the staff is, the better chance of finding a center who will be able to deal with any problems. Also, you can ask if the center is NAEYC accredited... this is a national standard that is difficult to meet, and guarantees that the center cared enough about children to try to become accredited and live up to the very high care standard set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The quality of the staff says the most about the center... is there a high turnover, or are staff usually there for years? Other things to look for: is the center in relatively good repair (anything that is really neglected in care)? Are the toys clean? Are the children messy? (this is a GOOD thing- messy children are having fun at preschool... clean, perfectly proper children are not having a good time). Is there kid-sized furniture, lots of books, soft and hard areas, defined centers in the classroom (art, blocks, books, dramatic play, etc)? All these things are good indicators of a quality program. Bottom line... trust your instincts. If you don't absolutely feel that this is the best place for your child- don't put them there. You should feel comfortable there, and should be able to walk in at ANY time. If a center tells you that you need to call ahead or make an appointment to see your child at school- run the other direction! Good luck!

Answer 3

I have worked in daycare for many years...I have also worked in preschools and I have a background in childhood development. Here is what you need to look for

1. The teacher is warm and inviting
2. The room is layed out with different areas (group, reading area, small motor, dressup etc)
3. The teacher gets down to your child's level when they speak to your child.
4. They should have a schedule for every day. Preschoolers thrive on schedules.
5. The class has 15-20 kids or less per adult in the room. If there is 21 kids and 1 teacher that is too many. Trust me :)
6.Your child should feel comfortable in the room
7. You should feel comfortable in the room
8. The kids in the room are not bored. There is lots of toys to play with, and there should be two of every toy. Or at least two of every popular toy.
9. The room is clean, ask the teacher if the room is cleaned with the three step process. (soapy water, water, bleach water) This process makes sure that germs are taken care of.
10. Ask to see a curriculm. If the teacher doesn't have one, that is a sign of not being really organized. If she does, really read it. Are there lots of time for learning? Is there alot of busy work? Is there time each day for free play? Is there reading taking place every day?

I hope this helps you. The most important it that you and you child feel at home there. If you feel unsure about the teacher or your child does, keep looking. Sometimes is worth the extra leg work to find a great place :) Good Luck!

Answer 4

I assist parents in finding good preschool programs for their children. I developed a form for parents to use when they go...

"Use Your Senses"
Choosing a good child care for your child can be difficult for many reasons, especially for first time parents. Here are 5 simple rules to follow when checking out the right place for your most precious gift…your child.

Taste: Go ahead, ask to try the food! Menus should be well balanced and nutritious, if you like it, then probably your child will too!
Smell: Does the facility smell clean? Are there good smells coming from the center? Keep your nose out for unclean environments. Would you want to stay there? If so, then your child will too!
Hear: What do you hear? Do you hear happy children? Do you hear POSITIVE interaction between children and staff? Listen for what the other children say to others and most importantly, listen to your child. What does your child say about the facility?
See: Look around! Do you see many child generated projects? Do you see children playing, interacting in a positive way and do you see the teachers interacting and playing with the children? You should!
Feel: Overall, how does the facility feel to you? Do you have a good feeling about the place that will have your child most of the day? How does your child feel at the end of the day? Go with your instinct!

Good luck!

Answer 5

I'd say something that's very telling about how the teacher interacts with the children the whole time is how they interact at the very begining -- how they are greeted at the door.

If you can get there just before/just as children are arriving, look to see how the teacher handles the children's entering the room.

The room can be perfectly organized, have all the requirements, etc. but it's the greeting, right from the start, that sets the tone for the whole experience.

Teachers/daycare providers: be warned. How you greet us and our children is what we take with us, every time we drop off our kids. It's what we think about on our way to work. It's where the trust begins.

Answer 6

1. How the staff interact with the children, each other and with any parents that may be there.

2. That there are a range of activities set up in the classroom, and whether staff are sitting with the children, and engaging the children in learning.

3. That they have their program displayed, and ensure it covers all developmental areas.

4. What is the noise level in the room like? Is it "productive noise"?

5. Is the children's artwork displayed in the room? This is one way staff "celebrate" children's efforts and build the children's feeling of self worth.

6. Is the centre's licence to operate displayed in the reception area?

7. Check the outdoor area. Does it cater to the children's gross motor needs.... climbing, room to run, area for sand play, balancing, exploring etc

8. Lastly but most importantly.... What does your gut instinct tell you???

Answer 7

The Environment and the way the teacher reacts also asking the teacher what she is planning on teaching your child in Preschool is a good idea as well

Answer 8

Are the kids happy, having fun?
Are the rooms clean, safe (outlet covers, blind cords cut off or knotted)?
Are they in ratio (number of children to teachers, the state determines this)?
Are there enough toys and books for the amount of children?
Are the caregivers on the children's level, interacting with them or are they simply watching them or talking to other adults?
Is the daily schedule posted? Is TV time part of the schedule (big no-no)?
Are the teachers (at least one in each room) CPR and First Aid Certified?
Ask for a copy of the meal plans (should be breakfast, lunch and two snacks)

Answer 9

if you're really looking for the best look for a school with NAEYC (National Assocation for the Education of Young Children) accredited teachers, or that stick to NAEYC standards. in a preschool class of 20 kids there should be 2 to 3 teachers. look for an enviroment that is warm and inviting and that are focused on the child.

Answer 10

I always ask for a tour and see if I can stay and watch how my kids are treated and interact with the other kids... I also ask if they allow parents to drop in unannounced, and then I do that :) Yup, I'm that mom. I've been blessed to have my kids in some really good daycares, and they stay there usually for years. And I still just drop in sometimes to say hi :)