What are sone good questions to ask when interviewing a preschool?

Question

I'm shopping for a new preschool and have several appointments lined up for this week. I just want to make sure I'm prepared. What are some good questions to ask? I've already covered the basics like accredidation, class size, and cost. I'm looking for more specific questions relating to corriculum. Thanks in advance for the help!

Answer 1

Here are some things to think about:
What is the ratio of kids to teachers?
Can you observe a class for a few minutes?
Is there an indoor gross motor room? Outdoor play area? Ask to see both
Do the teachers write their own lesson plans or do they follow pre-formed lessons? (Obviously you want the lessons to be written by the teacher... so that goals and objectives can be tailored to the needs of the class).
What are the qualifications of the lead teacher?
What are the qualifications of any teacher aids?
Is there a "daily sheet" that lets you know what activities your child has participated in that day?
Take a minute to listen outside each classroom, unseen if possible. How are the teachers interacting with the children? Are they yelling, or helping them work out problems?
Take a minute to observe behavior in the classroom. Where are the teachers? Are they on the floor amongst the kids interacting? Are they standing and observing children play? Are they in a corner chatting while a kid is fighting with another?
Is it strictly preschool, or does it turn into a "daycare" in the afternoon? (Meaning... is there learning taking place in the pm as well as the am? Or is it just babysitting until the parents come in the pm?)
Ask about lunch time. Are you allowed to pack peanut butter in lunches (some places say no because of all the allergies)? Do lunches get heated so that you can pack some warm up food?
Ask about nap time. Do they offer nap? How long? Ask to see the cots to make sure they are in good condition.

That's all I can think of for now. Hope that helps!!

Answer 2

Not even relating to curriculum, the MOST important question to ask is "DO YOU HAVE AN OPEN-DOOR / DROP IN POLICY FOR PARENTS?" If they do not offer the option for you to drop in at any time during the day to check on the child, do NOT take your child there. Yes, there should be security and not just anybody should be able to walk in, but I have a problem with day care centers who lock the doors to EVERYONE during operating hours, because you don't know what they're doing with / to your child when they do that! Another important issue IS security and well qualified, trust worthy staff. Can just anybody get access to the areas where the children are? Are all staff members qualified and have they had clean background checks? Your child's safety and well-being should be the primary issue, especially in this day & age!

Answer 3

How do you "encourage sharing"...when the kids get "tired and fussy" how do teachers handle them, when it's lunchtime, do they "help" the children or if they are still in the diaper process "how do teachers help to get potty trained".... I asked even, where the emergency exits are..Lol!
Are the teachers all informed about emergencies ? How many firedrills?
I know, sounds stupid but when I registered mine, 9/11 had just happened and I was kind of "worried".

Answer 4

What types of learning activites do they have to offer? That would be a good one...
See if they have things that they will be sending home with your child so that you can assist with the learning process at home

Answer 5

You could ask about the routine of the classroom.......do you want a program that is more structured or has more free play?

Answer 6

How does their curriculum prepare youngsters for entrance to elementary school.

Answer 7

Make sure that you agree with their punishing technique. Ask about their daily schedules. ASK if they have references.