Preschool Selection Checklist

Research

• A little initial research helps you eliminate preschool options that don't meet your standards or preferences in a learning environment for your preschooler. The school's website is a key source of information to find out the learning philosophy, values and type of environment you can expect. You'll find options that are based primarily on teacher-led instruction or child-led exploration. Some offer religious programs, while others follow a general preschool curriculum. The research phase is also an ideal time to check out the logistics such as the location of the school compared to your home or work and whether or not the preschool offers transportation to daycare. Fellow parents in the community give you another source for researching preschools. A parent whose child attended a particular preschool can give you insider tips and information about the pros and cons of the school.

Visit

• As much as a preschool sounds like a match for your little learner, you can only learn so much from your research. An in-person visit gives you a personal look at the environment, activities and interactions between the teacher and the students. The visit is best when preschool is in session so you can see how the kids learn and play. Check out the physical environment of the preschool -- everything from the safety features to the available materials and displays on the walls play into the experience your child will have. The reactions of the current students also help you figure out if the school is right. For example, if your child is shy, scan the classroom for another child who seems shy to see if she thrives in the environment.

Interview

• Your initial research and visits to possible preschools will likely generate plenty of questions -- and possibly a few concerns -- about the school. You want a safe and comfortable environment where your child will thrive, so asking those questions is key to the selection process. Jot down notes as you browse the school websites and visit the schools. Potential questions include teacher-to-student ratios, class schedule, parent communication, volunteer opportunities, school policies, teacher experience, school credentials, discipline, safety procedures and services if a child needs extra help.

Compare

• After collecting all of the information on each preschool option, you are ready to make the final selection. Often you will have a gut feeling about the preschools you consider based on what you see and hear. If you have two or three finalists, ranking the preschools based on the academics, environment, teachers and overall experience can help make the decision. A second visit, asking additional questions and calling parent references provided by the preschool are options for clarifying and deciding between more than one preschool.