Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

Please, please help me!!!!!

I have no idea what I am doing! I've never looked at schools or daycare or anything. What am I looking for? What am I asking? Do we dress nice? Are we being interviewed too?

TIA!!!!!!

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

Anybody?

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

I have no idea either, we will be starting the process soon----but my guess is that they will probably give you a tour and tell you about a lot of the features of the school (security, number of teachers, activities, play areas, etc) Its like when I interviewed peds, I had no idea what I was doing, but they are so used to meeting new parents they usually do most of the talking. GL!

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

u want to know stuff like teacher to student ratio, credentials of teachers and school, security, payment policy's, if they have a nurse or what their procedure if if a child is sick/hurt, lunch/snack info, can you transistion with him (if u want to), hours & holidays, daily activities, tour school, supplies needed, etc.

gl!

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

When we went to see schools I dressed business casual. Mainly because I like to make a nice first impression and my usual jeans, flip flops and pony tail wasn't what I was comfortable with. Although I don't think we would have been turned away had I dressed differently.

Questions we asked or found answers to during our tour:

What licensing/accreditation did they have?

Are the teachers certified as educators?

Is the classroom clean, safe, and well organized?

Are there a variety of work areas for the kids?

Are books and other learning materials made available in an accessible and inviting way?

How many kids are in the class?

What is the student to teacher ratio?

How will the school communicate to you about your child?

How are conflicts resolved?

What is the potty/diaper policy? Are restrooms set up to accommodate small children?

What is a typical "day" like?

Is there a similar daily schedule? (Routines give the little ones security since they don't have a concept of time yet.)

What are their goals for the kids? Is it blocks, finger paints and a snack or are they laying a foundation for school?

How much freedom do the kids have to choose their activity or room for creativity on art projects? (I know for a 2 year old this isn't as much of an issue but the preschool we chose DD will probably be at until she is in kindergarten.)

Is there a "ramp up" or introductory period of shorter and smaller classes at the beginning of the year? (DD will start next month with half of her class for half of the time for 2 weeks and then go with the full class for the full hour and a half)

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

also what is the goal of the school/program.. some are more academic where others are more social- learning how to share, get along w/ others, etc.

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

One big thing to ask is WHO does their licensing/accreditation - is the department of education or the department of social services? It makes a difference as to what law they are required to follow, and when/if they get inspected.

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

The big one for me was student/teacher ratio!

Also, the potty training (Bry is not 100% ready yet, but, wanted to know if they help out).

Safety Policy
I really like the fact that if Bry is with a different teacher or therapist (he goes there for E.I as well), I'm ALWAYS asked to show my license! That is extremely important to me as well.

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

Look at more than one place. You will get ideas about what to ask as you see the places. Do not be afraid to ask any question you please. Ask to meet the specific teachers that your child will have.

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

Message edited 9/19/2009 7:55:59 PM.

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

I haven't gone through this yet, but I'm thinking that you should see a class in session and see how things look - do you feel comfortable? Does the teacher have control? How is the cleanliness/organization of the place? How are the kids behaved? Do the kids seem happy? Is the room bright and cheery?

I would also prefer to meet with a director/owner of the place.

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

I haven't done this yet but when I do, I would ask what is included in the curriculum, allocation of time on activities (reading, math, music, art, play, indoors/outdoors) faculty ratios, faculty credentials, faculty attrition/turnover, potty training. I'd also be looking at facilities, equipment, books, etc during the tour.

Most likely I'd be going on a work day so I'd just wear work attire. I'd be wearing a suit and DH would probably wear a shirt, tie and sweater.

Re: Meeting with a preschool on Monday- what do I ask?

I understand how you feel, I was totally stressed about this last year but I found all the schools we visited (3) to be really warm and welcoming. Dress nicely but don't go overboard, one of the schools asked my DD and I to sit on the floor with the class. You'll need to think about why you want your DC to go to school and what you want to get out of the preschool experience and focus your questions to those things. Are you most concerned with preparation for Kindergarten? Just want to start with separation/socialization? etc, etc. You can ask a lot of questions on the phone and then use the school tour to see it all first hand. You should bring your DC with you.

Some of our key questions were:
1. Student to teacher ratio + # of kids in class?
2. Structure of the day...typical schedule? Describe the school philosophy. Academic vs play-based? We wanted more learning through play and didn't want any workbook use, so this was something I learned to ask.
3. How do you handle potty training and discipline? How is the initial separation anxiety handled?
4. What is the teachers' experience? If you can, ask to meet the teacher of the class your DC would be in and go to that classroom while in session.
5. What do the classrooms look like, are they warm and inviting? Spacious for the # of kids in the class? Are there lots of toys/centers for the kids to play in together?
6. Tuition and enrollment procedures?

Good luck!