Check if the preschool is licensed and runs an accredited program that meets National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for safety, quality of care and cleanliness. Check the curriculum the school follows and find out about resources the teachers use to help children learn. Ask about the education philosophy of the preschool: is the program based on fostering creativity and independence, is it play-based or does academic development take precedence? This information is crucial when evaluating preschools to find the option that best suits your child's temperament and your own values.
You can learn a lot about the preschool's approach by a simple observation of the general environment in the classroom. If the classroom is buzzing with activity and full of happy sounds, including a lot of singing and music, it is a sign that children are well adjusted. Take a look at the toys and puzzles or books available in the classroom to see if they are age-appropriate, and arranged in a way that makes it easy for children to use them. Observe the walls of the classroom for displays of artwork created by children.
Check the room dimensions: is it spacious enough and are there separate eating and bathroom areas? Take a look at the bathrooms to ensure they are clean and child-friendly. Ask about facilities for outdoor play in a natural setting, and check if this area is fenced in to keep children safe. Observe the nature and condition of equipment: is it age-appropriate and well maintained? Ask about adherence to national safety guidelines.
Get information about the preschool's discipline policy: ask how teachers handle improper behavior such as hitting and temper tantrums. Pay careful attention to the explanation this question evokes, because it is important this policy is in keeping with your beliefs. If the school's philosophy about discipline is vastly different from yours, you run the risk of your child ending up confused about which system he should respect. Ask about how parents are involved in the preschool program, and if parent-teacher interaction is encouraged.
It is advisable that teachers have degrees in early childhood education, and many years of experience in dealing with preschoolers. Get information about the educational qualifications and experience of teachers the preschool employs. Ask about the teacher turnover rate at the school: preschoolers depend a lot on the teacher and having to deal with too frequent a change in the teacher can be upsetting for them. Observe how teachers interact with children: are they involved, caring and warm? What is the tone of voice they use in speaking to children and how do they sort out problems between children?