Assess the air quality. A preschool classroom should be well-ventilated and should have a comfortable temperature (about 70 degrees). The room shouldn't smell stale or unclean.
Inspect the environment for cleanliness. Check the bathroom and playground as well as the classroom. The playground should be clear of animal waste, trash and any obstructions that kids could trip over, such as fallen tree branches. The classroom toys should be cleaned daily.
Note the organization of the classroom. The room should have sections designed for group play, quiet independent play, circle time stories, dramatic play and media equipment. Toys should be stored at levels where kids can retrieve them without needing an adult's help. There should also be enough space to walk between each play area so kids won't bump into each other or interrupt each other's play as they move around the room.
Take a tour of the outdoor space and note what kinds of playground equipment the school uses. According to the professional journal Pediatrics, studies have shown that children who use portable playground equipment, such as tricycles and balls, are more active than those who use fixed playground equipment like slides and jungle gyms.
Look for wall postings on licensing requirements, fire and health codes, building maps and emergency exits, framed teaching certificates and other documents that lend credibility and professionalism to the environment.
Think like a kid. Would your inner child feel welcome in this environment? Do the colors, decorations and toys excite your sense of wonder? Look for bulletin board adornments, classroom art projects, plants and fish in aquariums; all of these make for an exciting, kid-friendly environment. Also, the room should have child-sized tables and chairs, as well as places for kids to store their belongings during the day. Look for cubbies and coat hooks in the classroom.