Preschool Hunting: Ask Questions, Questions And More Questions
When you go to do an interview of a preschool or daycare setting, it is a very good idea to have a set of questions you want to ask. Make sure you get answers to all of the questions. I suggest asking questions in person, as you get a better feel of the teacher/owner and/or Director of the school. Email will not cut it for this. Remember you are interviewing the school as if you are hiring a CEO for your company.
The questions below are those which I personally think are important into categories. Please add or remove what may be more relevant to you and your family. For a downloadable copy of the list of interview questions, click HERE.
About the facility:
How long has the facility been in the business?
What are the school's accreditations? (You have the right to ask to see its state license if you do not see it displayed. This will let you know that the center is approved by the state for safety and quality standards.)
What is the student capacity?
What are the operating hours?
What days/holidays are the school closed?
What is the tuition? Are there monthly payments?
Educational Philosophy: (Keep this open ended)
What is your educational philosophy? Words you should hear include: socialization, hands-on, pretend play, problem based learning, follow child’s natural development, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, pre-writing and pre-reading development.
Activities and Learning Experiences:
What is a typical day like?
Do the children go outside? Weather permitting, how often and how long?
Do you have special programs for the kids? (Music, art, physical movement)
Do children use technology or view movies/TV? How often?
Do the children take naps? Where?
Discipline, Socialization and Meals:
How are children disciplined?
How do you handle teasing?
What do you do if a child needs to be comforted?
At what point do you notify the parents if there is a discipline or other type of issue?
Will my child eat here? What meals and who provides the food?
How do you handle food allergies?
Health and Safety:
What is your sick child policy?
Will you give my child medication during the day if I request it? Do I need a doctor's note?
Do you teach children to wash their hands? When and how often?
How often are the toys and games and equipment washed?
How old is the play equipment, and how often is it inspected?
How are visitors handled? Are the doors locked? Do you have a sign-in sheet?
How do you ensure that no one else picks up my child at the end of the day other than me? What is your policy if I need someone else to pick up my child?
Do you have fire drills?
Do you have a disaster plan? What is the procedure in case of an emergency? (Most places will give you an overview of the school's plan. For safety reasons, they will not make such plans public.)
Questions to Ask Yourself:
If you visited during school hours, were the children happy?
Are the rooms decorated with the children's art?
Do the teachers seem to like what they are doing?
Do the teachers engage directly with the children in a kind, happy, caring manner?
Is the preschool clean? What about the bathroom?
Does the school seem safe, with the proper equipment (first aid kit, fence around the playground, locked doors, etc.)?
What are your instincts saying? Will your child be happy at this school?
About The Author
Cheryl (Dunkiel) Berkowitz grew up in Bergen County and resides in her hometown of River Vale with her husband, son and daughter. Cheryl taught in Bergen County for 10 years (Gifted and Talented Education K-8) and prior to having children was an Assistant Elementary School Principal in Essex County. She currently enjoys practicing hot yoga and the challenges of raising two children.
