1. Does the center meet your needs?
____ location
____ hours of operation
____ tuition
____ children’s age range
2. You can SEE if the preschool...
____ is licensed by the State of New York. (this should be posted)
____ is N.A.E.Y.C. accredited. (also should be posted)
____ has a good teacher/child ratio.(see "Qualities of an accredited program)
____ has a good variety of activities and equipment for the children to do.
____ is pleasant to look at and enjoyable to be in.
____ has clean and organized classes and bathrooms.
____ has children and teachers who practice good health habits. (washing hands, brushing teeth)
____ has fire sprinklers, extinguishers, fire drills and an evacuation plan.
____ has first aid kits and some teachers trained in C.P.R. and first aid.
____ has a spacious, fenced, outdoor playspace with a variety of equipment.
____ has children’s creative art displayed at children’s eye level.
3. You can ASK...
____ if meals are served at the center. (ask to see menu)
____ if parents are welcome to visit and participate.
____ if Parent-Teacher conferences are held several times throughout the year.
____ if the children go outdoors each day.
____ if the children have many opportunities to have free choice at play.
____ if there is a daily children’s routine and schedule of activities.
____ if teachers plan activities for each week.
____ if children have access to books and are read to each day.
____ if songs are sung each day.
____ if the teacher and parent communicate frequently.
4. You can SEE if the teachers...
____ have training / education in early childhood.
____ are friendly and speak respectfully to the children.
____ seem to enjoy the children and their activities.
____ are bending down to children’s eye level when listening to a child.
____ are friendly to you and other parents.
____ have regular teachers meetings.(ask)
The best of luck to you in finding a quality center that is right for you and your child.
Feel free to print this list to use when visiting centers.
