Questions to Ask a Potential Preschool for Your Child
Enrolling your child in their first childcare or preschool facility can be a big step, for you and for your child. This is why it's important that you ask the right questions when interviewing such facilities, so you know the transition to day-care will be as easy as possible for your child, and that they will be cared for properly while at the facility. Note a few questions to ask a potential preschool for your child so you know you find the right choice and are happy with that choice for as long as your child is enrolled.
Ask about teacher turnover
Ask how often the teachers of the facility tend to leave and how long it takes to find a replacement. If teachers leave often, this can mean that there are problems between instructors or in how the facility is run, and this type of conflict can affect your child's care. A child also needs stability in their care, so having too much turnover can be upsetting to him or her. Ask about the duration of the instructors on staff and how often they need to be replaced, and this can give you an idea if your child will feel comfortable with the staff.
Ask about parent involvement
Some facilities will want parents to meet with instructors and caregivers regularly and even do homework with a child. They may have lots of open houses or other events that they invite parents to attend.
You may appreciate this type of involvement with your child's preschool, but note if the facility requires you to attend certain functions or meetings, or requires certain projects be done at home. If so, this may become a burden to you. Be sure to ask about this, and ask what is optional and what is required when it comes to your involvement with the facility, so you make your best choice for you as well as for your child.
Ask about discipline
Be sure you check over the way a facility disciplines or corrects children. A 'time out' is a good choice for children but no child should be locked in a room by themselves or made to sit outside in inclement weather as a punishment. Children should also not be denied food or water as punishment or humiliated in front of other classmates, such as by standing in a corner and the like. Be sure any facility you might choose for your child handles discipline in a firm but fair and healthy way for children.
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