What to look for and ask when visiting a preschool you are considering. Features detailed interview questions.

This article is the fifth in a series in which MomsOutLoud takes a look at all aspects of preschool. The article focuses on visiting preschools and the right questions to ask when considering a preschool. Also provided is an extensive list of interview questions. The first article in the series focuses on the importance of sending children to preschool. The second article in the series focuses on montessori schools. The third article in the series looks at traditional preschools. The fourth article discusses how to choose a pre-school. This series provides valuable information surrounding this important topic. Stay tuned!

When navigating the road of preschool selection, parents eventually come to a place where they have found a few schools that pique their interest and appear to be a good fit for their family. It is at this point that parent and child need to visit the school for an on-site tour and interview.

Before images of little Johnnie dressed in a suit carrying an attaché case filled with such necessities as goldfish crackers and crayons and being lobbed elaborate interview questions (“What letter comes after ‘c’ in the alphabet?”) from a preschool director, be assured that the parent is the one doing the interview. It is the director or lead teacher who is in the hot seat and the parent asking the questions. Although it might seem a bit bold to enter a new building and begin asking a series of questions about educational philosophy and daily structure, the majority of quality preschool programs welcome such an experience. Preschools are proud of what they have to offer and they jump at the chance to share their school with others.

When calling to schedule an interview and site tour of a preschool, be sure that school is in session at the time of the appointment and that the student’s future class is meeting that day. Meeting with a preschool director after school hours might seem like a good option because noise and distractions would be minimized. However, part of the on-site visit is to see how the school operates during an actual school day. Resist the urge to meet when school is not in session. Take the plunge and schedule the interview for when students and teachers are present and actively learning.

The on-site tour of a preschool has three main components:
1. Interview of director or lead teacher by parents/caregivers
2. Tour of the facilities
3. Classroom observation

Interview of Director or Lead Teacher

Who does not feel a bit ridiculous when they pull out a three page questionnaire and begin asking someone a host of questions? The interview process of the on-site visit to a preschool can seem awkward at first. Keep in mind that these questions pertain to a child’s education and that everyone desires to know all they can about an environment their child is going to spend a significant amount of time in each week. Preschool directors are excited about their programs (If they are not, this is a good indication that the program is not for you!). They want to talk about the minuet details of their school’s environment. Do not hesitate to ask any and all questions during this time.

The key to the preschool interview is being prepared. Arrive with a set list of questions to ask of the director. Take time before arriving at the school to think about all questions or concerns. During the interview process, take notes about the director’s answers. Although it may feel like he/she is providing easy answers that will be remembered, facts and information can become confused after visiting a few schools.

Not sure exactly what to ask during the interview? No worries. Here is an extensive list of questions complied from research and personal experience. Print off this list and take it to on-site visits to be sure all questions and concerns are addressed.

Campus Tour
During an on-site visit, be sure to tour the campus. Remember children spend a good amount of time each week inside the walls of their preschool. A tour of the campus allows parents to see exactly what the school looks like and be familiar with their child’s future learning environment.

During a campus tour, there are a few things to pay careful attention to while looking around the school. First, is the environment appealing? Does the school seem bright and cheerful? Take note of the art work displayed. Preschools that make the effort to proudly display students’ work obviously value the effort made by their students.

Note if the campus is clean. Granted it is hard to keep any space spotless that is home to a large group of preschoolers.  A tidy preschool free of excess clutter and debris is a sign that directors, teachers and students take pride in their area.

Another thing to pay attention to is clearly defined work spaces. Everyone knows that it is hard to work in cramped, disorganized areas. Preschool is no exception. Are work areas and play areas clearly defined? If there are learning centers, is it obvious what each center is (i.e. home center, block center) and are spaces organized? Children are known to function better in spaces that are open and organized.

Class Observation
When scheduling an on-site tour of a preschool, make sure there will be time to observe a class in session. Most preschools are more than happy for parents to visit the classroom, but prefer to have advance notice. Observing a class in action allows a parent to witness the learning environment first-hand. A classroom observation gives parents the chance to see teachers working with students and to witness how children interact in that particular classroom setting.

A classroom observation should last about 20-30 minutes to give parents a good idea of activities that occur. When observing the class, note the disposition of both the teachers and the students. How do teachers talk to the students? Are the students respectful of their teachers? Communication between these two groups can be an excellent source of information about the quality of the preschool. If students and teachers are working and learning together in a peaceful way, the classroom is most likely an excellent place to learn and have fun.

After the tour is complete, classroom observed and all possible questions have been asked be sure to ask for the following items before leaving the campus:

1. Copy of the school handbook
2. Admission/Enrollment forms
3. Names and contact information of references
4. Business card with director’s contact information

These four things will be important to have after the on-site tour and interview to help finalize the preschool decision.

In the preschool decision making process, do not skip over the important step of interviewing school directors and touring school facilities. Remember students spend a significant amount of time in the school environment. Make sure that environment is favorable and a good fit for the family before enrolling children in a school.

During the time she is not sporting a feather boa and sipping tea with her little girl, Lynley Baker Phillips is a stay-at-home mommy and freelance writer. Her work can be found in various publications, at Examiner.com, and on her blog. Contact her at savethephillipsfamily@hotmail.com.