Choosing the right preschool for your child is a significant decision that sets the foundation for their educational journey. As you embark on visits and meet with various childcare and early education providers, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to ensure your chosen preschool aligns with your family’s values and expectations. Here are five essential questions to ask when touring preschools, with insights from Celebree School’s approach to early childhood education.
1. Can You Explain Your Philosophy When It Comes to How Children Learn in Your Preschool?
Understanding a preschool’s educational philosophy helps you determine if it aligns with your own views on learning and development. At Celebree, we embrace a holistic, play-based program that focuses on child-led learning. Our educators are here to scaffold and enhance their education while fostering a nurturing environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
2. What Are the Security Measures You Have in Place to Ensure the Safety of the Children at All Times?
Safety is a top priority for any parent. When visiting a preschool, observe the security measures they have in place. At Celebree, we take security seriously. Our preschool doors are always locked, accessible only through unique identification numbers assigned to parents. We have 24/7 monitoring systems and implement face-to-name transition processes to ensure all children are safe and accounted for at all times.
3. How Will I Know If My Child Is Progressing?
Regular updates on your child’s progress are crucial for peace of mind and ensuring their developmental milestones are being met. At Celebree, we keep parents informed through our parent communication app, Tadpoles. You’ll receive daily reports detailing your child’s activities, developmental milestones, and even diaper changes. Additionally, we hold family-teacher conferences twice a year to discuss your child’s progress, upcoming goals, and milestones we’re working on together.
4. How Much Outside Time Are the Children Getting Daily?
Outdoor play is vital for a child’s physical and mental health. Ask about the preschool’s schedule for outdoor activities, and make sure to check out the playground or outdoor playspace during your tour. At Celebree, we prioritize outdoor play, with playground time scheduled twice a day for every age group. Even infants get stroller rides outside twice a day! This ensures that all children get ample time to enjoy fresh air and engage in physical activities that support their overall well-being.
5. What Are the Qualifications of the Teachers in the Classrooms?
As a parent, it’s vital you’re comfortable with the educators that are in charge of your child’s care and learning every day. Each preschool and daycare has different qualifications and attributes they look for in a teacher, so make sure to ask while on your visit. At Celebree, we hold our teachers to the highest standards. Our lead teachers possess the necessary state qualifications, certifications, and education requirements. Furthermore, all our teachers undergo a comprehensive, multi-step screening process, including background checks and multiple interviews, to ensure their demeanor and educational approach align with Celebree’s high standards.
As you tour different preschools, keep these questions in mind to help guide your decision-making process. By ensuring that a preschool’s philosophy, safety measures, communication practices, outdoor time, and teacher qualifications align with your expectations, you’ll be setting your child up for a successful and enriching early educational experience.
These five questions are a great starting point for evaluating preschools and can help guide your decision-making process. By ensuring that a preschool’s philosophy, safety measures, communication practices, outdoor time, and teacher qualifications align with your expectations, you’ll be setting your child up for a successful and enriching early educational experience.