20 Essential Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour

Best practices for finding the right preschool for your child

Finding the right preschool for your child is no small feat. You’re looking for a safe, nurturing environment that will meet your child's social, emotional, developmental, and academic needs. Sound daunting? It doesn’t have to be if you’re well prepared.

Hopefully, you’ve done your research and have come up with a short list of potential preschools. Next, plan to tour each preschool at least once without your child so you’ll have time to ask all your questions without distractions. Give your full attention to carefully observing and soaking in the preschool environment. If you like the school, go back again with your child in tow, but for your first visit, it’ll be easier if you go child-free.

Typically you’ll start your tour with a meeting with the director or owner, who will give you an overview of the school and give you an opportunity to ask questions. You'll most likely receive a handbook or brochure outlining the basic features like school hours, before and after school options, tuition costs, holiday and closure schedule, the application process, and curriculum details, among other things.

It's also a good idea to get a general understanding of how the program manages their admissions. If they use brightwheel to manage their enrollment, families can easily submit applications online, eliminating paperwork and multiple visits to the school. 

Questions to ask on a preschool tour

You’ll need detailed information to make a sound decision. Here are the top 20 questions to ask on a preschool tour:

Staff and philosophy

1. What is your educational philosophy?

Start by asking about the school's core beliefs on early education to see if they align with your family's values. A strong philosophy will outline their pedagogical approach, whether it's Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based, or another method. It should clearly articulate how they foster social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

For example, a play-based philosophy might emphasize child-led exploration and discovery, while a structured academic approach might focus on early literacy and numeracy skills. Ask how this philosophy translates into daily activities and interactions within the classroom.

2. What are your staff’s qualifications and turnover rates?

Learn about the expertise of the staff and the consistency of care provided through employee retention. Staff qualifications, such as degrees in early childhood education or specific certifications, indicate a commitment to professional development and quality instruction.

High staff turnover can disrupt a child's sense of security and continuity of care, impacting their emotional well-being and learning consistency. Inquire about the average tenure of staff members, how they support professional growth, and what measures are in place to retain experienced educators.

3. Do you teach cultural diversity?

Curriculum and learning environment

4. What curriculum do you follow?

Asking about the curriculum on a preschool tour can help parents understand the teaching approach and whether it aligns with their child’s learning style and developmental needs. It ensures the program fosters growth in key areas like social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

5. How will you prepare my child for kindergarten?

It's a good idea to ask specifics about the level of academic rigor at the program and the steps they take to promote school readiness. You can ask for more detail about the skills your child will learn and how they will be assessed.

For example, suppose you’re considering a Waldorf preschool but intend to send your child to a public kindergarten. In that case, you’ll want to know how the program typically prepares children for the transition to kindergarten.

6. Are there any enrichment activities available?

It’s an added bonus if a preschool offers additional enrichment activities outside the traditional classroom for children to acquire different skills and education. In addition to the base curriculum, some preschools might offer additional programs like swimming, Spanish classes, or music lessons for an additional fee. 

7. Is screen time limited?

Digital technology is an excellent way to keep children entertained and occupied throughout the day, but it is best when used in moderation. Some preschools allow children to watch TV and others don’t allow any screen time. Be sure to ask the program's philosophy on screen time so you know what to expect. 

8. How long do children spend outdoors? 

Playtime is crucial for a child's development and spending time outdoors is just as essential as classroom learning. Playing outside allows children to explore their environment and is beneficial to their overall physical health and development. If possible, try to prioritize a program that encourages outdoor activities.

Health, safety, and policies

9. What child safety and security measures are in place?

Child safety and security are critical, so ensure the preschool you choose has the proper safety and security measures in place. In addition, ask for information about the program's pickup policy and their emergency preparedness plan. This way, you’ll be at ease knowing that your child is in good hands.

10. Are you licensed to operate a childcare facility?

Most childcare programs are required to be licensed prior to providing care, however this can vary by state. Licensed preschool facilities abide by strict regulations, making them the best choice for families looking for care. They also operate under stringent policies and undergo regular compliance inspections to ensure children are safe and protected from harm.

Most licensed facilities are required to display their license in a public area. Look for this on your tour or ask how the program meets licensing standards.

11. What are your operating hours and rates?

Be sure to ask about the program’s standard operating hours to confirm they align with your family’s needs, and discuss any adjustments you may require.
Additionally, preschool tuition can vary based on the services provided, so request a clear breakdown of rates as you compare different programs.

12. Do you have any vaccination policies?

Some preschools have strict vaccination policies for the children that attend their program. Some require children to be fully vaccinated before admission. The policy will usually be clearly communicated to prospective families, but be sure to ask this question on your tour if you are unsure of the requirements.

13. Does my child need to be potty-trained?

Young children need proper care and attention throughout the day since most cannot handle personal hygiene alone. Some preschools are open to potty training children, while others aren’t. The latter expects children to be potty trained before admitting them into a preschool program. The program's policy on this is important to clarify as you choose the right program for your needs.

14. Do you provide meals?

Preschoolers need enough food to fuel their active days. Some preschools offer a food program, while others do not. If a program does provide food, it’s a good idea to ask for a sample of their weekly menu.

For those that don’t have a food program in place, families are often expected to provide packed food and snacks for their child every day. You can opt for either option depending on what works for you and your child.

15. Do you accommodate children with allergies or dietary restrictions?

Preschools that offer meal programs can significantly reduce the time families spend preparing and packing food each day. However, it’s essential to confirm how a preschool supports children with food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Ask if the program can accommodate specific needs and review their policies for handling allergies, so you know your child’s well-being is prioritized during mealtimes.

16. Do you have birthday policies?

Some preschools have policies in place to control how they celebrate birthdays. For example, some policies determine whether families can bring treats for the class and who is allowed to be present. You'll want to be aware of these policies beforehand to help with planning.

Communication and community

17. How do you handle family communication?

Parents can ask this to understand how the preschool will keep them informed about their child’s daily activities, development, and any school updates. This clarifies the methods and frequency of communication, such as daily reports, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, or digital platforms, fostering transparency and involvement in their child's learning journey.

Look for a school that uses technology to stay in touch. For example, brightwheel is an easy-to-use mobile app that helps schools stay better connected with families. Families receive private, real-time updates about their child on their mobile device throughout the day and teachers can record and track children's developmental progress. Brightwheel also allows for digital check-in/check-out and a paperless billing system.

18. Can I speak to some family references?

Connect with current or former families to get their honest perspective on the school. Ask about their child’s development in school and find out what kind of family community there is, if any. 

Some schools don’t have a cohesive family community, which may work fine for you, but if you’re looking for a more close-knit group of families, keep this in mind as you tour.

Student support

19. How do you handle challenging behavior in the classroom?

Experienced educators will have behavior management strategies in place to ensure the classroom is a positive and effective learning environment for all children. Ask to see their behavior guidelines and their approach to managing challenging behaviors in the classroom. The right preschool for you will have a plan and approach you’re comfortable with.

20. Do you admit children with special needs?

Some children need specialized attention and care, but unfortunately, not all preschools are equipped to support children with special needs. Depending on the needs of your child, it may be important to know what experience the staff have in teaching children with special needs.

What to look for in a preschool tour

Asking the right questions on a tour isn't the only thing to consider. You can also observe the physical school environment to determine if it’s a good fit for your child. Below is a quick rundown of other things to look out for on your preschool tour:

• Happy and excited children
• Actively involved and caring teachers
• A clean environment
• Colorful classroom artwork
• Enough toys and learning materials
• Security measures
• Safe playgrounds
• An up-to-date operating license

Be prepared with your preschool tour questions

A preschool tour is more than just a walk-through; it's an interview. Armed with these questions, you can gather the detailed information needed to feel confident in your decision. Trust your instincts, observe the environment, and choose the preschool that feels right for your child and your family.