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Selecting A Preschool
Why? When? Where? By Dr. William Sears
Questions To Ask
Discuss the general philosophies of the school with the director and observe the specific qualities of the teacher who will be working most closely with your child. Is she basically a kind and nurturing person who knows how to get children excited about learning? Is she someone your child will enjoy being around? How does she handle apparent misbehavior? Does the child get the needed support when he is apparently failing an effort? Are the groups small (maximum of 10 children per teacher)? Are the children really enjoying themselves and interacting? Are they smiling? Are they interested? Do the children's creations decorate the walls? No matter how crude a child's creations may be, are they praised and respected? Are the snacks nutritious? (All preschoolers should have mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks because of children's tendency to low blood sugar following prolonged activity.) Is there alternating active and quiet play, so necessary for this age? Examine the outside play equipment. Is it safe and well planned? For example, climbing equipment is generally safer and more instructive than swings. In addition to checking the climbing equipment, which teaches gross motor development, examine the arts and crafts equipment used for fine motor development. Are children taught that everything has a place? This encourages a sense of order. Are they encouraged to "mess a bit" in something such as finger painting? If you are big on "preparedness for school" then you will want to examine the preschool's methods of reading and writing preparation, their "cognitive stimulation" activities. 
