Teaching and learning

Must-ask questions when choosing the right preschool for your child

It’s more than just, “is there space and can I afford it?” Dig deeper into the quality of care with these questions

Adrienne Shannon

July 28, 2025

Reading time: 4 min.

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‍In this article, the term "parents" is used to refer to all the primary grown-ups in a child’s life.

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You’ve Googled. You’ve asked friends. You’ve made the spreadsheet. You’ve added a bunch of adorable backpacks and “first day of school” outfits to your online cart. Now it’s time to actually step foot inside a preschool, and ask the questions, so you can truly imagine what the day-to-day will be like — for your child, and for your family.

But what are the questions? How do you know that it’s the right preschool for your child? Will you feel like a part of a community?

Whether it’s your first time, or your seventh time, open houses and tours can feel a little overwhelming. You’re trying to dive deeper than the smiles and upbeat energy, and really see if this is the right fit.

That’s why we created this go-to list of thoughtful, helpful questions to ask when visiting a preschool or childcare center. With these questions, you’ll feel confident about the little things and the big things when choosing your child’s home away from home — and your partners in your child’s growth and development.

The big ideas

A little shout out for those first-timers

Sending your child to preschool for the first time feels like – and is – a big deal. Suddenly, you're expected to know the difference between Waldorf and Montessori, play-based or STEAM focused, and centers and in-home care. How do you know if a program is considered “high-quality?” And, how can you trust someone else to take care of your child for hours at a time when you’re not right down the hall?

But here’s the secret: No one really knows what they’re doing the first time around.

You’re not alone if you show up to the open house and immediately forget every question you meant to ask. You’re also not alone if your toddler refuses to speak or jumps into the toys like they’re their own. The staff have seen it all, so you can take some deep breaths and just focus on finding the right place for you and your child.

Now to the questions.

Questions to help you decide the best program for your child

The basics

Is your center licensed? A simple yes or no question. A licensed center means they’re meeting your state’s safety, staffing, and training standards.
What is your curriculum, philosophy, and mission? You’ll get a sense of their teaching approach, how they view childhood, and how play, creativity, and learning all come together.
What makes your center special or different from others in the neighborhood? A great one to hear what they’re proud of, what they value, and how they perceive the other centers.
Are there any currently enrolled parents I could talk to about their experience? Word of mouth is powerful. Talking to another parent gives you a real-life look behind the scenes.

The staff

What are the qualifications and requirements for your staff? Knowing who’s in the room, and their training, helps you feel confident your child is in great hands.
How long has your staff worked here? Or what’s staff turnover like? Consistency matters at such a young age, and low turnover is a great sign of a positive, supportive environment which will benefit the teachers and the children.
How are your teachers supported in their professional growth and well-being? It’s a domino effect! Happy teachers who feel supported create happy classrooms.

Daily life in the classroom

What does a typical day look like here? You’ll learn about routines, transitions, and how structured (or flexible) the day is.
What are drop-off and pick-up like? The logistics matter, especially when mornings (and evenings) are already full. This also highlights how they support families and children during separation and transitions. Also, make sure to ask about their safety protocols at pick-up! (More safety specific questions below.)
How do you support different learning styles and personalities? Every child is unique, and this shows to what extent they personalize learning and care.
How do you feel about learning through play and outdoor time? A great one to learn how they balance exploration, fun, and foundational skills.
What does mealtime look like? What if my child has allergies or food restrictions? Good to know how food is handled and how they keep kids safe.

Family engagement

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Development and next steps

What do you expect my child to do before they’re enrolled? Does the team expect your child to be potty trained? Do they want infants to already be trying solids? It’s good to understand their expectations to ensure that you’re aligned.
What do you hope children leave this preschool feeling or knowing? This question gives you insight into their deeper values, beyond the ABCs and 123s.
How do you handle transitions, like moving from toddler to preschool or preschool to pre-K? Ask how they help children grow and adapt smoothly to the next stage.

Care and connection

How do you help children settle in when they’re new or nervous? Separation anxiety is common — this shows their approach to comfort and attachment.
How do you handle big feelings or conflict between children? You’ll learn how they help children navigate social-emotional development.

Family involvement

How do you keep families in the loop during the day or week? Whether it’s daily reports, photos, or messages, communication matters.
How can parents be involved? From volunteering to parent-teacher chats, this helps you feel like part of the community.
How do you feel about parent engagement and involvement overall? This shows how they view parents as partners in a child’s learning and care.

Safety & peace of mind

What are your emergency procedures? You want to know they’re prepared for the what-ifs — big and small.
What happens if my child gets sick or injured during the day? This tells you how they communicate with families and care for children in the moment.
How do you ensure you stay in ratio? Maintaining the right adult-to-child ratio means children are safe and cared for.

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Things to consider during and things to reflect on after

While you’re touring:

Is the space clean, safe, and welcoming?
Are children actively engaged — playing, talking, creating?
Do the teachers seem warm, attentive, and calm?
Are there signs of diverse representation in toys, books, and displays?
Is outdoor space available, and did it look used and loved?
Can I picture my child here — playing, resting, learning?
Are transitions (e.g. between activities) smooth and gentle?
Does my child seem comfortable (or at least, open, to the new environment)?

After the visit:

How is my child reacting after the tour - either positively or negatively?
How did the staff interact with my child? Did they make an effort to connect?
Did anything feel off, rushed, or overly “salesy”?
Did the center’s values and vibe match what I want for our family?
Could I see myself building a relationship with this team?
Was communication clear, kind, and respectful from the start?
Do I feel relieved, excited, or confident after the visit? Or, more stressed?

Don’t forget, it’s not just about how you – the parents – feel. It's just as important that your child feels comfortable and cared for! Don’t be afraid to engage and ask your child how they felt while at the center (if age appropriate, of course!).