Quality Preschool

First,I look for how loving they are towards my child. Also, I make sure that their curriculum is well rounded. It should engage all of the different intelligences of the children. It shoudl have a very patient staff. I look for the ability to stop by and drop in at any time. I look for a creative arts program vs. a school that just alays does crafts and calls that "art". I look for an approach to learning that is fun and makes my child feel successful. A classroom size that is not overcrowded. I look at their toys and see that they are in good condition and clean. I look for an adequate supply of books to read. Most of all, I look at how willing my child is to be there to ensure that she feels happy while she is in their care. :)

It is so funny that I open Mamasource today, and here you are. I tore your ad out of OC Family Magazine, visited your website just yesterday and intend to call to schedule a tour. I was drawn to your school for a number of reasons. I want a place where my daughter will enjoy socializing, playing and learning in a structured environment. She has a hard time warming up to large, rowdy groups. I like that the parents are encouraged to be involved, that the student to teacher ratio is low...and, of course, healthy snacks are served. She has been my shadow for 20 months, now, and I want to make sure that her first school experience is gentle, fun and nurturing. She is a thinker, and a cuddlebug, so I want to make sure that the people she grows attached to (her teachers) are not going to change every few months! It sounds like you have a wonderful place for kids, as well as, your staff, so I'm sure that's not a problem at your school.

I have two older children and 1 who is 2 1/2 and will be looking for a pre-school for him when he is 3. For my other two I looked for the following: A caring staff (I always ask to sit in on classes. If a school does not agree I won't even consider them. A curriculum and routine- I want enrichment and learning at their level, not just childcare. Along with this, I ask about the teachers experience and how long they've been with the school. If the faculty has been with them a long time that is usually a good sign of a caring, nurturing environment and established curriculums. A facility that is condusive to learning i.e. location, cleanliness, interactive activities and cheerful surroundings.

I work at a Preschool myself and I would look for how clean it is. The bathroom not smelling of urine. Tables being clean. THe children enjoying themselves and stimulted with toys and activities. I would also look at the curriculum and teacher child ratio. What are they learning? How is the interation with staff and children and one of my big issues is the relationship with staff and parents.