Touring facilities is the best opportunity to give parents an intimate look at what to expect when their child heads to preschool. Asking lots of questions during the process will help understand a school’s curriculum, philosophy, and approach to childcare. Here are topics you should prioritize when talking with teachers and staff members.

What Questions Should You Ask During a School Tour?

What credentials do the teachers have?

It’s important that teachers are qualified to handle and educate your child. You’ll have more trust in their experience if you know the amount of time educators have had with designing and teaching a developmentally focused curriculum for preschoolers. Knowing that they’re certified in first aid and CPR for emergency situations will also give you peace of mind. Preschools with a National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation indicates that the institution is meeting current educational standards.

How does the school nurture a child’s developmental skills?

Schools should provide ample opportunity for your child to engage with their cognitive, emotional, and social development. Review the average daily schedule to see if teachers incorporate indoor and outdoor playtime, storytelling, practicing letters and numbers, and multisensory activities like finger painting and cutting with scissors. Opportunities that promote healthy eating, exercise, and nap time also set the tone for a child’s future well-being.

How does the school handle behavioral issues?

Finding a school that approaches behavioral issues with proactive strategies is another way to help your child with their emotional and social development. Administrators should emphasize whether their educators encourage them to express their emotions in a healthy manner, and if discipline is approached with isolation or punishment. Ask educators how they’ve handled specific conflicts in the past.

What safety protocols do you have in place?

Safety comes in many forms, especially when it comes to your child. Knowing whether a preschool’s protocols align with your comfort levels is one of the most important deciding factors in beginning your child’s educational journey.

Inquire more about the school’s pick-up and drop-off policies, along with how they handle incidents involving injuries. Ask what the type of security measures are in place to supervise the inside and outside of the school. Discuss the structured cleaning schedule they follow to verify whether their classrooms, toys, and public areas are sanitary and safe for children to use.

Get your child started on the right foot by enrolling them at Palm Academy in Fremont, CA. This learning center has provided an engaging and safe environment for children and families across California’s Bay Area since 2006. They also offer an early education curriculum based on STEAM learning and the FasTracKids® methodology. Learn more about their preschool programming on their website, and call (510) 979-9794 to schedule a facility tour.