It’s time for your child to enroll in Preschool, and you want to give them the perfect place to learn and grow! But finding the perfect place can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.
The right preschool builds the foundation for your child’s learning, social development and lifetime success. In-person tours are a crucial part of the process of finding where your child will fit best.
An in-person tour will give a sense of a school’s environment, insight on the curriculum and connections with the staff.
To make the most of your tour, ask these top questions:
1. What Is Your Educational Philosophy?
There’s more than one way to crack an egg, and there’s more than one way to teach a child! Each school you visit may have a different way of teaching, and not every approach is perfect for your child. At O2B Kids, we know the brain learns best through experiences, so we follow a play-based curriculum and learning style.
You know your child and their needs best. Ask this question at every school, and decide if their style of learning is best for your child.
2. What Are the Teacher Qualifications and Student-to-Teacher Ratio?
Your child will spend a good portion of their day with their teacher, so it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with them! The first step is finding out the basics. What are each teacher’s qualifications? What kind of training have they had? How many students are in each classroom?
If possible, ask to meet who your child’s teacher would be. You may also be able to spend a few minutes in the classroom to get an understanding of what your child’s day would be like there.
3. What Does a Typical Day Look Like?
Routines are key for children’s comfort and growth. So ask about the school’s daily schedule! This will give you insight into your child’s day and if it’s right for them. What time should they arrive? How much time do they get on the playground? When are meals, snacks and naptime? How do they balance structured learning with free play?
A well-balanced schedule will give your child the perfect mix of educational activities, hands-on learning, and socializing.
4. How Do You Handle Discipline and Conflict Resolution?
When you have young children learning how to behave for the first time, your child may run into some conflict. That’s why you should know before enrollment how your school approaches discipline and conflict resolution with children.
Find out what the school’s method for teaching social skills, handling behavioral issues, and encouraging positive behavior in the classroom.
5. What Safety and Health Policies Are in Place?
No matter where you enroll, your child’s safety should always be the number 1 priority. Ask about security measures, sick policies, in-case-of-emergency procedures and how they keep a clean and safe environment.
At O2B, all our outside doors are locked, and parents are buzzed in by the staffed front desk.
6. How Do You Communicate with Parents?
It’s important to keep up-to-date with what’s happening at your child’s school, but how? Every Preschool is different, so figure out what works best for you. Are there newsletters, emails, an app or website? Will there be in-person meetings? If so, how often? Figuring this out ahead of time will make you prepared for your child’s first day.
7. What Are the Tuition and Additional Costs?
Preschool is an investment in your child’s future. Knowing what tuition does and doesn’t cover will help you budget for them and what to expect. Are there any enrollment and supplies fees? Will there be anything extra throughout the year? Are there weeks or months, like Summer, that are separate costs? You can also ask if there are any financial aid options, scholarships or Government assistance available.
8. What Makes Your Preschool Unique?
Every school is different. What makes them stand out? Maybe a preschool has
a strong sense of community, innovative learning programs, or experienced educators,
Find out what this preschool has that no one else can offer. Then, decide if that’s something you value in your child’s school.
Why Our Preschool Is Your Perfect Choice
We know how crucial finding the perfect preschool is for you, your family and your child.
That’s why we’re staffed with experienced and nurturing teachers, teach a play-based curriculum, and provide and safe & healthy environment for your child to learn and grow!
Set up a tour of O2B Kids today and find out why families choose our preschool over all the others!
