Parents should decide what factors are most important to them as they choose a preschool or pre-kindergarten program for their child.  These factors will vary considerably from family to family but it is a good idea to have a list of questions available as families start looking for preschool.  Families should always visit a program that they are interested in before they enroll a child. Some suggested questions:

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• Is the facility licensed by the appropriate state agency?

• What are the qualifications of the teachers?

• What is the adult to child ratio in each room?

• What options do I as a parent have for choosing my child's attendance schedule at preschool?

• What curriculum is used and what areas of development are emphasized? (motor, cognitive, language, social/emotional, etc.)

• Is the primary purpose of your program child care or education?  How much experience do your caregivers have (in child care programs).

• Do you have a school safety/emergency plan?

• How are behavior issues handled in your school?

• May I visit my child while he is attending?  May I visit unannounced?

• How may I, as a parent, be involved in the education of my child?  What opportunities are there for me to be involved at school?

• How do the classroom teachers monitor progress?  How is progress reported to the parents?

• Do the programs priorities match your priorities for your child?

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The above questions are suggestions.  They should be tailored to the priorities of the family.  But don't be afraid to bring any questions or concerns to the attention of your child's teacher or the program administrators.  As a parent you are your child's first and best teacher and your involvement in his/her education throughout his early childhood years is key to a successful preschool/pre-kindergarten experience.