Finding the Perfect Preschool for your Infant
Finding the perfect preschool for your infant is one of the most important things any new parent needs to accomplish. Not only does the infant care have to be the best, but all aspects of the school have to make you feel comfortable. When you drop off your baby each morning, you want to leave feeling comfortable that your baby will be receiving the love, nurturing and care she needs.
When checking out a preschool, the following questions should help make your decision easier.
Pre-School Interview Checklist
When you call for an appointment, does the director speak to you? Yes____ No____
Does the director seem happy to have you visit anytime? Yes___ No ___
Does the director keep you waiting when you arrive? Yes___ No ___
Does the director provide all the time you need to talk about the program?
Yes ___ No___
Does she show you the schools Mission Statement?
Yes___ No___
Does she give you a booklet containing information about the school? Yes___ No___
Does she offer to supply you with references? Yes___ No___
At first glance, does the preschool look clean? Yes___ No___
Does it smell clean? Yes___ No___
Is the preschool licensed by the state? Yes ___ No ___
Is the license posted? Yes___ No___
If no, why not? ______________________________________________
Does the school do a background check before hiring a teacher? Yes___ No___
What kind of experience do the teachers have? _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
The Infant Room
Is the infant room clean? Yes___ No___
Are the electric outlets covered? Yes___ No___
Do the cabinets have childproof locks on them? Yes___ No ____
Do you see any cleaning spray bottles sitting on the counters? Yes___ No___
Are the counters clean and uncluttered? Yes___ No___
Are the diaper changing tables clean? Yes___ No___
Are there gloves available for diaper changing? Yes___ No___
Is there a crib for each baby? Yes___ No___
Are the cribs in good condition? Yes___ No___
(Test to see that they are not wobbly or have any loose screws)
Are there enough high chairs or a feeding table for mealtimes? Yes___ No___
Are there swings, exersaucers, bouncy seats, teething toys, stroller, etc. available for the babies? Yes___ No___
Is the above equipment in good condition? Yes___ No___
Are the toys and equipment age appropriate? Yes___ No___
Are the toys and equipment cleaned with bleach water each day? Yes___ No___
Is there a bin to put dirty toys that get used during the day? Yes___ No____
(For dropped toys, or toys that other babies chew on)
Is there happy music playing in the room or lullabies if it is naptime? Yes___ No___
Is there a fire exit door with a sign posted above it? Yes___ No___
Does the room look like a place that your baby could have fun, explore and blossom?
Yes ___ No___
Do you have an overall good feeling about the room? Yes___ No___
Staff
Is there one child care provider for every four babies ? Yes___ No___
Do the same caregivers take care of the babies each day? Yes___ No___
Do different teachers come in for the late shift(3-6)? Yes___ No___
Do they have CPR and First Aid Certification? Yes___ No___
Are the caregivers friendly and eager to tell you about themselves and the program?
Yes___ No___
Do the caregivers act in a professional manner? Yes___ No___
Do the caregivers look clean and neat and are they dressed appropriately?
Yes___ No___
Do they know what to do if a baby is choking? Yes___ No___
Do they tell you about the daily activities? Yes___ No___
Do they take the babies outside, play music, do tummy time, etc.? Yes___ No___
Do they have specialists that come in for music, movement, etc.? Yes___ No___
Do they send home daily reports? Yes___ No___
Do they want to know your baby’s schedule at home? Yes___ No___
Do they want to know how you soothe your baby when she is irritable or crying?
Yes___ No___
What is their illness policy? Yes___ No___
Are there conferences or just daily check-ins? Yes___ No___
Do they tell you how to get in touch with them and the phone policy? Yes___ No___
What are their rules for visiting your baby at school?
___________________________________________________________________
What is the policy for drop-off and pick-up?_________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
If someone else needs to pick up your baby, do they need a special card, driver’s license, etc.?___________________________________________________________________
Do they use the same substitutes all the time? (So they know the babies and their schedules)
_____________________________________________________________________
Do you have an overall good feeling about the caregivers? Yes___ No _
Blythe’s Final Thoughts:
If you like the Preschool, drop in unannounced.
Before you make a decision, call with any questions.
If you get the cold shoulder or you feel like they are too busy and you are unimportant……
FIND ANOTHER PRESCHOOL
Once your child is enrolled, if you are told you can’t visit anytime…….
FIND ANOTHER PRESCHOOL
If the facility looks, smells or feels dirty………..
FIND ANOTHER PRESCHOOL
If the caregivers are dressed inappropriately……
FIND ANOTHER PRESCHOOL
If the staff seems unhappy and not having fun……
FIND ANOTHER PRESCHOOL
Would you feel good leaving your baby at this preschool each day?
Yes____ No____
If you feel great about the preschool then sign the papers. But if something feels amiss, even if you can’t figure out what it is, go with your gut feeling as it is usually right!!!
Above all, you want to be able to enjoy watching your baby blossom in her new environment and feel good that you made the right decision.
Blythe Lipman 2010