10 Questions to Ask When Touring a Preschool (And What the Answers Should Tell You)

Touring a preschool can feel a bit overwhelming, but knowing what to ask helps you make a smart choice. Here’s a quick list of top things to remember:

Key Takeaways

• Ask about the school’s teaching style and if it matches your family’s values.
• Find out what training the teachers have and if they usually stay long-term.
• Learn about the daily schedule and how kids are helped through tough moments.
• Check how the school keeps parents in the loop and how they handle sickness.
• Ask what makes this preschool stand out compared to others you visit.

What Is Your Educational Philosophy

When you’re looking at preschools, one of the first things you’ll want to get a handle on is their educational philosophy. This isn’t just some fancy term; it’s basically the school’s core beliefs about how young children learn best. Think of it as their guiding star for everything they do.

Some schools might lean heavily into a play-based approach, believing that kids learn the most when they’re exploring, experimenting, and just being kids. Others might focus more on academics, getting children ready for kindergarten with early literacy and math skills. And then there are those that try to strike a balance, mixing structured learning with plenty of time for creativity, movement, and figuring out how to get along with others.

It’s really about finding a philosophy that clicks with your own ideas about childhood and learning.

Here’s what to listen for:

• How they describe learning: Do they talk about children being active participants, making choices, and discovering things on their own? Or is it more about teachers imparting knowledge?
• The role of play: Is play seen as just fun, or is it recognized as a serious way children learn about the world, solve problems, and develop social skills?
• Social-emotional growth: How do they plan to help your child learn to manage their feelings, build friendships, and feel good about themselves?
• The teacher’s role: Are teachers seen as guides, facilitators, or instructors? This can tell you a lot about the classroom dynamic.

We believe that children thrive when they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore. Our approach at River City Preschool is built on the idea that learning should be an adventure. We focus on hands-on activities and child-led discovery, making sure that every child feels seen and heard. It’s important to us that children develop not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. We want them to be curious, confident, and kind.

Understanding a school’s philosophy helps you see if their approach to education aligns with your family’s values and what you envision for your child’s early learning journey. It’s the foundation upon which all their daily activities and interactions are built.

When you ask about their philosophy, don’t be afraid to ask for specific examples of how it plays out in the classroom. For instance, if they say they are ‘child-led,’ ask what that looks like during a typical day. This helps you move beyond buzzwords and get a real sense of the learning environment. It’s also a good idea to see if their approach aligns with different educational styles, like the Montessori method, which emphasizes independence and self-directed learning.

What Are Your Staff Qualifications And Turnover Rates

When you’re looking at preschools, the people who care for your child are a really big deal. It’s not just about their degrees, but also how long they’ve been at the school. High staff turnover can really disrupt a child’s sense of security and learning. We believe in building a stable, experienced team here at River City Preschool.

We want you to know that our teachers are not only passionate about early childhood education but also highly qualified. Many hold degrees in child development or related fields, and we invest in ongoing professional development to keep their skills sharp. We also encourage certifications relevant to our educational approach.

Here’s a quick look at what makes our team strong:

• Qualifications: All lead teachers have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field. Assistant teachers have associate degrees or are actively pursuing theirs.
• Experience: Our team boasts an average of 7 years of experience in early childhood settings.
• Training: We provide regular in-house training on topics like child safety, positive behavior support, and our specific curriculum.

When it comes to how long our wonderful teachers stay with us, we’re proud of our low turnover rate. We work hard to create a supportive environment where educators feel valued and can build lasting relationships with the children and families. Our average lead teacher tenure is over five years, which means your child will likely have consistent, familiar faces guiding them through their preschool journey.

We understand that a stable teaching staff is key to a child’s positive preschool experience. It allows for deeper connections, a better understanding of each child’s needs, and a more cohesive classroom environment. We prioritize creating a workplace that teachers want to be a part of for the long haul.

What Curriculum Do You Follow

When you’re looking at preschools, understanding their curriculum is a big piece of the puzzle. It’s not just about what they teach, but how they teach it and what that looks like day-to-day for your child. At River City Preschool, we believe learning should be engaging and hands-on, supporting the whole child – their social skills, emotional growth, and cognitive development.

We don’t just stick to one rigid method. Instead, our approach is a blend, drawing from well-regarded early childhood education principles. This means we focus on:

• Play-Based Learning: We know kids learn best when they’re having fun. Through play, they explore, experiment, and solve problems naturally.
• Social-Emotional Development: Building empathy, learning to share, and understanding feelings are just as important as ABCs. We create opportunities for children to practice these skills daily.
• Hands-On Exploration: From sensory bins to building blocks, we provide materials that encourage children to touch, feel, and discover.
• Early Literacy and Numeracy: We introduce concepts like letters, sounds, numbers, and shapes in age-appropriate, engaging ways, often through stories, songs, and games.

Our goal is to spark curiosity and a genuine love for learning. We want children to feel excited about coming to school and discovering new things.

We believe that a strong curriculum should be flexible enough to meet each child where they are, while also providing a rich environment for growth and discovery. It’s about nurturing their natural abilities and helping them build a solid foundation for future learning.

What Does A Typical Day Look Like

When you visit River City Preschool, you’ll see that our days are structured to provide a balance of learning, play, and rest. We believe a predictable routine helps children feel secure and ready to explore.

A typical day is a blend of engaging activities designed to support your child’s development across all areas. We don’t just fill time; we make sure each part of the day has a purpose.

Here’s a general idea of how a day might unfold for our preschoolers:

• Morning Arrival & Free Play: As children arrive, they have time for self-directed play. This allows them to settle in, reconnect with friends, and choose activities that interest them, like building blocks, art supplies, or dramatic play. Teachers are present, observing and interacting.
• Circle Time: We gather together for songs, stories, and a discussion about the day’s theme or calendar. This is a great time for language development and group participation.
• Learning Centers/Small Group Activities: Children engage in planned activities in small groups. This could be a science experiment, a math game, a literacy activity, or a creative art project. Teachers guide these activities, tailoring them to the children’s current learning levels.
• Snack Time: A healthy snack is provided, offering another opportunity for social interaction and practicing self-help skills.
• Outdoor Play/Gross Motor: Weather permitting, children spend time outdoors, running, climbing, and exploring. If indoors, we have active movement games.
• Lunch & Quiet Time/Nap: After lunch, children have a period for rest or quiet activities like looking at books. This is important for recharging.
• Afternoon Activities: The afternoon often includes more hands-on learning, art, music, or project-based work, followed by another outdoor play session.
• Departure: As families arrive for pickup, children can share what they did during the day, and teachers provide a brief update.

We understand that children are individuals, so while this is a typical structure, our teachers are skilled at adapting to the energy and needs of the group on any given day. Flexibility is key to a happy preschool experience. You’ll notice that transitions between activities are handled smoothly, with clear expectations and gentle guidance to help children move from one part of the day to the next. This predictability helps children feel safe and confident throughout their preschool day.

How Do You Help Children Adjust When Nervous Or Upset

Starting preschool is a big step, and it’s totally normal for kids to feel a mix of excitement and maybe a little bit of worry. Some children might be ready to jump right in, while others need a bit more time to feel secure and trust their new surroundings. At River City Preschool, we get that. We know that every child is different, and their adjustment period will be too.

When a child is feeling sad, missing their grown-ups, or just having a tough day, our teachers are there to offer comfort and support. We don’t just expect them to ‘get over it.’ Instead, we focus on creating a warm and consistent environment where they feel seen and heard. This means a lot of gentle reassurance, a listening ear, and helping them find ways to connect with their new friends and activities.

Here’s how we approach it:

• Acknowledge Feelings: We help children name their emotions. Saying "I see you’re feeling sad because Mommy left" can be really powerful.
• Offer Comfort: A hug, a quiet moment with a teacher, or a special comfort item (if allowed) can make a big difference.
• Distraction and Engagement: Gently guiding them toward a fun activity or a new friend can help shift their focus.
• Consistent Routines: Knowing what comes next helps children feel more in control and less anxious.
• Building Trust: Our teachers work hard to build strong relationships with each child, so they know they have a safe person to turn to.

We believe that a child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their learning. When children feel safe and supported, they are much more likely to explore, learn, and thrive. You’ll see our teachers actively engaging with children, observing their cues, and responding with patience and understanding. It’s about creating a space where they can build confidence, one day at a time.

What Is Your Approach To Discipline And Redirection

When kids are learning and growing, they’re going to test boundaries and sometimes have big feelings. It’s totally normal! At River City Preschool, we see behavior challenges not as something to punish, but as a chance for kids to learn. We focus on guiding them, helping them understand why a certain behavior isn’t okay, and teaching them better ways to handle things.

Our goal is to help children develop self-control and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment. We don’t believe in harsh punishments. Instead, we use strategies that are age-appropriate and respectful.

Here’s a peek at how we handle it:

• Positive Guidance: We use clear, simple language to explain expectations. When a child is struggling, we talk to them calmly about their feelings and what happened.
• Redirection: If a child is doing something they shouldn’t, we gently guide them toward a more appropriate activity. For example, if they’re throwing toys, we might suggest they use the toys for building instead.
• Teaching Social Skills: We actively teach children how to share, take turns, and resolve conflicts with their friends. We might role-play different scenarios to help them practice.
• Logical Consequences: When appropriate, we use consequences that make sense. If a child makes a mess, they help clean it up. If they misuse a toy, they might lose access to it for a short time.

We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, understood, and respected. Our teachers are trained to respond to challenging behaviors with patience and consistency, helping each child build emotional intelligence and positive social interactions. It’s all about teaching, not just reacting.

We want kids to feel comfortable expressing themselves, even when they’re upset. We help them identify their emotions and find healthy ways to cope, whether that’s taking a break in a cozy corner or talking to a teacher. It’s a learning process for everyone involved.

How Do You Communicate With Parents

Keeping parents in the loop is a big deal for us here at River City Preschool. We know you want to know what your child is up to during the day, and we want to share that with you! We believe that a strong partnership between home and school is key to a child’s success.

So, how do we make sure everyone’s on the same page? We use a few different methods:

• Daily Updates: You’ll get a quick rundown of your child’s day, including what they ate, napped, and any special activities they enjoyed. This usually comes through our secure parent app.
• Regular Newsletters: Each month, we send out a newsletter with updates on what we’re learning in the classroom, upcoming events, and helpful tips for parents.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: We schedule these twice a year, but you can always request a meeting if you have something specific you’d like to discuss. It’s a great time to talk about your child’s development in more detail.
• Open Door Policy: While we do have scheduled times for communication, we also encourage you to reach out if you have questions or concerns. We want you to feel comfortable talking to us.

We also understand that every family is different, and we’re happy to work with you to find the best ways to communicate. If you have a preferred method or need something specific, just let us know.

We see parents as our partners in your child’s education. Your insights are important, and we want to make sure you feel informed and involved every step of the way.

What Safety And Security Procedures Do You Have In Place

When you’re looking at preschools, safety and security are probably at the top of your mind. It’s totally understandable! You want to know your little one is protected while they’re learning and playing. At River City Preschool, we take this very seriously.

We have multiple layers of security to keep our students safe. This includes controlled access to our building, meaning only authorized individuals can enter. Our staff are trained on specific procedures for drop-off and pick-up to make sure children only leave with approved adults. We also conduct regular safety drills so everyone, including the children, knows what to do in different situations.

Here’s a quick look at some of our key safety measures:

• Secure Entry: Our main doors are locked, and visitors are buzzed in after being identified.
• Visitor Policy: All visitors must sign in and wear a visitor badge while on the premises.
• Staff Training: Our team receives ongoing training in first aid, CPR, and emergency preparedness.
• Supervision: We maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio to allow for constant, active supervision.
• Emergency Plans: We have detailed plans for various emergencies, including fire, severe weather, and medical incidents.

We also think about the little things, like ensuring all our toys and equipment are age-appropriate and in good condition, and that our outdoor play areas are well-maintained and secure. It’s all about creating a secure and nurturing environment where your child can thrive. We want you to feel completely at ease knowing your child is in good hands.

What Happens If A Child Gets Sick During The Day

It’s a question every parent wonders about: what happens if your little one suddenly feels unwell while you’re at work? At River City Preschool, we take health and safety very seriously, and we have clear procedures in place for when a child becomes sick.

Our primary goal is always the comfort and well-being of your child.

If a child starts showing signs of illness, such as a fever, vomiting, or unusual tiredness, our staff will first ensure they are comfortable and cared for. We have a designated quiet area where a sick child can rest while we contact you. We’ll always reach out to you or your emergency contact immediately to discuss the situation and make arrangements for pickup. It’s important for us to get your child home to rest and recover, and also to prevent the spread of any potential illness to other children and staff.

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

• Observation: Our teachers are trained to notice changes in a child’s behavior or physical state.
• Comfort: We’ll make sure the child is comfortable, perhaps with a cool cloth or a quiet activity.
• Communication: We will call you promptly to explain the symptoms and discuss next steps.
• Pickup: We ask that sick children be picked up within a reasonable timeframe, usually an hour, to allow them to get home.

We also have specific policies regarding when a child needs to stay home due to illness, which we share with all our families. This helps us maintain a healthy environment for everyone. We believe clear communication about these situations is key, so please don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you might have about our health policies during your tour. We want you to feel confident that your child is in good hands, no matter what.

We understand that dealing with a sick child is never easy, and our procedures are designed to be as supportive and straightforward as possible for both you and your child.

What Makes Your School Different From Other Preschools

We get it – choosing a preschool can feel like a big decision, and honestly, a lot of them sound pretty similar at first glance. So, what sets River City Preschool apart? Well, we like to think it’s a few key things that really make a difference for our families here in Peoria.

First off, our whole-child approach isn’t just a catchy phrase. We’re really focused on making sure kids are growing socially, emotionally, and intellectually. It’s not just about ABCs and 123s, though we cover those too! We believe that happy, confident kids learn best. That means we spend a good chunk of our day on things like:

• Creative Play: Letting kids explore their imaginations with blocks, art supplies, and dramatic play.
• Social Skills: Learning to share, take turns, and work together during group activities.
• Emotional Growth: Helping children understand their feelings and how to manage them, especially during those tricky transition times.
• Outdoor Exploration: Getting fresh air and moving our bodies, which is super important for little ones.

Another thing that makes us stand out is our commitment to our teachers. We know that great teachers make a great school. That’s why we invest in ongoing training and make sure our staff has the experience they need. Our low staff turnover rate means your child gets to build consistent, trusting relationships with their teachers throughout their time here. You’ll see that in how our teachers interact with the children – with patience, warmth, and a genuine interest in each child’s unique personality.

We also really value our connection with parents. We see you as partners in your child’s education. We keep communication open through daily updates, regular newsletters, and parent-teacher conferences. We want you to feel informed and involved.

We believe that a preschool should feel like a second home – a safe, nurturing, and exciting place where children can discover the joy of learning and grow into their best selves. It’s this blend of thoughtful curriculum, dedicated staff, and a strong community feel that we think makes River City Preschool a special place.

So, while other schools might focus on one area, we’re aiming for that sweet spot where academics, social-emotional development, and pure childhood fun all come together. We think that’s what really prepares kids not just for kindergarten, but for a lifelong love of learning.

What makes our preschool stand out from the rest? We offer a unique learning environment designed to spark curiosity and foster growth in every child. Our dedicated teachers create engaging activities that go beyond the basics, ensuring your child develops essential skills while having fun. Discover the River City difference for yourself! Visit our website to learn more about our programs and see why so many families choose us for their child’s early education.

Conclusion

Picking the right preschool is a big step for your family. Asking the right questions gives you a better idea of what goes on behind the scenes, not just what’s in the brochure. Trust your gut, listen to the answers, and picture your child in that space. At the end of the day, you want a school where your child feels safe, happy, and ready to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start looking at preschools?

Most people start looking about a year before they want their child to start. Some schools fill up fast, so the earlier the better.

What if my child cries at drop-off?

It’s normal for kids to be nervous at first. Ask the teachers how they help children feel comfortable and settle in.

Do all preschools have the same curriculum?

No, each preschool can have a different way of teaching. Some are play-based, others are more academic. Ask what they use and why.

How do I know if a preschool is safe?

Check for locked doors, visitor sign-ins, and ask about emergency plans. The school should be happy to show you their safety steps.

What happens if my child gets sick during the day?

Most schools will call you if your child has a fever or is not feeling well. They’ll tell you when it’s safe to come back.

Is it okay to visit more than one preschool?

Yes! It’s smart to tour a few places so you can compare and find the best fit for your child and your family.