Advice needed for 15mth old starting preschool?

Question

I will be returning to work Monday to Friday 9am till 2pm and will be placing my 15mth old son in preschool (or getting a home carer). I have no idea what questions I should be asking to help choose which preschool or home carer to use and what things I should look out for when I visit. Your advice is much appreciated.

Answer 1

Make sure it's clean--if it's in home make sure they are licensed (make sure both are, but especially in home).

Find out what the daily schedule is and what the naptime routines are.

What types of activities do they do, what extra stuff do they offer (computer, art, gym)?

What is the turnover rate like for teachers? You want a place that has a low turnover rate, meaning that the teachers are satisfied and your child has consistency.

Find out whether or not they provide meals or if you bring your own.

Do they do anything special for holidays and birthdays?

How do they discipline kids?

How do they potty train?

Chances are, you'll be coming to get your son during a nap time, so you might not want to get there at 2 or 2:30 depending on when naps are, so find that out.

Find out what the ratio of teachers to students is. At his age, I believe it should be 8 students to 1 teacher, but it jumps to 16 at age 2 1/2 or 3.

What's the policy on bringing things from home (comfort object, toys, etc.)?

Will they go outside to play? Is the equipment age appropriate? Is there rubber padding or are there woodchips five feet from the end of the play equipment for safety?

Do they play in kiddie pools or sprinklers? Do you bring your own sunscreen, etc?

Do you need to pay even if your son is home sick? What is the daily rate? Weekly? Is there a discount for coming every day?

How do other people get put on a list to pick your son up in case of emergency?

Do they take them on trips?

What is security like? Can anyone walk in and pick up a child or do they need ID? Is there a key pad to get into the building for safety purposes?

Make sure the toys in the room are age appropriate and don't have pieces that are too small.

Hopefully that covers it all!

Answer 2

make sure it is clean,,look at the other children there,,how many teachers are there,,do they give time outs and how many,,

Answer 3

do they do time outs?

Answer 4

You want a clean place ...

A place that has an open door policy...

some sort of security system or receptionest greeting people so no one can walk out with your child....

A clean changing area...

schedule (educational- but play based)

nap routine

make sure they allow your child to visit to see the place and get comfortable first...

can they meet your childs needs.. allergies, meds, etc

what are the fees and are they locked

sickness policy

what qualifications do the teachers have

you have great hours..it should be fairly easy for your child...

Answer 5

Things to think about:

Student to Teacher Ratio

What are the teacher's qualifications?

What are the assistant's qualifications?

Do the teacher's write their own lesson plans or do they follow a given lesson?

Is the place strictly a "childcare" or are they a "learning center"? (Babysitter vs Teacher)

Take a minute to stop and listen outside of a classroom without being seen? Are the kids screaming? Are the teachers screaming? Or is there just a dull roar of enjoyment and normal kid loudness?

Take a minute to observe the classroom. Are the teachers actively on the floor with a group of children? Are the teachers standing and watching as the children play? Are the teachers standing in a corner chatting while the kids are fighting in the corner?

Is there a "daily report" to tell you what your child has learned that day?

Nap time? How long? Cots? Soft music? Do teachers help to get them to sleep?

Lunch time? Are you able to send peanut butter (some places you can't because of how many allergies there are)? Are you able to send things that need to be heated up?

Is there an open visitation policy? (aka can you walk in at anytime and visit your child?

Are there big windows from the hallway that show into each room? (for observation)

Play areas? Is there an indoor gross motor room? Ask to see it. Is there an age appropriate outside play area? Ask to see it.

That's all I can think of for now. And of course my questions pertain to a child care center. Good luck!

Answer 6

I wouldn't do preschool just yet, I would reccomend daycare instead. Preschools generally don't accept kids until they are 3-5 years old. Make sure the facilities are clean and organized. Ask if you could observe one day, and see how he does there.

Answer 7

How do they handle dicipline?

Child to Adult ratio?

What is the general schedule for the day?

Who is First Aide/CPR certified in the center?

Can you stop by and check in at any time?(if no, find somewhere that will allow this)

What is the pick up policy?(make sure they dont just let anyone pick up your child)

Make sure the place is clean. Check for baby proofing.

Good luck