What questions should I ask my son's prospective pre-school administrator?

Question

What questions should I ask my son's prospective pre-school administrator?

Answer 1

As a pre-school teacher I can tell you that some of the things that are of interest to children are of no interest to the children.  You need to know the following:

How long have the teachers been in their position?  How do they chose their teachers; do most have degrees in early childhood develpment?

What happens to a child who is not ready for socialization?  What is the policy?

Are playdates encouraged after school?

Are parents invited to come in for special projects?

What is the staff to student ratio?

How do they address classroom readiness and age group?

How quickly can you expect a phone call back from a teacher?

Answer 2

Teacher background, ratio of children in each class(ask to see state regulations regarding this...VIP), curriculum being taught (age appropriate material).  You want your child being taught and not watching TV, playing and sleeping all the time.  Safe age appropriate toys, how often they sanitize toys(This should be done daily, helps to stop spreading of germs).  Ask to see a menu with snacks outlined also to ensure they are having healthy fulfilling foods.  Need to find out regarding the changing schedule and potty-training assistance.  Rates regarding late charges and overtime if applicable.   Check on illness regarding having to pick your child up and keeping there day care spot.  Find out about vacation time they are allowed without pay.  If you have to pay if a child misses a day or not.   Registration and material fee.  I suggest you ask around before making a decision.  Look for very reputable facilities.  Good Luck!  Be Blessed

Answer 3

Do they teach How to succeed in life,By Ernie Coursey ?

Answer 4

I would ask the following questions:  

1.  About their disciplinarian policy.

2.  Student to teacher ratio

3.  State accreditation rating

4.  Open door policy

5.  Any recent vilations or complaints

Answer 5

qualifications

discipline policy

preschool handbook

emergency drills

staff/child ratio

transition between age groups

curriculum

kindergarten readiness

field trips

Answer 6

Ask the administrator is ALL the teachers, ALL the school employees  with no exceptions have been screened for s*x offences, BE DIRECT, please, you need your child be safe. If your child will be taken back and forward to school and home, ask also if the bus drivers are screened for s*x offences, and how the school handles children's safety while they ( the children) are on school's grounds.

Ask the administrator about bullying too, how the school handles the complaints.

Don't be shy to ask,  it's your child's safety what is at stake. If your guts tell you that place is not right for your child, get the h**l out of there and keep looking for a better place.

Good luck

Answer 7

Lots of good comments so far.  The mission statement or center philosophy will tell you a good deal about how the center approaches child care.  It is essential that this matches your values and beliefs.

I realize a lot of people have commented on background checks of teachers; I'm not exactly sure which state you're in but almost all states have highly extensive background checks on ANYONE working in childcare - even a DUI in North Carolina prohibits you from working in childcare... And, yes, the center administration and the government know it and keep these people out of child care.

Definitely ask about ratios, schedule, daily activities, etc.  The menu is a good one - there are a lot of parent complaints in this department.  A lot of these administrative details are outlined in the parent handbook, this is your bible to the preschool.  Get a copy of it and read it, cover to cover, before committing.

The biggest thing is that the administrator should give you a nice, in-depth tour.  You should not feel rushed or like anything is a secret.  This tour will tell you everything you need to know- you'll see if the classrooms are clean, if the teachers have appropriate attitudes, and of course listen to your motherly (I'm assuming you're a mother?) instincts - they're usually right.  You want to get a feel that the place is a family, interested in working with you and your child... not just interested in your money.

Good luck in your quest for the perfect place!