Choosing a Preschool

Preschool tours & websites answer many questions, but after attending 5 preschools with my 3 kids, I suggest investigating additional considerations when deciding if a school is right for your family!

Preschools! Living in a city like Los Angeles means that there are many preschools from which to choose once your child is old enough to attend. It also means that during the preschool selection process there will be a lot of tours, information sessions, input from family and friends, and it can get overwhelming…

My oldest son N when he was 2 at his first preschool - he’s showing off his cubby with his nap mat / blanket (which all 3 of my kids used and we still have!) and lunch and extra clothes inside - and clutching his favorite lovey “Roar”❤️

When I first went through finding a preschool for my now 11-year-old son, I was not sure what to ask or what to look for during those tours and information nights. They told us a lot of stuff about teacher/student ratio, showed us the classroom and playgrounds, and explained what projects the kids made that were hanging on the walls, and it seemed like I knew what I was signing up for when I enrolled my son. But, now that I’ve had three kids go through five (!) different preschools in two different states (we moved across the city for a job change and then to a different state and back during the height of covid), I realized that yes the information they tell you on the tours and information nights are important, but there are other things that they don’t cover on the tours that I found really matters in the day-to-day life of your kid at preschool and in the day-to-day life of your family with a kid attending that preschool…

Have you ever heard of a “location scout” on a movie set? It’s a position that is on the crew of a movie set that is rarely talked about, but has an integral role in helping a movie tell its story. A location scout’s job is to source, vet, and present options to the filmmakers for what places (soundstages, homes, apartments, office buildings, streets, parks, etc.) could work to help tell the story of the movie. A great location scout understands that the setting of the movie does more than just provide the film crew and actors with a place to recite lines and film action – the setting can enhance the story, and it adds to the overall filmgoing experience in immeasurable ways.

There is a lot that a location scout needs to consider! Of course, the main criteria a location scout must consider is whether or not the setting fits with the story, but then once they have a few location options for each scene/sequence, there are MANY details they must work through to see what is viable to present to filmmakers! They include cost of the location, how easy it is for crew and actors to get there (in general and then on a daily basis), is there ample space for parking for all the movie’s supply trucks (camera equipment, trailers for the actors, set design items, etc.), what hours that neighborhood/area allows filming, and more! Needless to say, the location scout has a very important role in making a successful movie!

When thinking about applying the idea of a “location scout” to a family’s life, yes finding a home is of course where a “location scout” is needed, but another huge part of a child’s life where a “location scout” is needed is in finding a preschool.

A preschool is typically the first place a child goes to without their parents. It is where they begin to learn independence, make friends, bond with adults other than their parents, and learn a bit about who they are as an individual. Since I live in an area where there is a choice of where to send a child to preschool, choosing one that I loved and felt comfortable sending my child to was a major moment in my parenting journey.

I have three kids who are now ages 5, 8 and 11. We moved around a bit during their preschool years due to job location and covid situations, and because of that when I reflect upon their preschool years (my youngest is in TK – Transitional Kindergarten – so he’s still in the preschool years but it’s his final one) I realize that my children have attended five different preschools in two different states! Some of the schools were parochial, some were specific pedagogies (like Reggio Emilia, Montessori, play-based, etc.), some were public, and all had very different elements to each of their days, curriculum, and the overall structure of their school.

When I thought about writing about different preschool experiences we’ve had, I realized that there were so many things I wish I’d known to ask about and consider when touring and then choosing the first preschool we sent our oldest son to. Things like the school’s hours and how many kids are in a classroom are clearly stated on a tour or a website, but those don’t end up being the only things that affect your, or your child’s, experience at that school. It’s oftentimes the smaller things that can affect your everyday, and that are almost so subtle that there is no way to know what they are until you get too deep into the school to make a change.

So, when sitting to write this first article about preschools, I decided the topic I wanted to start with is choosing a preschool and how to do that from the POV of a “location scout.” Since they leave no stone unturned when choosing what to present to the filmmakers for their movie’s locations, it’s my hope that these questions and considerations help you (and anyone else looking for a preschool) make as informed a decision as possible so no surprises occur!

Knowing what I know now from all my experience at different preschools, these are the questions I’d ask the school and current parents, and the information I’d gather, if I was “location scouting” for a preschool for my child right now - these are not meant to be presented with any judgment, they are meant to be presented as a way to dig deeper into what a school offers and to help you think about whether or not that will work for what your family needs:

LOCATION & FACILITY

This is a major consideration because this is where your child will be spending time while away from home, and a long commute may affect your child’s mood (or yours!) and interrupt their free time/nap time/mealtime.

• How long does it take to get there in the morning?

• How long does it take to get home in the afternoon/evening?

• Do those commuting hours work for your family’s schedule - work hours, nap and bedtime, mealtimes, etc.?

• Does the campus have a playground?

• Does the campus have real grass or turf?

• Do the kids move around to different areas on campus or are they in one classroom for the entire day?

• How accessible and useable are the bathrooms for little kids?

• Are there windows in all the classrooms?

HOURS

The set hours are important and usually clearly stated. But, here are things to consider when making your choice for your family:

• Does the school day hours change as children get older (i.e. half days until their final year then they must stay for a full day)?

• What are the windows for drop off and pick up?

• What are the penalties for a late drop off or pick up? (some schools charge by the minute for late pick ups)

• Are there options for early drop off and after school care?

• If they offer morning sessions and afternoon sessions, are you given a choice or are you assigned what session you’ll be doing? Will you ever be able to change or is a certain session what is required for a certain age group? Keep in mind how a morning or afternoon session may affect a napping child.

DAILY SCHEDULE

This is important because it explains what your child will be doing every day.

• How many times a day are they outside? Are there rules for when it’s too hot or too cold so the children must stay inside?

• How many snack times and meal times are there?

• Do the teachers take the kids to the bathroom at set times or do they wait for the kids to say they need to go?

• What extra activities are offered each day of the week - art, music, dance, language, sports, cooking?

• Do they play with the other kids in the other classrooms at the school during the day?

  

  My daughter C loved outside time - especially water play where she could wash the baby dolls🥰 Similar Minnie Mouse sunglasses here and the same dress but with short sleeves here (on sale!)

DROP OFF & PICK UP

Every school does this in their own unique way, so be sure to ask questions to see if it will work with your family!

• Do parents park and walk kids into the school? If so, are they allowed into the classroom? If so, can they stay inside the classroom or do they drop and leave?

• If parents park to walk kids in, how does the parking work? Is it on the street or is there a designated parking lot?

• If there is carpool drop off, how exactly does it work?

• What are the windows of time to drop off and pick up? If those times are not met, what is the consequence?

• How are children signed in and out? Is it via an app, a parent/nanny signing an attendance sheet, a teacher handles it, etc.?

SAFETY

These questions are meant to help understand the school’s safety policies.

• Are there security guards? Are they employed by the school or by an outside agency? What is the policy if one calls in sick?

• How are adults allowed on campus? Is there a sign in area, do they wear a visible ID while on campus, etc.

• What are the procedures if the school must be evacuated? Where do parents retrieve their children?

• What is the policy if someone other than the parents will be picking up their children?

FOOD

All preschools do their food very differently! Some major things to ask/consider:

• Is any food included in the tuition?

• How does the school handle food allergies?

• Do they allow nuts? (most preschools in Los Angeles do not)

• Do parents provide snack and lunch for their own kids?

• Are parents required to provide snack for the entire classroom during the year at some point?

• Is there a service from which parents can order lunch to be delivered to their child?

• Where do the kids eat snack and eat lunch - inside or outside?

  

  At one of my kid’s preschools for two weeks a year the parents were responsible for two snacks a day for the class - this is what I did for one of my snack days - I loved doing it so it worked for our family, but it’s something to really consider since it may not work for all families! Click here to read how I like to do snacks for my kids!

COMMUNICATION

How a preschool communicates about the everyday and emergencies is important.

• Does the preschool send pictures to parents? If so, are they sent every day throughout the day or once a day or once a week? Are they sent via email, text, an app like Brightwheel, Facebook group, etc.?

• If a parent needs to reach a teacher, is it via email, an app, text?

• If a parent needs to contact the head of school, how is that done? How accessible are they to the parents?

• Is there a social media site for the preschool? If so, can a parent opt out of having their child’s picture on it?

• How does the school report injuries to parents?

• How often does the school send emails, and is that how often a parent would like to receive school information (i.e. is it too many emails or not enough emails)?

• If there is a schoolwide emergency, how do the emergency alerts go out to parents?

• How often are parent/teacher conferences? What is covered during those conferences? Are they in-person or over zoom?

• Does the school distribute classroom contact lists of the other families’ information? If so, can a family opt out of having their information shared if they would prefer to not have it distributed?

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The level parents want to be involved is a very personal issue. Consider these questions to see what is best for your family.

• What in-person parent involvement is expected?

• How much parent involvement is allowed?

• If a parent is a “room parent” does that mean they are in the classroom weekly, daily, only for holidays, or are they simply the coordinator between the parents and the teachers/school?

• Are parents allowed or required to volunteer in the classroom?

• Are there parent association groups that parents are expected to join?

• Are there activities throughout the school year that the parents must plan like a book fair, teacher appreciation day, school carnivals, gala/dinner dance night out, auctions, etc.?

FUNDRAISING

Many schools fundraise throughout the year with different events. Some schools also ask for donations from parents.

• Does the school expect donations from the parents? If so, is there a target amount?

• How many fundraising events are there each year? Is there a minimum amount of events parents must attend?

PRESCHOOL TO KINDERGARTEN TRANSITION

In Los Angeles, families often look at a few kindergartens before making a choice. Finding out how a preschool handles this transition may inform if that preschool is right for a family.

• How does the preschool prepare kids for kindergarten?

• Does the preschool advise parents on what kindergartens may be best for their child and their family?

• Where do most of the kids go to kindergarten? This will inform if the community stays together so there is continuity for the families, which some families will want and some will not want.

• Is there a culmination ceremony to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of the next year to help kids with the transition? If so, how many guests are allowed to attend (grandparents, siblings, etc.) and how does seating work (assigned, first come first serve, received through purchasing fundraiser tickets, etc.)?

  

  My youngest son A at his preschool graduation in June 2024 when he was 4.5 - he then went to a “Transitional Kindergarten” program at a new school this past fall.

SCHOOL PEDAGOGY/TEACHING METHODOLOGIES

Preschools may have a specific methodology/pedagogy to which they subscribe (Montessori, play based, etc.). Finding out what the school focuses on and if that fits with a family’s school goals for their child is important.

• How does the methodology approach literacy?

• How does the methodology approach mathematics?

• How does the methodology approach discipline?

• How does the methodology approach the classroom structure (i.e. is the day planned out or does it follow the interests of the children but has snack and lunch at the same time each day)?

• Is religion involved in the day-to-day of the classroom?

POTTY TRAINING & NAPS

This is important in the youngest ages.

• Do children need to be fully potty trained before attending?

• Does the school help with potty training?

• Is there a certain amount of times a child can have potty accidents before the family has consequences?

• Is there a rest time? If so, are kids forced to sleep during that time or do parents have a choice for what their kid does during that time?

• If the kids have a rest time at school, does the school require pullups during that time?

• If there is a rest time, what must parents supply for that time (nap mat, pillow, blanket, lovey, extra floormat, bag to store it all in, etc.)?

• If there is no rest time, what does the school do with the kids who clearly need a rest?

SIBLINGS

If this is the first child in a family going to preschool and there are younger siblings, knowing how the school handles siblings is important.

• What is the sibling admissions policy?

• If siblings attend but are different ages, are their school day hours coordinated or is there no flexibility and they could be attending the same school but during different times of the day (which means parents are dropping off and picking up multiple times a day)?

FAMILIES

The other families in the school make up the school community, so these questions will inform how the day-to-day will feel and if it fits with what families are looking for.

• Where do most of the families live? This is to determine how easy it will be to have play dates.

• Are the families welcoming to new people and invite everyone to birthday parties?

• Are the families always coordinating extra activities for the kids after school hours (like art class, soccer class, etc.) and if so, are they inclusive?

• Are parents usually present at pick up and drop off, or is it mostly nannies, or is it a mix?

TUITION

If this is a preschool that has tuition, these are important things to know.

• How do they bill? Monthly, yearly, every 6 months?

• How do they accept payments - automatic bank account debit, credit card, etc.?

• Is there a contract to sign? If so, when is that due and what does that lock parents into?

• Is there tuition insurance in case plans change?

• Are there extra charges throughout the year for things like field trips?

CLOTHING

This is rarely covered in school tours, but very much affects the everyday life of a family!

• What rules are there about clothing?

• Are kids allowed to wear characters (cartoon characters, superheroes, movie characters) on their clothing and can they wear costumes to school?

• What kind of shoes are required/not allowed?

• What extra clothing must be brought and kept at school in case of potty accidents and messy play?

  

  My daughter C absolutely loved wearing princess dresses every day so she would not have enjoyed a preschool that did not allow wearing costumes! We bought her a lot of this style of princess costume because they were comfortable, washed easily in a washing machine, and the glitter did not shed everywhere😉

ALL SCHOOL GATHERINGS

This is something to think about, especially in the younger years.

• How often do the kids gather as an entire school?

• Where do the kids gather when the school is all together?

• How does the school handle the kids who are not comfortable gathering in a large crowd?

YEARLY SCHOOL SCHEDULE & ATTENDANCE

The school’s yearly schedule - holidays, parent/teacher conference days, summer break - will greatly affect a family.

• What are the holiday breaks? Are there half-days on the day before each break (sometimes those aren’t listed on the yearly calendar, just the monthly one, and they sneak up on parents)?

• How does the school handle it if a family wants to take kids on an extended holiday?

• How does the school handle it if a child is absent many days?

• Does the school offer summer school or summer camp? If so, is it an extra cost?

BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

How the school handles birthday and holidays at school, and what special events they do or do not offer for family, are things to consider.

• What is the birthday policy? Do families bring in treats and celebrate with the class, or do they send in treats and don’t go into the classroom, or is nothing allowed to be sent in to celebrate?

• How are holidays like Halloween and Valentine’s Day handled? Are kids allowed to dress up for Halloween how they want to or must they dress in a certain theme? Does the class participate in Valentine’s Day? If so, are Valentine’s Cards required for the entire class?

• Are there special days for grandparents to visit?

• Is there a day that is a special day for Mother’s Day and or/for Father’s Day where parents visit and celebrate in the classroom?

PERFORMANCES/CONCERTS

Some preschools put together performances for holidays or for different seasons.

• Will there be performances in which the kids are expected to participate?

• How does the school handle kids who do not like performing and either cry for the entire performance or refuse to go on stage?

• If there is a performance, is it with the entire preschool or just your child’s class?

• If there are performances, how many performances a year will there be?

• If there is a performance, are parents required to help their kids practice at home?

• If there is a performance, how does getting a seat at the performance work - first come first serve, purchase it at the school fundraiser, reserved seat included with a specific yearly donation level, etc.?

• If there is a performance, how many guests are allowed to attend the performance (grandparents, siblings, etc.)?

Those are the biggest things I’d consider if I was looking at which preschool to send my child to right now. I hope these ideas help you and anyone else who is looking at which preschool will be a good fit for their family’s needs - please forward to anyone who would like this info!

❤️, Amanda, your Type A Mom friend