Questions to ask a preschool: Top 15 Questions To Ask On Your Preschool Tour

Опубликовано: November 17, 2022 в 2:45 pm

Автор: alexxlab

Категории: Miscellaneous

Important Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour

Location

You’ve done your research on Paper Pinecone so you know the preschools you’re touring are a good fit on a basic level. Their schedule works with yours, you know their potty training requirements, and you’ve done some homework on their philosophy. Now it’s time to see the preschool. Here are questions to help you determine if this is the right fit for your family.

1. Conflict Resolution and Discipline
The school must have an approach that you’re comfortable with, as conflict will absolutely occur amongst preschoolers whose brains are still developing. They’re still learning social norms and they’re still learning how to communicate. So, when conflict arises, what does the school do? Are they more apt to step in immediately, or do they let children attempt to problem solve on their own? When and how are parents notified when an incident occurs? How is behavior corrected if a child hits or bites? (Note, you should ask about biting policy, especially if you have a biter – many schools send children home for the day.) What does the school consider inappropriate behavior? Take into account the type of parent you are. Do you feel it’s necessary to hear about every minor conflict or would you prefer to only be told when there’s a physical altercation or another major event?

2. Staffing and Ratios
A school is only as good as its staff. First, every state sets minimum student:teacher ratios, so check yours and first ensure the school you’re touring meets them, but preferably does better. Next, learn about the teachers’ qualifications. Asking about college degrees is one thing, but more importantly, what practical experience do they bring? Do they have teachers who specialize in certain areas? What about turnover? How long does staff tend to stay? Are any teachers expected to leave the school soon? If so, what’s the plan for replacing them? If the school has mixed age classrooms, likely your child will be with the same teacher for years. But if they don’t, do teachers move with the students at the end of the year or will your child have a new teacher every year? If having a school open as many days as possible is important to you, be sure to ask if the school closes for staff development days, and how many there are each year.

3. Technology in the Classroom
We all know that too much screen time is bad for our children, but some childcare centers are using it a little too liberally. If there is a TV, be sure to ask how often it’s on and what kind of programming is shown. Is the content related to a lesson, or are cartoons put on in place of supervision? Ask if infants are permitted to watch TV and if they have specific policies regarding technology. If the school uses an app that allows teachers to post pictures throughout the day, you know that they’ll have their phones on them at all times. Are they also texting or checking social media? It can be hard for all of us to resist the urge, but staff should be focused on the children.

4. Childcare Philosophy and the Curriculum
There are many different philosophies and curricula and their application will be different for every preschool. Some philosophies encourage more independent learning, like Montessori, while others, like Reggio Emilia, take a more cooperative approach. If you’re touring a Montessori school, how is collaboration taught? If you’re touring a school with a cooperative philosophy, what does the school do to foster leadership and independence? Some preschools group children by age, but there’s research to suggest that mixed-age classrooms have benefits to children of all ages. How is the classroom structured and how does this impact the curriculum? Ask about art in class – is it process over product or vice versa?

5. Kindergarten Prep, Growth & Milestones
Kindergarten, especially public kindergarten, can be a hard transition from a play-based preschool for many children. Ask what the school does to prepare children academically, socially, and behaviorally. What fundamentals are children expected to know to enter kindergarten? In what ways does the school measure success and what is done when a child is deficient in a specific area? Will the school notify you in advance of a parent/teacher conference if your child is struggling? Do they create an individualized plan to ensure your child improves? How often are parent/teacher conferences held throughout the year?

6. Parental Involvement in the School
Does the school have fundraising expectations or evening and weekend activities you’re expected to attend? Do they ask you to assist in the classroom, and if so, how often? If you’re looking into co-op schools, your involvement will be quite high, but it will still vary from place-to-place so make sure you’re comfortable with the level of commitment they require.

7. Time Spent Outdoors
Spending at least an hour a day outside is essential for preschoolers. They need both the physical activity and time to develop gross motor skills. Playing also promotes brain development and intelligence. What outdoor activities does the school provide and how much of the day is spent doing it? When inclement weather is a factor, especially for a prolonged stretch of time, what does the school do? Does the school apply sunscreen to the kids throughout the day?

8. Keeping Kids Safe & the School Secured
Safety is the most important thing to most parents so ask what measures are in place to set your mind at ease. Observe the entrance of the school to see how access is granted. Who maintains the list of people permitted to pick up your child? If there are substitute teachers, are they given access to that list? What is the school’s drop in policy for parents? Ask about their plans in case of fire or natural disaster and communication with parents during such an event? What about injuries at school? How severe an injury does a child need to sustain for it to be reported to you? What, if anything, needs to be reported to the state? Are you the type of parent who needs to know where every scrape, bump, and bruise comes from, or do you only need info if something more significant happens?

9. References from Current Families
A school should be willing and able to provide references from families who are currently enrolled. These families will be able to give you greater insight into what to expect and honest feedback on where the school can improve.

Additional Questions
During your tour, many of these topics will likely be covered and you may have questions that aren’t mentioned here. Depending on what you value, these are some additional things you may want to ask about:

Does the school require all children to be vaccinated?
Can the school accommodate children with food allergies or dietary restrictions?
What experience do the teachers have with special needs children?
Are there enrichment activities available and if so, is the cost included in tuition?
If your child requires antibiotics, will the school administer them?
How diverse is the student body?
Are children stereotyped by gender in any way?
Is the school closed for extended breaks during the year?
If the school takes children on field trips or provides transportation, are car seats provided for each child and do all drivers have clean records, licenses, and insurance?
What are their favorite books to read to the children?
What is their cleaning procedure after an illness hits several children?
Are families notified if several children come down with the same illness?
What is their drop-in policy?

Switching schools after a short stay is stressful for you, your child, and the school, so it’s important to ask as many questions as necessary to make sure that this is the right place for you and your family. Don’t be shy and don’t be afraid of being seen as a helicopter parent. Preschool directors want you to ask questions. Plus, it’s helpful to the other families as well, who may not be as prepared as you are.

If you have specific questions about finding the right program, send us an email at [email protected].

Paper Pinecone is a thought leader in Early Childhood Education and the best way for parents and providers to connect. Parents search thousands of providers at no cost and providers always list free. Get started today.

10 Questions To Ask On Your Preschool Tour

If you are exploring school options for your preschool-aged child, you already know that education is a valuable investment in your child’s future. Preschool allows children to experiment, explore, and discover things through everyday play within a community that understands and celebrates their developing minds. While searching for a preschool may bring about a little anxiety for parents and children alike, the results of finding the right fit are life changing.

As a parent, you know that your child’s learning environment impacts much more than just academics. It also influences how they grow socially, emotionally, and physically. Research has shown that about 90% of brain development occurs during the first five years. This is a critical period of learning and growth, as how the brain grows is strongly influenced by what is happening in a child’s environment and their interactions with the people around them. Families who are able to find the right preschool see their children thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Does the school meet my child’s and family’s needs?

The school’s location and hours of operation should be convenient for your family. The curriculum should be research-based with unique, individualized instruction that ensures children are given guidance and flexibility in their learning process to learn at their own pace and enhance their academic growth. Socialization with peers should be encouraged so children can start learning relationship-building skills. Emphasis should be placed on creative and analytic skills, structure and routine, conflict resolution, independence, exposure to new things, and kindergarten readiness.

What is the school’s educational philosophy?

Preschool is often the time when young children develop a love of learning. The right preschool program should help your child grow and learn in ways that best suit his or her unique mind.

There are a range of educational philosophies available, and each approach varies in the way it supports a child’s creativity, memory, and understanding of the world around them. Preschools industry-wide aim to inspire young children. They incorporate music, art, and hands-on learning that will expand a child’s knowledge and cultivate their creativity. Children should be encouraged to make choices and practice individual decision-making.

What is the school’s approach to discipline?

All preschoolers are still developing social and emotional skills and learning to regulate their emotions. Good teachers build those skills with consistent routines and age-appropriate language to facilitate conflict resolution. Teachers should guide behavior in a positive direction using positive words and praise.

How much free play time do children have?

During a typical day, there should be both structured and unstructured periods, enabling children to learn at their own pace and also have time for free play. Outdoor time should occur at least twice daily.

Is the classroom fun and joyful?

Learning through play is critical for learning everything from vocabulary to math to self-control. Teachers should continually provide new activities and challenges, ask thought-provoking questions, and encourage children to think more deeply about things. Teachers should play music, showcase student artwork, read books to the children, use humor, give praise, and spend time outdoors with the children each day.

Do the staff seem supported and happy?

Preschool teachers introduce children to fundamental concepts, shapes, and symbols. They serve not only as educators but as social workers, referees, coaches, and nurses, guiding their students through the challenges of sharing and taking turns, practicing good hygiene, controlling their emotions, and so much more. The physical, emotional, and mental demands of the job can be tough.

Teachers feel more supported when they receive regular professional development and adequate planning time. When directors are able to foster a sense of community for teachers, this facilitates more happiness, positive attitudes, and satisfaction toward teaching,

Do the staff speak to children in nurturing and encouraging ways?

It’s important that teachers get down to a child’s eye level, address children by name, speak in a soft, caring tone, listen carefully, and seek to understand. Positive relationships can be difficult to define but they are easy to see.

What health and safety measures do you have in place?

Health and safety should be top priority. Measures such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, enhanced sanitization procedures with focus on toys, supplies, and high-touch areas, and ongoing compliance with CDC and Maryland Department of Health guidelines should be strictly enforced. School facilities should be designed for maximum security, with locked doors, PIN access, and stringent drop-off and pick-up procedures.

Are the children active?

Preschool children should not be expected to sit for long periods of time. They should get plenty of outdoor time. Children should get to choose their activities, and artwork and other documentation of their learning experiences should be displayed around the classroom.

What credentials and training do the teachers have?

Teachers should meet the state requirements for child care certification, which can include a degree in Early Childhood Education or another related field, and prior experience working with children in a licensed child care setting.

See 10 Questions To Ask On Your Private School Tour for more helpful tips.

Ready to schedule your virtual tour at Columbia Academy? We can’t wait to meet you and answer your questions!

Schedule Your Visit Now

27 questions parents of prospective first graders should ask at school

Starting December 15, schools will begin accepting applications for enrolling a child in first grade. Parents of future first graders in stress. Schools are interested in recruiting more students, rating and funding depend on it. In November-December they host Open Days. Teacher Elena Kashtanova tells what to pay attention to first of all.

Be sure to check your school’s website for the date of the Open House. And if you missed it, don’t worry, these events will be repeated in the spring.

What to ask the administration and teachers:

How many first grades were enrolled last year and how many are planned to be enrolled this year?
How many classrooms are there in this building?
How many children are in each class?
How to get in and is there a chance if the child does not belong to this school by registration?
If the child is going to school in a year, is there preparation for school? Are they taught by the same teachers who will recruit the first grade? Is it necessary to attend classes to enter the school?
How many lessons each day according to the curriculum?
Is there an adjustment period?
Are there extracurricular activities? These are free classes, such as a class hour or an entertaining math club, which are taught by school teachers. If yes, how many hours per week? Do extracurricular activities start immediately after the main lessons or is there an hour break? Where are the children at this hour?
Is attendance at extracurricular activities compulsory? Legally, of course, no, but if you hear “yes”, then there will most likely be problems with missing classes.
What time do the lessons finish?
What do children do during recess?
If the extension is paid and free, then how much does it cost and are there any benefits.
Meals: menu, the cost of breakfast and lunch, the ability to buy a snack if the child has special nutritional needs, how can this be arranged (thermos, lunchbox, school attitude).
What is the curriculum at the school.
What is the vacation system.
Is there a profile division from the first grade: mathematics, English, basic classes? What are the differences in the curriculum? Are additional specialized classes paid or free?
Is subject teaching or lessons taught by one teacher, class teacher?
If teaching is subject-based, which subject teacher will be the class teacher? If these are teachers of such disciplines as labor, music, physical education, will the children have their own class (office)?
If subject, where will the children’s portfolios be located? Will they carry them with them or can they leave them in the classroom?
Foreign language in the first class: paid or free?
Speech therapy service at the school: is there help in the first grade (sound pronunciation disorders) and help in the second (writing disorders).
Psychological service of the school: what is the relation to special children. Settlement of conflicts.
School and sports uniform.
How about gadgets and mobile phones.
School traditions: what holidays, events, competitions are held.
Excursion activities. This is the business of the school, the class teacher or falls on the shoulders of the parents.
Which clinic does the school first-aid post belong to?

What to talk about with a future teacher

The amount of workload that he considers acceptable.
Adaptation: how it can help a first grader.
What is the curriculum.

What to look for in the school building

Access system and security;
Class in which first-graders will study;
Toilet: what cubicles are in it, how clean is it, is there toilet paper;
What the dining room looks like;
What the sports locker room looks like.

Photo: iStockphoto (nemchinowa)

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questions for preschoolers☘️, schoolchildren (͡ʘ ͜ʖ 900ʘ) Home » Education

Education

Reading 6 min.

Contents

How not to go crazy with endless questions
What questions can you ask your little ones?
Interesting questions for children of primary school age

First, parents wait for their child to start talking, and then grab their heads after the next “why” and “what for”. Child psychologists in the course of research have found that little “why-why” ask adults about 300 questions every day.

How not to go crazy with endless questions

Many adults are annoyed by the constant questions they hear from children throughout the day. Often, mothers and fathers wave away, do not answer anything, go into another room. But after all, a lot will depend on how you answer an important (undoubtedly, for a child, it is very important) question. Toddlers learn the world through the prism of parental answers and explanations. If loving and caring parents try to answer every “why” question, the baby concludes that curiosity and imagination are very good qualities that will come in handy in life.

How can you support children in their desire to learn more and discover new things? Firstly, parents must satisfy the curiosity of the kids, find a clear explanation, answer the questions posed, even if they seem absurd to adults. Secondly, mom and dad can also ask children questions. Babies absorb, like sponges, the behavior of their parents, so the right questions from adults will teach them a lot. Questions can be standard: “How did you spend your day in kindergarten?”, “What did you do at the circle?”. You can also ask unusual questions that will help the child become more talkative and sociable.

Read also: What questions should you ask your children to know how they live

What questions can you ask your kids?

Questions to help your child talk:

Imagine that your favorite plush Mickey Mouse suddenly began to speak human language. What do you think he would say to you?
When I hug you tightly, how do you feel?
How would you describe with pencils and paints how you feel at the moment?
Let’s dream, what can you dream about when you fall asleep?
What sounds do you think the trees in the street would make?
If you could spend the whole day outside, from morning to evening, what would you do there?
Do you believe that animals can talk to each other? How do they do it?
What can be used to build the largest car?
Imagine your best day. What will he be like? What will make you happy? What will you do?
Which cartoon character would you like to ride? Where would you go?
Do you like it when the kids on the playground let you play with their toys? What would you suggest instead?
Describe your favorite fairy tale character. Why do you like him?
In which case do you need the help of your parents? And what could you do on your own, without mom and dad?
Would you like to be called by another name? What? What would you call differently mom, dad, brother, sister, dog, parrot?
What brings you joy?
If you were allowed to do whatever you want, what would you choose?
Imagine that you have your own unicorn. What would his name be?
On a day off when the whole family is at home, what would you like to do? See also: How to answer uncomfortable children’s questions?

What can you ask a preschooler? They are:

Which cartoon character amuses you the most?
Imagine that you would open your own shop. What would be on sale there?
If you were given super powers, what would you do? Where would you direct your energy?
If you could grow any tree or plant in your yard, what would you plant?
What moment made you smile today? What caused the sadness?
Do you like helping people? How do you do this?
Let’s imagine that you have opened your own restaurant or cafe. What dishes would be on the menu there? And what dish would be from the chef?
Where would you like to go? What would you do in this place? Who would you take with you?
If you could talk to any animal in its language, who would you like to talk to? What would you ask?
Imagine that you have a camera in your hands. What would you like to shoot?
What worries you?
What thing would you invent if you were a scientist?
Why do you think people learn foreign languages?
Let’s come up with some holiday that is not on the calendar. What would you like to note? How would the celebration go?
Which dish impressed you the most?
If you met aliens, what would you tell them about our planet?
What rules would you like to follow in your house?

Interesting questions for children of primary school age

What are the best questions to ask school age decks? They are:

What do you dream about when you lie in your bed and get ready for bed?
Name your features, character traits.
What do your friends like to do in their free time?
What event in your life left the most vivid impression?
What do you think your tomorrow will be like?
What acts make people bold?
How can you tell if you’re being treated well?
How do you take care of other people?
Why do you think charity is needed? Where would you donate your pocket money?
If you were a writer, what would your book be about?
What character would you like to play if you were invited to act in films?
Name five things that make you laugh.
Tell me, what would be your ideal summer?
What subject would you like to teach? What could you teach students?

Questions can be very different, and the first reaction of children can be ambiguous. Perhaps the child will not immediately answer your question, he will think, he will be surprised. Give the child time to find the answer, wait for him to formulate it, and only then move on to the next question. The baby must understand that you are really interested in what he thinks.

questions education how to talk a child psychology advice to parents

What questions are asked at the interview for the first grade, and is it possible to conduct tests when entering the school

How are the interviews for the first grade – a question that every year causes a stir at the “mom” forums. Moms of future schoolchildren want to know exactly what awaits them in the schools they have planned for their child. And we hope that this information will provide the baby with a trouble-free admission.

Despite the excitement that this topic causes, you should not be afraid of interviews before the first class. And there is no need to set the child up for struggle and difficulties. This will only raise his level of anxiety, but will not help him concentrate and express himself.

Read also: Diary of a first-grader’s mother: about preparation for school and adaptation

An explanatory letter from the Ministry of Education on the rules for admission to first grades prohibits difficult tests, entrance exams for future first-graders. The task of the interview is to assess the overall development of the child and his functional readiness for school.

The interview is not conducted to weed out your child for the competition, but to see if he is ready to study in school mode, or it will be difficult for him for the time being, and it is worth staying in kindergarten for another year.

If your child is enrolled in a locally assigned school, you cannot be denied admission based on interview results.

The only reason for refusal is the lack of vacancies. In this case, those children whose parents applied for admission earlier will have an advantage.

The interview is conducted by your child’s future class teacher together with the school psychologist. There is a certain list of questions that they will ask the baby to answer. And, after analyzing his answers, they will recommend you how to prepare the child for the beginning of training, which specialists (psychologist, speech therapist, neuropsychiatrist) to consult, and so on.

A sample list of questions that a child might be asked at a first grade interview

What is your name?
What is the name of your parents (full name)?
Are you a girl or a boy? What will you be when you grow up, a woman or a man?
Do you have a brother, sister? Who is older?
How old are you? How much will it be in a year or two?
What is your birthday. (preferably year, month and day)
Is it morning or evening? Day or night? (why do you think so? what can show us this?)
When do you have breakfast – in the evening or in the morning? Do you have lunch – in the morning or in the afternoon? What comes first, lunch or dinner?
Where do you live? Give me your address.
What are your parents’ jobs? (the answer should be quite simple, it is not necessary to name the position of the parents, it is important that the child understands, so think about how you can easily name your job. You should also say where mom and dad work.)
Do you like to draw? What colour is this pencil?
What season is it now – winter, spring, summer, autumn? Why do you think so? (Spring – the snow begins to melt, the days have become longer, it has become warm, the month of April, and this is the spring month)
When can I go sledding – in winter or summer? (why? In summer you can ride if you have wheels, but the sled does not roll well on the ground.)
Why does it snow in winter and not in summer?
What does a postman, a doctor, a teacher do?
Bell, school desk, blackboard, chalk what are they used for at school? (the bell tells the children that it’s time to go to class. Children sit at the desk, write, read. It’s not very convenient to do this on the floor. You can write on the board with chalk. The board is convenient, as you can erase and write more, but if it were paper board, then each time it would be necessary to change.)
Do you want to go to school?
What will you learn there? (Be sure to talk about this topic. Children talk about reading and writing. If possible, show textbooks in various subjects, tell them that there is also singing, drawing, physical education …)
Show your right eye, left ear. Why do people need eyes, ears, mouth?
What domestic animals do you know? wild? (Talk about what kind of pet gives us what, why people domesticated this or that animal.)
What birds do you know? As well as domestic and wild. (Pets are easy to remember in this order: chickens, geese, ducks, turkeys. A parrot is not a poultry. Domestic birds are those that lay eggs for us.)
Who is bigger: a cow or a goat? Bird or bee?
Who has more paws: a dog or a rooster?
What is more: 8 or 5, 7 or 3? Count from 3 to 6, from 9 to 2.
What should I do if I accidentally broke someone else’s thing?
What is the difference (similar) between a hammer and an ax, a nail and a screw, a young man and an old one. (Be sure to consider the tools, it’s easier for a child to understand the differences if he can touch, see. It’s more difficult with an old and young person. Look at the grandmother on the bench, try to formulate with the child)
Define the word tiger. (At least three points: the tiger is a predatory animal, lives in Africa and Asia, it has stripes, it looks like a big cat.)
Why do people do something: wash their faces, go in for sports, follow the rules of the road.
Why is it bad to lie, steal, fight, break and spoil things. (Questions 28, 29 and 30 are difficult enough for preschoolers, and at the same time very interesting. If you talk to your child on these topics, it will be useful for him, and you can learn a lot of interesting things about your child.)
What do the words mean: bicycle, knife, cap, letter, blanket, nail, screw…
What sights are there in your city?
What is the difference between a city and a village?
What is the name of our planet? What other planets do you know?
Is the moon a planet?

Read also: If the child did not pass the first grade: advice from a psychologist

What tasks can be given to the child at the interview

The child may be asked to draw the figure of a little man, or write off, literally, copy a group of dots or a word written in capital letters. This will show how developed the fine motor skills of the hand and visual coordination.

They will also offer to perform a graphic dictation – draw a pattern in the cells under dictation, and compose a geometric figure from individual elements.

To check how familiar the child is with mathematics: they may be asked to count to ten and back, count in “pairs”, find the missing number in the number series.

From tasks for logic, the kid will be asked to find an extra object in a row, classify several objects according to one attribute, compare concepts, and collect a consistent story from several pictures.

The child may be asked to come up with a word for a given sound, say what sounds the word consists of, count the syllables or sounds in the word.

He may be asked to read a short text.

If your child is nervous during the interview and cannot complete the task, don’t worry. Teachers are obliged to take into account his excitement.