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interviewing a preschool

Jennifer - posted on 05/26/2009 ( 4 moms have responded )

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Does anyone have any suggestions on specific questions we should ask when interviewing a preschool?

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Christin - posted on 05/26/2009

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Ask them for a list of references from other parents whose kids currently go there or have in the recent years. If the other parents are happy with the school, this should ease your mind. They should be able to give you this list if not, they may need a few days to get parents permission to give out their numbers, but the bottom line is if they can not get you this, then i would be worried. Since as others have said word of mouth is priceless.

Tam - posted on 05/26/2009

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Know what you want in a preschool and what is age appropriate...do you want them to learn just the basics, or something more advanced...do you want child created art projects, or things that the teacher has clearly completed? Talk to the children there, are they happy, outgoing, full of enthusiasm? How much "work" do they do each day, how much free play time? Are they encouraged to write with a pencil/color with a crayon/use scissors/ask and answer questions about stories being read to them? Are the children encouraged to "read" or tell the stories themselves? Are the children allowed to use their imagination and be creative? Word of mouth is a great resource. Ask about the teachers, how long they have been there, do they have children, do they go to church. Get to know them. Your preschool teacher is laying the foundation to your childs future.

Marcy - posted on 05/26/2009

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I agree with Libby. The kids are the biggest clues. Are they happy? Are they friendly and maybe a little dirty from playing outside or doing craft projects? Other things you might ask are what type of system do they use when there is a problem? Positive reinforcement? Time Out? Etc......The big thing for me at my sons school was how long the teachers have been there (some over 9 years) and what the turn around is like. Its tough enough for your child to get used to a new place you don't want to go somewhere that the teachers leave frequently. Good luck! Trust in your gut.....

Libby - posted on 05/26/2009

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Go during school hours and look in the classrooms. The only thing I would really ask if they don't tell you is what their daily schedules are like and how long the school has been in operation and how long the teachers have been working there. Best way to learn about preschools is by word of mouth. Any time I tell people where my boys go to school they say how wonderful that school is. They just know the reputation!

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