Questions to Ask about a Preschool

Who are the children attending the class?
  • Are they all children with disabilities?
  • Mostly children without disabilities?
  • Are they the same age as my child?

Where is the class located?

  • Is it near my home?
  • Do I have to provide transportation?
  • Will my child ride a bus? How long will my child be on the bus?

How much time do the children spend in school?

  • How many days a week?
  • How many hours per day?
  • Do they do during the summer?

Will I have to pay for my child to go to this school?

Is the classroom safe for my child?

  • Is the outside area fenced?
  • Is the play equipment safe for my child?
  • Are the children well supervised?
  • Are there children who are too rough or active around my child?

Will my child need to be potty-trained to go to school?

  • Will they work on potty-training while my child is there?
  • How do they handle wet or messy pants or changing diapers?

What is the atmosphere in the classroom?

  • Is there a happy, relaxed feeling?
  • Are the children busy with learning activities?
  • Does the staff speak to the children with caring and respect?
  • Is the classroom clean, with interesting toys and materials?

How will they handle my child's special medical or diet needs?

  • Can I send special food or medicine?
  • What will happen if my child gets sick at school?
  • If my child needs to be fed, who will do it?

How will I be involved in my child's school?

  • Can I visit the school whenever I want to?
  • Will the teacher let me help int he class if I want to?
  • Are there parent meetings? Am I required to go to them?
  • How will the teacher let me know what is going on at school?

What will they teach my child at school?

  • Is the curriculum the same for all the chidlren or do they have individualized instruction?
  • Are there interesting toys and materials in the classroom?
  • How much time is spent in structured versus unstructured activities?
  • Is there any religious instruction at this preschool?


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