Many parents will be visiting preschools as early as February with an eye toward enrollment for the upcoming fall. Everyone needs guidelines when it comes to choosing a preschool. Don‛t just ask your friends and relatives - go check it out for yourself. Take your preschooler with you, but not if he/she is not tired, hungry or sick. Take a quick tour and come back later for more questions.

There are parents out there who will enroll their preschoolers solely on location. They will also take the word of friends and relatives. Don‛t do it. Visit on your own. Unannounced visits are vital in seeing firsthand how the school staff will interact with visitors. You may not be able to even get any further than picking up information about the school, but that‛s OK. You will also get to have interaction with the secretary and possibly the director.

* Ask for a quick tour and a policy manual.

* Ask to see the curriculum listing and plan book (or sheets) for the current class of 3 and 4-year-olds.

* How many classes are there?

* What credentials does the school have?

* How long has the present director been there?

* What is the background of the teacher that your son will have?

* How long has she taught? If a teacher does not have a degree, it‛s not a big deal. Go by experience and how she presents herself to you and your child.

* How many and what kind of meals are served?

* How old is the building?

* Has it been tested for asbestos?

* What type of cooling/heating system does it have?

* How big are the inside and outside play areas?

* How many children are in one class?

* Is there an aide to help if the class exceeds a certain number?

* What type of discipline guidelines are in place?

* Is the room safe and child-friendly?

* Are the toys and books on a low shelf and how often are the toys washed?

* Are there field trips?

* Who drives for the field trips?

* Is there a music and/or art program?

If academics are important to you, ask about how much writing and reading they will do. Don‛t ditch a preschool if it is not accredited. This process is expensive and some cannot afford it. For a more in-depth interview, make an appointment.

Make sure you look at the rooms. Write down other questions that might be important to your child and family. If you do not understand any answer, ask the question again. Do not be shy. Talk to other parents and call references.

You want to look for a teacher who knows first aid, loves children and adores teaching 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. If you think all of this is a waste of time, later you will regret not checking out the various schools and situations. Feeling secure in your choice of preschool is worth its weight in gold.

Remember, a little work in the beginning could save a lot of heartache in the end.

PLEASE NOTE: This article is an excerpt of Mom CEO (Chief Everything Officer) - Having, Doing, and Surviving It All! (June 2006).

©2007 Jodie Lynn