January 22, 2025
10 Questions You Must Ask During a Preschool Tour (And Why They Matter)
Discover the top preschool tour questions to ask during your visit. Learn what to ask about curriculum, safety, staff, and parent communication, plus tips on spotting red flags and evaluating schools.

10 Questions You Must Ask During a Preschool Tour (And Why They Matter)

Preschool tours provide opportunities to gather information and observe classroom dynamics. This guide outlines specific preschool tour questions to ask during your visit, evaluation strategies, and assessment methods to help select the right program for your child.

Pre-Tour Information Gathering

Before visiting a preschool, contact the school to gather basic information. Having a preliminary checklist of how to compare preschools is particularly helpful at this stage.

Enrollment Details

Administrative questions:

  • Application deadlines
  • Registration requirements
  • Class availability
  • Start dates
  • Age requirements
  • Required documents
  • Health records
  • Reference needs

Financial Information

Cost-related inquiries:

  • Base tuition rates
  • Application fees
  • Supply costs
  • Activity charges
  • Total costs (basically, what does this preschool really cost?)
  • Payment plans
  • Sibling discounts
  • Financial aid
  • Refund policies

Schedule Options

Time-related questions:

  • Operating hours
  • Part-time programs
  • Full-time options
  • Extended care
  • Holiday schedules
  • Summer programs
  • Make-up days
  • Absence policies

Educational Program Assessment

Ask these questions to better understand the school’s teaching methods and learning approaches.

Teaching Philosophy

Educational framework:

  • Program structure
  • Learning methods
  • Daily activities
  • Skill development
  • Progress tracking
  • Assessment tools
  • Parent updates
  • Goal setting

Individual Support

Student assistance:

  • Learning pace adjustments
  • Special needs support
  • Behavioral guidance
  • Social development
  • Emotional support
  • Academic help
  • Language assistance
  • Motor skill development

Safety Protocols

Understanding safety measures is crucial when choosing a preschool.

Physical Safety

Building security:

  • Entry procedures
  • Visitor policies
  • Emergency plans
  • Fire drills
  • Evacuation routes
  • Playground checks
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Building upkeep

Health Measures

Medical protocols:

  • Allergy management
  • Illness policies
  • Medication handling
  • First aid training
  • Staff certifications
  • Cleaning schedules
  • Food safety
  • Accident procedures

Staff Qualifications

The quality and credentials of the teaching team can significantly impact your child’s experience.

Teacher Requirements

Professional standards:

  • Education levels
  • Teaching certificates
  • Experience requirements
  • Background checks
  • First aid training
  • CPR certification
  • Continuing education
  • Professional development

Classroom Structure

Staffing details:

  • Student-teacher ratios
  • Class sizes
  • Assistant teachers
  • Specialty instructors
  • Substitute policies
  • Staff turnover rates
  • Teacher retention
  • Support staff roles

Parent Communication

Understanding how the preschool interacts with families is essential.

Regular Updates

Communication methods:

  • Progress reports
  • Daily summaries
  • Parent conferences
  • Newsletter frequency
  • Digital updates
  • Photo sharing
  • Event notifications
  • Schedule changes

Parent Participation

Family involvement:

  • Volunteer options
  • Classroom visits
  • Special events
  • Field trip help
  • Committee roles
  • Family nights
  • Parent education
  • Community building

Response Evaluation

Observe how staff respond to your questions and take note of specific indicators.

Positive Signs

Quality markers:

  • Clear explanations
  • Specific examples
  • Written policies
  • Staff engagement
  • Student interaction
  • Classroom organization
  • Professional demeanor
  • Open communication

Areas of Concern

Warning indicators:

  • Unclear answers
  • Policy gaps
  • Staff resistance
  • Poor supervision
  • Facility issues
  • Safety problems
  • Communication barriers
  • Unprofessional conduct

Tour Assessment

Use your tour to thoroughly evaluate the program.

Documentation

Record keeping:

  • Question responses
  • Observation notes
  • Policy details
  • Program information
  • Staff names
  • Classroom setup
  • Student engagement
  • Facility condition

Follow-Up Steps

Next actions:

  • Reference checks
  • Parent feedback
  • Additional visits
  • Policy review
  • Cost comparison
  • Schedule assessment
  • Program evaluation
  • Decision timeline

Program Selection

After your tour, analyze your findings to choose the best program for your child.

Decision Factors

Evaluation criteria:

  • Educational fit
  • Safety standards
  • Staff quality
  • Communication methods
  • Location convenience
  • Cost structure
  • Schedule alignment
  • Facility conditions

Selection Process

Final steps:

  • Compare programs
  • Review notes
  • Check references
  • Verify policies
  • Calculate costs
  • Consider logistics
  • Schedule follow-up
  • Make selection

Tour Preparation

Thorough preschool tours guide program selection. Prepare specific preschool tour questions, document observations, and evaluate responses systematically. This structured approach helps identify the best educational fit for your child.