Choosing a preschool can feel overwhelming — so many options, so many opinions. As a fellow mum, I’ve been there: notebook in hand, heart full of questions, wondering what really matters! Here’s a list of helpful questions to bring along to an open house or school tour — things that go beyond brochures and websites, and help you imagine your child in that space.
Questions to Ask
Daily routine & learning approach
- What does a typical day look like?
- How is learning structured — play-based, academic, Montessori, Reggio-inspired?
- How are lessons adjusted for different developmental levels?
- Can I have a look at the timetable?
Teachers & class size
- What’s the teacher-to-child ratio?
- What qualifications or training do your teachers have?
- Do teachers stay with the class throughout the year?
Child well-being & discipline
- How do you handle separation anxiety?
- What’s your approach to discipline or guiding behaviour?
- How do you help children manage big feelings or conflicts?
- What happens if my child gets injured or meets with an accident?
Meals & nap time
- Are meals provided? If so, what’s on the menu?
- Do you accommodate allergies or dietary restrictions?
- Is there nap time for younger children? What’s the routine like?
Parent communication
- How often do you update parents? (e.g. daily reports, photos, newsletters?)
- Are there parent-teacher meetings or check-ins?
- Is there a way to contact teachers if we have concerns?
Outdoor play & activities
- How much outdoor time do the children get each day?
- Are there enrichment classes (music, language, art)?
- Do you go on field trips? What safety precautions are there when they are on field trips?
Safety & cleanliness
- What safety measures are in place (e.g. pick-up protocols, gate security)?
- How often are toys and classrooms cleaned?
- What happens if a child falls sick at school?
Settling in
- Do you have a transition or trial period for new children?
- Can parents stay for the first few days if needed?
- What signs should we look for to know if our child is adjusting well?
- What are “bad days” like? (e.g. “What happens if my child is having a tough morning or refuses to join in?”). It tells you a lot about how they handle emotions and separation.
Don’t worry about asking “too many questions.” You’re not just choosing a school — you’re choosing the people and place who’ll help shape your child’s early days.
Little Notes
Beyond the usual questions, sometimes the most telling details come from quietly observing. Here are a few things to look out for during your preschool visit — little moments that can help you sense whether a place truly feels right for your child.
Make time to visit during drop-off or pick-up: Watch how kids enter and leave — do they seem happy? Do teachers greet each child warmly?
Does the space feel like childhood? Is the space cosy and child-friendly (e.g: child-sized furniture, inviting reading corners, soft lighting, open-ended play areas). Are there quiet nooks where a child can retreat if they feel overwhelmed? These little details show whether the environment truly supports both play and emotional comfort.
Observe the daily rhythm: Does the flow of the day feel chaotic or calm? Notice what happens in the in-between times — like transitions between activities, snack time or free play. That’s where a school’s tone often reveals itself.
Look at the walls: What’s displayed? Are the children’s actual work up (not just Pinterest-perfect crafts)? Is diversity reflected in books and posters?
Listen to the teachers’ tone: Are they speaking to the children with patience and respect? Do they kneel down to talk at eye level? It says a lot.
Check the cleanliness: Cleanliness tells you a lot about how a preschool is run behind the scenes. If possible, take a peek into the kitchen or food preparation area — is it tidy, well-ventilated, and organised? Don’t forget to check the bathrooms too. Are they child-sized and clean? Is there soap, toilet paper, and a step stool if needed?
No preschool is perfect, but the right one for your child will feel right. Ask your questions, observe the quiet things — and then trust your instincts. After all, no one knows your child quite like you do.
This Little Season 