Going on school tours is a vital part of any search for the right daycare or preschool environment for your child. You can learn so much just by seeing the space and observing the staff and students at the school.
However, new school tours can also be a stressful experience because of the pressure to make the most of the limited time you have. Child care is a big parenting decision and you want to have as much information as possible before making it.
Here is a list of 25 questions that you should ask on any new school tour:
*BONUS QUESTION: Can I bring my child on a visit prior to enrolling? This question may lead to a follow up visit before enrollment (or you may have brought your child with you already!). Keep in mind that children will act differently when their parents are present, but bringing your child to tour their new school can give you a sense of how comfortable they are there and hopefully get them excited about all the fun they will have at school.
This list is a great resource for making sure you get that crucial information when making a choice about where to send your precious little one. There are so many factors that go into choosing the right child care for your child and it is also vital to be armed with valuable information, but your gut instincts as a parent mean a lot. When you tour your new school, do the children seem happy and engaged? Are the teachers cuddling the babies and talking to the children on their level? Are people smiling? Is this a place you could leave your child and feel good about the experience they are having while you are away from them?
Remember, whatever you choose, and for whatever reasons you choose it, you have to do what is best for your family.