I will follow up with this but would like to hear inputs -
if you would not mind to post your country beside your entry... Different cultures could be taken different ways.  

Ask yourself, what it is you want for your child?
Do you want a babysitter, or do you want your child to have a head
start on the road of education?

Look up a few places in the phone book, see if there is more information online.

Go do a walk-in visit. Just walk right in and ask questions on behalf of your child.

Be sure to go by when parents are picking up their child, so that you can ask them why they chose that particular pre-school.

You are placing your child into someone else's care so be sure to ask as many questions as possible. Use your intuition, use your first impression.

Trust yourself and you will pick the right place for your child.

The Bottom Line Take some time, look around and find the best program for your child.


I live in Arizona USA

visit the school yourself and speak to parents whos children have either recently loined the school or have been at the
school a while.
always remember the decisions you make towards your childs development are the most important decisions you yourself will
make that will affect your child
although most parents have their childs best interests at heart some times they can be blinded by what will benefit their child the
most and wgat is really benefitting themselves.
taking your time is always a good starting point.
thinking of what is the best outcome for your child is DEFINATELY the best starting point.
GOOD LUCK

i am in the same boat. needing to find a good preschool. i worry that if something happens to my child or if my child is hurt abused by an adult at the school she wont be able to express it. thats the worst of my fears...

I taught preschool for several years, ages 15 months through 5 years, and the first thing I would suggest is to visit the school when it is in full session and bring your child along to get their reaction.  Many preschools are equally good, so the important thing is to get the right fit for your family.  Things to look for would be : staff to child ratio- 1 adult to 6 children age 3 and older.  Open door policy- parents should be able to drop in and observe quietly, whenever.  Look for a school that has a large indoor play area with many things that promote creative play like sand and water tables and large building blocks, play tunnels and tents and lots of dress up play.  Ideally there will be a safe outdoor play area as well. Ask about lesson plans, and circle time, which should include storytime, music and fingerplays.  All staff should be CPR certified, and there should be clear cut  safety practices and an emergency plan as needed.  Above all else, go with your gut feeling, if the staff are warm and friendly, the atmosphere is positive and child centered and other families are satisfied, and your child is excited and ready, give it a try and see how it fits after a week.  good luck all, hugs <3 <3 Lizzy MI. USA