CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING A QUALITY PRE-SCHOOL, KINDERGARTEN AND AFTER-SCHOOL
PROGRAMS FOR YOUR CHILD
You want your child involved in a secure, nurturing, and healthy
school environment. To find the right school for your child you need
to invest a lot of time and research to find a good match.
Before you start your search for a good nursery, pre kindergarten, or kindergarten
school you need to decide if you want the school close to your home, school,
or work. You also need to figure out what hours best fit your schedule.
Call up the school and schedule an appointment to view the facilities. Take
a tour around the school and visit the classroom your child would be in.
Use the following checklist to help you find a quality school.
Social and Emotional Atmosphere
- Are the children treated with respect and understanding? Does the
staff give them the attention that they need?
- Are the children disciplined in a positive and appropriate way?
- Are the children praised, encouraged, and happy?
Learning Activities
- Is there a choice of activities and materials that will help your
child develop and grow academically?
- Is play encouraged for all areas of learning?
- Is there an ample supply of appropriate reading materials that the
children have access to?
- Do the children make choices as to what they are interested in? Do
the class books and materials display multicultural diversity and children
with challenges?
- Do the children have access to manipulatives and curriculum materials?
Physical Environment and Safety
- Is there a current license posted?
- Is there an adult responsible for the arrival and dismissal of children?
- Is there an adult supervising the children at all times?
- Is there a policy for releasing the children to another person other
than yourself?
- Where are the emergency numbers posted? What is the policy in the
case of an emergency?
- Is there a list of any staff members certified in first aid and aPR.
- Are there any procedures for reporting accidents and child abuse?
- Are the household cleaners, detergents, and medicines kept in a locked
cabinet away from the children?
- Is the furniture (bookcases, shelves) secured so they won't tip over?
- Is the bathrooms, lunchrooms, and areas where the children occupy
clean? Is the school cleaned each day?
- Does the school have displays of the children work? Are there any
decorations in the classrooms?
- Are the classrooms set up with a lot of space for the children to
move around freely?
Health and Nutrition
- Are there any procedures when the child becomes sick?
- Is there an updated medical record for each child?
The most important aspect in choosing a school for your child is the general
feeling around the school. Do you get the feeling that the school offers
a supportive and nurturing environment?
Talk to director of the school. Discuss the reservations you might have.
Your involvement is in important one. It demonstrates to the school and
your child that you value education.
This checklist is courtesy of Bart Kartman.
Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and
after school programs in Queens