7 Things to Look for in your School

At Carmel Mountain Preschool we understand that picking a daycare for your child is stressful. Choosing the right school for your little one should not be taken lightly. To help relieve that stress, here are 7 things to look for and ask in a child care provider.

1. History and longevity.
   • While new businesses should be embraced, it is important to make sure your child’s school has made a commitment to your child’s growth, development, and well-being. Carmel Mountain Preschool opened in 1983 by Dan and Pauline Condrick, who are still our owners today. As of now their daughter, Arianne, is our Executive Director. You can read more about our origin story here.
2. Happiness
   • While on your tour, look at the children and staff. Take note of their energy, their emotions, and overall demeanor. You will be able to tell a lot about a school by how the current children and staff are behaving.
3.  Curriculum
   • Familiarize yourself with the curriculum program your child’s school will be using. Ask how long they have used it and how successful it has been. Ask why they believe it is the best program for their children.
4. Space
   • Does the school have enough and separate rooms for various activities? Will they be in a classroom setting all day? In a busy strip mall or by the street? Do they get to explore nature, have different outdoor spaces available, how big are the playgrounds?
5. Facilities
   • Take a look at the safety measures the school has in place- can children get to the parking lot easily, are there cameras set up to monitor the children at all times? How large are the classrooms? Is the center clean and organized? What type of sanitation does the school provide? Does each age group have their own age appropriate place to play?
6. Focus
   • Are you looking for just a babysitter or are you wanting your children to grow, play, develop, and learn? Children who are exposed to early, high quality education are more likely to be set up for success in their future schooling.
7. Customer Service
   • How are you greeted when you first call? Is the staff knowledgeable and friendly? Do you feel you are talking with someone who is sincere and passionate about their job or do you feel like you are getting a sales pitch from an overcrowded school trying to hit numbers from a corporation?

At the end of the day it is important that both you and your child feel comfortable in which ever school you choose. Make sure to do your research, look at all your options, and decide what is in your family’s best interest.