Choosing a preschool is a major decision for families, and knowing the right questions to ask when touring a preschool can help you feel more confident about finding the best fit for your child. While every program is different, a preschool tour provides an opportunity to look beyond brochures and websites to see how children learn, interact, and grow in the classroom environment.
For many parents, the goal is not simply finding a preschool, it is finding a place where their child feels safe, supported, and excited to learn.
It is highly recommended to tour your child’s preschool. A preschool tour allows families to observe daily routines, meet educators, and better understand a program’s philosophy. It also gives parents the chance to ask important questions that may not be answered online.
Preschools such as those in Silver Spring often encourage families to tour classrooms because seeing a program in action provides valuable insight into the child’s day-to-day experience.
You can learn more about selecting a quality program in our article on Signs of a High Quality Preschool Program: What Parents Should Look For.
One of the most important preschool enrollment questions to ask is about the daily schedule.
Understanding the flow of the day helps parents learn how children spend their time and whether the routine matches their child’s needs.
Academic learning is important, but social-emotional growth is equally critical during the preschool years.
Ask how educators help children:
Strong preschool programs intentionally support these skills through daily interactions and classroom activities.
You can explore this topic further in our article on How to Teach Emotional Regulation to Preschoolers: Simple Daily Strategies.
Teacher-to-child ratios influence how much individual attention children receive throughout the day.
Ask:
Smaller ratios often allow for more personalized support and stronger teacher-child relationships.
Parents often wonder what to look for in a preschool when it comes to academics.
Ask how children learn concepts such as:
Many high-quality programs use hands-on, play-based learning experiences that encourage exploration and curiosity.
Every child experiences challenging moments, and understanding a program’s approach to behavior is important.
Ask how teachers respond when children:
Look for responses that emphasize guidance, communication, and skill-building rather than punishment.
Strong communication helps families stay connected to their child’s learning experience.
Ask:
Preschools such as those in Silver Spring often prioritize family partnerships because consistent communication supports smoother transitions and stronger outcomes for children.
Learn more in: Building Strong Teacher-Parent Partnerships in Preschool
Safety is often at the top of every parent’s preschool tour checklist.
Questions may include:
A quality preschool should be able to clearly explain or provide resources for its safety procedures and family policies.
Starting preschool can be a significant adjustment for young children.
Ask:
Teachers often use consistent routines, reassurance, and relationship-building strategies to help children feel comfortable.
We’ve explored this topic further in: How to Prepare a Toddler for Preschool Separation Anxiety for a Smoother Transition.
Independence is an important part of preschool readiness.
Ask how children are encouraged to:
Many educators believe confidence grows when children are given opportunities to practice responsibility in supportive ways.
You can learn more in:
Strong family-school partnerships can help children feel more connected and supported throughout their preschool experience.
Ask how families can participate in the program through:
Preschools such as those in Silver Spring often encourage family involvement because it helps create consistency between home and the classroom. When children see parents engaged in their learning environment, they often feel more confident and connected to their school community.
Knowing the right questions to ask when touring a preschool helps parents gather information that goes beyond a program brochure. By observing classrooms, talking with educators, and learning about daily routines, families can better determine whether a preschool aligns with their child’s needs and their family’s values.
The best preschool tours leave parents feeling informed, comfortable, and confident about the environment where their child will learn, grow, and build important early childhood foundations.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.
