5 things you should look for when you are visiting a child care/preschool facility:

Pick up a toy off the shelf...is it clean?

Are the teachers talking to the children while they are engaged in activities?

Are there a number of things for kids to do? at least 5 different interest areas?

How do the adults in the classroom accommodate different learning styles and temperaments?

Is there enough space for the children and staff to move around?

Most of all...do the people in the room (children and adults) look HAPPY?

5 questions to ask a child care professional:

How often do you clean or change your toys/materials?

How do you handle a child who does not do what you ask?

What do you like most about working here?

How do you let parents know what is going on at your center/school?

How will I know what my child is learning?

Preschools

Preschools, as the name indicates, provide an educational program for young children before starting kindergarten or elementary school. Many day care centers now also incorporate early childhood curricula into their programs. The NAEYC lists these 10 signs of a great preschool:

• Children spend most of their time playing and working with materials or with other children.
• Children have access to various activities throughout the day.
• Teachers work with individual children, small groups, and the whole group at different times during the day.
• The classroom is decorated with children's original artwork and projects.
• Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences.
• Children work on projects that have long periods of time to play and explore.
• Worksheets are used rarely, if at all.
• Children have an opportunity to play outside in a safe play area everyday.
• Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups.
• Curricula are adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help.
• Children and their parents look forward to school.