Tender Loving Care
Finding the perfect preschool for your infant.
by Blythe Lipman

PARENTGUIDE News September 2006

Finding the perfect preschool for your infant is one of the most important things any new parent needs to accomplish. Not only does the infant care have to be the best, but all aspects of the school have to make you feel comfortable. When you drop off your baby each morning, you want to leave feeling confident and relaxed that your baby will be receiving the love, nurture and care he needs.
When checking out a preschool, the following questions should help make your decision easier.

Preschool Interview Checklist
•When you call for an appointment, does the director speak to you?
Yes____ No____
•Does the director keep you waiting more than a few minutes when you arrive?
Yes___ No ___
•Does the director give you all the time you need to talk about the program, and answer all your questions?
Yes ___ No___
•Does she show you the school’s Mission Statement?
Yes___ No___
•Does she give you a booklet containing information about the school?
Yes___ No___
•Will she supply you with references?
Yes___ No___
•At first glance, does the preschool look clean?
Yes___ No___
•Does it smell clean?
Yes___ No___
•Is the preschool licensed by the state?
Yes ___ No ___
•Is the license posted?
Yes___ No___
If no, why not?
•Can anyone walk into the school anytime?
Yes___ No___
•Does the school do a background check before hiring a teacher?
Yes___ No___
•Do the teachers have extensive experience?
Yes___ No___

The Infant Room
•Is the infant room clean?
Yes___ No___
•Are the electric outlets covered?
Yes___ No___
•Do the cabinets have childproof locks on them?
Yes___ No ____
•Do you see any cleaning spray bottles sitting on the counters?
Yes___ No___
•Do you see anything that would be dangerous lying around in baby’s reach?
Yes___ No___
•Are the counters clean and uncluttered?
Yes___ No___
•Are the diaper changing tables clean?
Yes___ No___
•Are there gloves available for diaper changing?
Yes___ No___
•Is there a crib for each baby?
Yes___ No___
•Are the cribs in good condition?
Yes___ No___
(Test to see that they are not wobbly or have any loose screws).
•Are there enough high chairs or a feeding table for mealtimes?
Yes___ No___
•Are there enough swings, exersaucers, bouncy seats, teething toys, strollers, etc. available for the babies?
Yes___ No___
•Is the above equipment in good condition?
Yes___ No___
•Are the toys and equipment age-appropriate?
Yes___ No___
•Are the toys and equipment cleaned with bleach water each day?
Yes___ No___
•Is there a bin to put dirty toys that are used during the day?
Yes___ No____
(For dropped toys or toys that other babies chew on).
•Is there happy music playing or lullabies if it is naptime?
Yes___ No___
•Is there a fire exit door with a sign posted above it?
Yes___ No___
•Does the room look like a place that your baby could have fun, explore and blossom?
Yes ___ No___
•Do you have an overall good feeling about the room?
Yes___ No___

Staff
•Is there one childcare provider for every four babies ?
Yes___ No___
•Do the same caregivers take care of the babies each day?
Yes___ No___
•Do different teachers come in for the late shift (3-6pm)?
Yes___ No___
•Do they have CPR and first aid certification?
Yes___ No___
•Are the caregivers friendly and eager to tell you about themselves and the program?
Yes___ No___
•Do the caregivers act in a professional manner?
Yes___ No___
•Do the caregivers look clean and neat, and are they dressed appropriately?
Yes___ No___
•Are the caregivers warm and responsive to your baby when you visit?
Yes___ No___
•Do they know what to do if a baby is choking?
Yes___ No___
•Do they tell you about the daily activities?
Yes___ No___
•Do they take the babies outside, play music, do tummy time, etc.?
Yes___ No___
•Do they have specialists that come in for music, movement and other activities?
Yes___ No___
•Do they send home daily reports?
Yes___ No___
•Do they want to know your baby’s schedule at home?
Yes___ No___
•Do they want to know how you soothe your baby when he is irritable or crying?
Yes___ No___
•Is there an illness policy?
Yes___ No___
•Are there conferences or just daily check-ins?
Yes___ No___

Some other questions to consider:
•Are you allowed to talk directly with the teacher by phone or just the director if you need to call?

•What are their rules for visiting your baby at school?

•What is the policy for drop-off and pick-up?

•If someone else needs to pick up your baby, do they need a special card, password, driver’s license, etc.?

•Do they use the same substitutes all the time (so they know the babies and their schedules)?

If you think you like the preschool, drop in unannounced. Call with any questions before you make a decision. If you get the cold shoulder or you feel like they are too busy and you are unimportant, find another preschool. Once your child is enrolled, if you are told you can’t visit anytime, find another preschool. If the facility looks, smells or feels dirty, find another preschool. If the caregivers are dressed inappropriately, find another preschool. If the staff seems unhappy and not having fun, find another preschool.
If you feel great about the preschool, then sign the papers. But if something feels amiss, even if you can’t figure out what it is, go with your gut feeling as it is usually right! Above all, you want to be able to enjoy watching your baby blossom in her new environment and feel good that you made the right decision.

Blythe Lipman, author of Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions (Blythe Lipman) is an infant care expert that has cared for hundreds of babies for more than 20 years. She has worked extensively with new parents on an individual basis providing easy tips to help make that first year with baby a breeze. Lipman lives in Scottsdale, AZ and has two grown children. Visit Lipman at babyinstructions@cox.net or
www.babyinstructions.com with your questions and to sign up for free monthly baby tips.