Miss Beth’s Checklist: Touring Daycare, Preschool, or Kindergarten
Choosing the right early childhood program for your little one can feel overwhelming — whether it’s daycare for your baby, preschool for your toddler, or kindergarten for your big kid. You want a place where your child will feel safe, loved, and excited to learn — and where you feel like a welcome and valued partner, too.
That’s where this guide comes in! Think of it as your “Big Sister Checklist” — a supportive, no-fluff way to help you feel confident and clear during school tours.
Are you new here? Welcome to Big City Readers! I’m Miss Beth, the creator of a learning program designed to make early literacy both fun and accessible for every child. I know that children thrive with flexibility and a mix of activities, which is why I use the five building blocks of early literacy—reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing—alongside the Orton-Gillingham method. This approach helps children learn through a combination of visual, auditory, and hands-on experiences.
Questions to Ask Yourself On a Tour
Before diving into details, take a breath and notice how the space feels to you. These questions can help you tune into your instincts:
Do I feel safe and comfortable here?
Do I see happy, engaged kids and kind, present adults?
Does this place fit our family values and schedule?
Can I picture my child feeling loved and learning here?
Do I feel like I could partner with these teachers/caregivers?
Your gut matters. A lot.
Questions to Ask the Staff
Every program is different — and asking the right questions can help you find the right fit for your family.
For Daycare (Infants & Toddlers):
Do I Are you licensed and accredited?
What’s the caregiver-to-child ratio?
What are your sick child and safety policies?
How do you communicate with parents (apps, notes, photos)?
What’s a typical day like for babies/toddlers?
How do you handle feeding, naps, diapering?
What’s your approach to toddler behavior (biting, hitting)?
Can parents visit unannounced?
For Preschool (Ages 2–4):
What’s your learning philosophy (play-based, academic, Montessori)?
What’s your potty training policy?
What does a typical day include (play, circle time, art, etc.)?
How do you guide friendship skills and sharing?
How do you involve parents?
Are snacks/lunch provided? What about allergies?
What’s your teacher turnover like?
For Kindergarten (Ages 5–6):
What’s a typical day in K like (learning + play balance)?
How do you teach reading, writing, math?
How do you handle behavior, emotions, and conflict?
How do you meet kids at different learning levels?
How do you communicate with parents?
What’s your class size and support staff like?
Do kids get daily recess and specials (art, music, PE)?
Want Miss Beth to-go? Download the full checklist here!
Green Flags to Look For
You don’t need perfection. You just need the right combination of heart and structure. Keep your eyes peeled for:
Warm, engaged caregivers or teachers
Happy, busy, playful kids
Clean and safe spaces (without needing to be Pinterest-perfect)
Consistent routines with flexibility for individual needs
Positive communication with parents
Child-centered classrooms (low shelves, kids’ art on the walls)
Play and social learning are valued at all ages
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Trust yourself if something feels off. Here are some common warning signs:
Unfriendly or stressed staff
Overly strict or negative discipline tone
Too much structure, not enough play
Unsafe, dirty, or chaotic environments
No clear communication with parents
High turnover or lack of staff training
Your gut tells you “this isn’t it”
Do you have any questions about touring schools or tips of your own to share? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to check out my latest posts for more ideas to support your child’s early literacy journey here:
