10 Things to Look for When Choosing a Preschool or Child Care Center

Choosing a preschool or child care center is a big decision for your family. Use this list to find a safe, caring place where your child can learn, grow, and feel happy. 

Your child should feel safe, loved, and cared for every day. Look for clean classrooms, safe toys, secure doors, and clear safety rules. Ask how teachers handle injuries, emergencies, and other safety concerns. Notice how teachers talk to children. Do they speak kindly and calmly? A good center makes children feel welcome and helps them feel safe enough to learn and explore. 

Teachers are a big part of your child’s day. Look for teachers who smile, listen, and speak kindly to children. Ask about their education and training. Does the lead teacher have an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) or the training needed for their role? Ask how long teachers have worked with young children. Good teachers build strong relationships with children and help them feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. 

Young children learn best when they can play, explore, and try new things. Look for classrooms with books, blocks, art, music, puzzles, and pretend-play areas. Ask what curriculum the center uses. Children should have chances to learn language, math, science, social skills, and more through fun activities. Learning should feel exciting and not like schoolwork all day. 

Children do well when they know what to expect. Ask to see a sample daily schedule. Look for time for learning, play, meals, outdoor activities, rest, and quiet time. A good schedule should also allow teachers to follow their children’s needs. Young children need both active time and time to slow down. A balanced day helps children feel comfortable and ready to learn. 

Children need plenty of attention from their teachers. Ask how many children are in each classroom and how many teachers are there. More teachers can mean more help, attention, and support for your child. Ask what happens when a teacher is sick or takes a break. A strong center has a plan to make sure children are always supervised and cared for. 

Food is an important part of your child’s day. Ask what meals and snacks are served and whether the menu includes healthy choices. Find out how the center handles food allergies and special diets. Children should have access to water and learn healthy eating habits. Ask if families can see the menu. A good center works with families to keep children healthy and growing strong. 

Children need time to move their bodies and enjoy fresh air. Ask how often children go outside and what happens when the weather is too hot, cold, or rainy. Look for a safe outdoor space with room to run, climb, explore, and play. Outdoor play helps children build strong bodies, practice social skills, and have fun while learning. 

Families should know what is happening in their child’s day. Ask how teachers share updates, photos, activities, and important information. Find out how you can talk with your child’s teachers and center leaders. A good center welcomes your questions and ideas. Families and teachers should work together as a team to help each child succeed. 

Every child learns in their own way. Ask how the center supports children who need extra help with learning, language, behavior, or development. Find out if the center works with families and other professionals when needed. A good program respects each child’s strengths and needs. Children should feel included, valued, and supported in the classroom. 

Finally, trust your feelings when you visit a center. Do the classrooms feel happy and welcoming? Do teachers know the children by their name? Are families treated with respect? Ask about tuition, hours, enrollment, and what is included. Visit more than one center if you can. The right child care center should feel like a partner in your child’s early years. 

At CASL Education Center, we believe children deserve a safe, caring, and fun place to learn and grow. Our preschool and child care programs provide licensed caring teachers, play-based learning, daily routines, family communication, support for every child, and more. We welcome families to learn more about our programs and see what makes CASL a special place for young children. 

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