Open-House Checklist: 15 Essential Questions to Ask When Visiting a Preschool

Table Of Contents

• Introduction: Making the Most of Your Preschool Open House Visit

• Questions About Curriculum and Learning Approach

• Questions About Teachers and Staff

• Questions About Daily Routine and Activities

• Questions About Values and Character Development

• Questions About Safety and Security

• Questions About Parent Involvement and Communication

• Questions About Practical Matters

• Beyond the Questions: What to Observe During Your Visit

• Conclusion: Finding Your Child's Perfect Preschool Home

Open-House Checklist: 15 Essential Questions to Ask When Visiting a Preschool

Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. It's not just about finding a place where your little one will spend their days—it's about discovering an environment where they will be nurtured, challenged, and encouraged to grow into the person God created them to be.

An open house visit offers a valuable opportunity to see a preschool in action, meet the teachers, and get a feel for the learning environment. But with so much to take in during these visits, it can be challenging to know exactly what to look for and which questions to ask.

This comprehensive checklist provides 15 essential questions designed to help you gather the information you need to make an informed decision about your child's early education journey. From curriculum approaches to safety protocols, from teacher qualifications to character development, these questions will help you determine if a preschool aligns with your family's values and your child's needs.

As you prepare for your preschool open house visits, remember that the right preschool should feel like a natural extension of your home—a place where your child will feel secure, valued, and inspired to learn and grow. Let's explore the questions that will help you find that perfect match.

Questions About Curriculum and Learning Approach

1. What educational philosophy guides your curriculum?

Every preschool has a particular approach to early childhood education that shapes how children learn and develop. Ask about the specific educational philosophy the school follows—whether it's play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or like Little Olive Tree's distinctive "Truth, Beauty, and Goodness" curriculum, which integrates biblical perspectives with academic excellence.

Listen for how the preschool balances structured learning with creative play, and how they cater to different learning styles. The answer will reveal if the school's approach aligns with how you believe your child learns best and with your family's values.

2. How do you measure and track children's development?

Understanding how a preschool monitors your child's progress offers insight into their educational priorities. Ask about their assessment methods—do they use formal evaluations, documentation of projects, portfolios of work, or observation-based assessments?

A thoughtful response should explain both how they track development and how they communicate this information to parents. Look for an approach that views children holistically, recognizing that development happens across multiple domains—cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual—rather than focusing exclusively on academic benchmarks.

3. How do you accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

Each child is uniquely created with individual strengths, challenges, and learning preferences. A quality preschool should recognize these differences and provide personalized approaches to help every child thrive.

Listen for specific examples of how teachers might adapt activities for children who learn differently or need additional support. Do they offer one-on-one attention? Do they provide enrichment for advanced learners? Are there resources available for children with special needs? The school's response will reveal their commitment to seeing, valuing, and nurturing each child's individual potential.

Questions About Teachers and Staff

4. What qualifications and training do your teachers have?

The quality of a preschool largely depends on the educators who interact with your child each day. Ask about the teachers' educational backgrounds, certifications, and specialized training in early childhood development.

Beyond formal qualifications, inquire about ongoing professional development opportunities the school provides. Teachers who continue learning and growing in their profession bring fresh ideas and evidence-based practices to the classroom. Also, consider asking about teacher turnover rates—a stable team often indicates a positive work environment, which benefits the children through consistent relationships.

5. What is the teacher-to-child ratio in each classroom?

Smaller teacher-to-child ratios allow for more individualized attention and better supervision. Singapore has regulations about maximum ratios, which vary by age group, but many quality preschools maintain ratios that are lower than required minimums.

For example, while regulations might allow 1:15 for older preschoolers, a ratio of 1:10 or lower provides more opportunity for meaningful interactions between teachers and children. Lower ratios also enable teachers to better observe each child's development, address challenges promptly, and create personalized learning experiences.

6. How do teachers handle behavioral challenges?

The approach to discipline reveals much about a preschool's underlying values and respect for children. Ask how teachers respond when children struggle with sharing, following directions, or managing strong emotions—common challenges in early childhood.

Look for responses that emphasize positive guidance rather than punishment. Quality programs view behavioral challenges as learning opportunities and focus on teaching children problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution. The approach should be consistent with biblical principles that balance loving guidance with clear boundaries, helping children develop self-discipline and respect for others.

Questions About Daily Routine and Activities

7. What does a typical day look like in your program?

Understanding the daily schedule helps you envision how your child will experience their time at preschool. Ask for a walkthrough of a typical day, from arrival to dismissal.

A well-designed preschool schedule should include a balance of elements: structured learning activities, free play, outdoor time, rest periods, group gatherings, and individual exploration. The routine should provide both consistency (which helps young children feel secure) and flexibility (which accommodates children's changing needs and interests).

Pay attention to how much time children spend in teacher-directed versus child-initiated activities, and whether the schedule allows for the development of both academic skills and social-emotional growth.

8. How much outdoor play and physical activity do children receive?

Young children need regular physical activity for healthy development—not just for their growing bodies but also for cognitive development and emotional regulation. Ask about the frequency and duration of outdoor play times, and whether outdoor time happens regardless of weather (with appropriate adaptations).

Inquire about the outdoor spaces available: Is there a playground with equipment for climbing, balancing, and active play? Are there natural elements like gardens, sand, or water features that encourage exploration? Are there opportunities for both structured physical activities and free play? The answers will indicate how the preschool values whole-child development, including physical well-being.

9. How do you incorporate creativity and the arts?

Creative expression is vital for young children's development, fostering problem-solving skills, emotional expression, fine motor development, and appreciation for beauty—a key aspect of Little Olive Tree's curriculum focus on Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.

Ask how the preschool integrates various forms of creative expression—visual arts, music, movement, dramatic play, and storytelling. Look for programs that view creativity not as an "extra" activity but as an integral part of learning across all domains. Children should have regular opportunities to explore different materials, experiment with their own ideas, and express themselves through multiple creative languages.

Questions About Values and Character Development

10. How do you nurture children's character and values development?

Early childhood is a foundational time for character formation. For many families, especially those seeking a faith-based education like Little Olive Tree Preschool offers, the development of strong values and positive character traits is just as important as academic preparation.

Ask how the preschool intentionally fosters qualities like kindness, honesty, responsibility, perseverance, and respect for others. Do they incorporate character development into their daily routines and curriculum? For faith-based programs, how do they integrate biblical principles in age-appropriate ways? Listen for specific examples that show how values education is woven throughout the children's experiences rather than taught as isolated lessons.

11. How do you celebrate diversity and teach respect for differences?

In our increasingly interconnected world, children benefit from early experiences that help them appreciate diversity and develop respect for people of different backgrounds. Ask how the preschool introduces children to diverse cultures, traditions, abilities, and family structures in age-appropriate ways.

Look for programs that naturally integrate diverse perspectives through books, materials, celebrations, and community connections. The approach should help children recognize both our common humanity and the beautiful differences that make each person unique—a perspective that aligns with seeing all children as precious in God's sight.

Questions About Safety and Security

12. What health and safety protocols do you follow?

Your child's physical safety is a top priority, so ask detailed questions about the preschool's health and safety measures. Inquire about their policies regarding illness (when children should stay home and how they handle sick children), medication administration, allergies, and injury prevention.

Ask about staff training in first aid and CPR, supervision protocols during transitions or outdoor play, and emergency procedures for situations like fire, severe weather, or other potential crises. The preschool should be able to explain clear procedures that are regularly practiced and reviewed.

Additionally, in our post-pandemic world, ask about their approach to minimizing disease transmission through hygiene practices, classroom cleaning, and ventilation.

13. What security measures are in place for the facility?

Secure facilities help ensure that children remain safely in their learning environment and that unauthorized individuals cannot enter. Ask about the preschool's entry procedures, visitor policies, and pickup authorization requirements.

Do they have secure entry systems? How do they verify the identity of individuals picking up children? Are exterior doors kept locked? Is the playground area securely fenced? A quality preschool should have multiple layers of security while still maintaining a warm, welcoming atmosphere for children and authorized family members.

Questions About Parent Involvement and Communication

14. How do you communicate with parents about their child's progress and daily experiences?

Regular, meaningful communication between home and school creates a supportive partnership that benefits your child. Ask about the preschool's communication systems: Do they provide daily updates, weekly newsletters, regular conferences, digital documentation, or a combination of methods?

Beyond the logistics, listen for how they approach parent partnerships. Do they view parents as their children's first and most important teachers? Do they seek parents' insights about their children? Are communications two-way conversations rather than just information delivery? The best preschools see parents and teachers as collaborative partners in nurturing children's growth.

15. What opportunities exist for parent involvement?

Research consistently shows that parent involvement in education positively impacts children's development and learning outcomes. Ask about the various ways parents can participate in the preschool community—whether through classroom volunteering, special events, parent education workshops, or leadership opportunities like parent committees.

A quality preschool welcomes parent participation while respecting different families' availability and comfort levels. They should offer multiple avenues for engagement, from at-home support to in-classroom assistance, recognizing that partnership with families is essential to children's success.

Beyond the Questions: What to Observe During Your Visit

While the answers to your questions provide important information, equally valuable insights come from careful observation during your visit to the 19 Preschools islandwide or any other preschool you're considering. Here are key elements to watch for:

Teacher-Child Interactions

Observe how teachers speak to children and respond to their needs. Do they address children at eye level? Do they listen attentively to what children say? Do they respond to children's emotions with empathy? Are interactions warm and respectful? Quality interactions are characterized by genuine care, positive guidance, and responsive engagement.

Classroom Environment

The physical environment reflects a preschool's values and understanding of how children learn. Look for:

• Organized, child-accessible materials that encourage independence

• Displays of children's authentic work (not teacher-created or cookie-cutter crafts)

• Learning centers that support different types of play and exploration

• Evidence of current learning projects or themes

• A balance of active and quiet spaces

• Natural elements and beauty that inspire wonder and creativity

Children's Engagement and Joy

Perhaps most telling is simply observing the children themselves. Do they appear engaged in their activities? Do they interact positively with peers? Do they seem comfortable approaching teachers? Do you witness moments of joy, curiosity, and wonder? While all children have challenging moments, the overall atmosphere should be characterized by purposeful engagement and evident enjoyment of learning.

The Intangible "Feel" of the Community

Finally, pay attention to your intuitive response to the environment. Does it feel like a place where your child would thrive? Can you envision your family becoming part of this community? Do you sense alignment between the school's stated values and what you observe in practice? This "gut feeling" often integrates multiple impressions that are difficult to articulate but meaningful nonetheless.

Conclusion: Finding Your Child's Perfect Preschool Home

Choosing a preschool is ultimately about finding a place where your child will be known, loved, and nurtured in their development as a whole person. The 15 questions we've explored provide a framework for gathering the information you need, but your observations and intuitive sense of fit are equally important factors in this decision.

Remember that the ideal preschool is one that partners with you in nurturing your child's unique gifts and potential. It should be a place where your family's values are respected and reinforced, where learning is joyful and meaningful, and where your child can develop the foundations for lifelong learning and character.

As you visit different preschools, take notes on each one's responses to these questions. Compare not just the answers themselves but also how candidly and thoughtfully staff responded to your inquiries. The right preschool will welcome your questions and share your commitment to providing the very best start for your child.

In the end, finding the perfect preschool match feels like discovering an extension of your home—a place where your child can put down roots, spread their branches, and grow into the person they were created to be, just as a little olive tree flourishes when planted in the right environment.

Ready to experience Little Olive Tree Preschool for yourself? We invite you to visit one of our 19 preschools across Singapore, where you can ask these questions and see our "Truth, Beauty, and Goodness" curriculum in action. Our dedicated educators look forward to meeting your family and sharing how we partner with parents to nurture children who grow in knowledge, character, and faith.

Register your interest today!