Questions to ask and topics to cover when interviewing preschools
The process of finding the right preschool for our son was way more involved and overwhelming than I expected. These are the preschool interview questions I found most helpful when interviewing potential preschools.
Questions for Potential Preschools
GENERAL
Preschool Name:
POC:
What are the class/program options (age range, days/times)?
Tuition:
PROGRAM
What is the student to teacher ratio?
How big is the classroom space / how is classroom layout? How many students are typically in one classroom?
What is a typical day?
Experience and education level of teachers and aides? College educated?
What does the school supply and what are the parents expected to supply (ie: snacks, supplies, etc.)?
SKILLS/BEHAVIOR
What is your expectation behavior-wise for this class coming into the school year (ie: sit still in circle time with little redirecting or still teaching them these skills)?
How does your program help with skill building? Such as sitting for circle time, transitioning in between different activities, building social skills with peers?
What skills should we expect our child to learn by the end of the year?
How would you handle [insert specific situation(s) where your child may struggle, such as social skills or transitions]?
Should my child struggle with a certain behavior, does your program have behavior plans?
Are there any behavior specials on site?
COMMUNICATION
How does the school communicate with parents? Phone, email, app, other?
What sort of regular communication should we expect from the school?
How does the school communicate a problem or behavior issue?
OTHER
Religious affiliation?
Food – what does school provide vs parents? Peanut-free facility?
Preschool enrollment can feel scary and overwhelming as a parent. I hope these preschool interview questions are able to help guide you to the right place for your little one.
Once you’ve enrolled your little one in preschool, check out my Preschool Gear Guide for everything you’ll need for your kiddo to have the best school year yet!
Preschool Gear Guide
Your go-to guide for everything you’ll need for your preschooler-to-be
Preschool is almost here! But the choices of tot-sized gear is frankly overwhelming. Have no fear! I’ve put together a list of backpacks, lunch boxes, change of clothes bags and water bottles for your favorite preschooler-to-be.
Everything on my preschool gear list has been recommended by other moms, is something I’ve purchased or has top-notch reviews.
Disclosure: One Little Small is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. The links in this post are affiliate links, meaning if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission. I selected the products in this guide because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
Preschooler-sized Backpacks
Here’s what you need to know about little kid backpacks. The standard length for a preschooler-sized backpack is around 15 inches. This leaves enough space for a standard-sized folder, lunch or snack, and a change of clothes. It’s important that your preschooler can zip and unzip the backpack by themselves, and it’s super handy to have a side pocket to hold a water bottle. And if you’re on a budget, you’re in luck! All of my backpack picks are under $40.
Wildkin 15in Backpack
One Little Small Pick
Wildkin 15 Inch Kids Backpack
This is the backpack we purchased for our little guy. Their reputation on quality first drew me to Wildkin, but I fell in love all the different patterns and designs. This backpack fits a full-sized folder, his lunch box and a change of clothes with room to spare, but it’s not too big on him. The straps and back are both padded, making this backpack pretty comfy.
Another cute 15 inch option, this VASCHY preschool backpack comes in a selection of cute prints and is water-resistant. I also liked how this backpack has an internal pocket to hold loose items.
Simple Modern Kids’ Fletcher Backpack in the 7 Liter size is the perfect size for your preschooler. I love how Simple Modern has a large selection of prints, including several licensed Disney prints.
This new version of the classic Skip Hop backpack can fit a full-sized folder and features a clear zippered pocket up front. This backpack also comes in a selection of zoo characters.
Also from my no. 1 pick, Wildkin, is a smaller 12 inch backpack. This 12 inch option comes in the same print options as the 15 inch size, but is better suited for a toddler.
Another smaller backpack option is the OREZI 12 inch kids backpack. This toddler backpack comes in a variety of patterns, has two side pockets, and is made of water-resistant polyester.
There are so many options when it comes to snack and mealtime for preschoolers. Some preschools will ask you to pack a lunch, and others will ask for just a snack. We opted for a bento box so my son could pack a variety of food and stocked up on our favorite reusable snack bags.
Bento Boxes
What’s great about a bento box for preschoolers is that they give you the option of including a variety of different foods within one container. Some bento boxes include sealed tight compartments, so you can include foods like yogurt, applesauce or a dip. Bento boxes are large enough for a preschooler lunch or just to offer a variety of snack options.
Bentgo Kids Lunch Box
One Little Small Pick
Bentgo Kids Bento-Style Lunch Box
I love how the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box has 5 different sized compartments, is leakproof, and dishwasher safe. My hubs has the grown-up version of this lunch box, which made it a no-brainer when picking out a lunch box for our little guy.
This cool bento box option, also from Bentgo, has built-in removable ice pack. If your preschooler loves fruits, veggies and other chilled foods, the Bentgo Kids Chill Lunch Box is a great pick.
If you love the idea of a bento box, but would rather avoid using something plastic, check out this option from LunchBots. The LunchBots Toddler Bento Box is stainless steel, has 4 compartments, and is dishwasher safe.
If a traditional lunch bag is more up your alley, check out these options below.
Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Bag
Bentgo Kids Prints Lunch Bag
Bentgo also makes lunch bags if your preschooler isn’t into the bento-style lunch box. This lunch bag is insulated, has customizable straps, and comes in a selection of patterns. It also fits the Bentgo Kids Lunch Box.
This innovative lunch bag from PackIt has built-in cooling. You just pop the lunch bag in the freezer overnight, and it will keep food cool for hours the next day.
This insulated lunch bag from Wildkin comes in the same cute prints as their backpacks, which is perfect if you love a coordinating set. The Wildkin Kids Insulated Lunch Bag is BPA-free and fits most bento boxes.
I made sure to stock up on our favorite reusable snack bags from Stasher ahead of preschool beginning, in case I need to pack an extra snack or two. Stasher bags are made of silicone, dishwasher safe and function just like your favorite plastic snack bag. We bought our first Stasher bags over a year ago, and now use them for everything.
Looking for a cuter snack bag option? Bumkins Sandwich and Snack Bags come in a variety of prints, use waterproof fabric, and are both dishwasher safe and machine washable.
I love how this Simple Modern water bottle is stainless steel, has a straw and flip-down spout, and is dishwasher safe. I opted for the 14oz size, which fits perfectly in the backpack’s side pocket. Simple Modern has a huge selection of Disney prints to choose from, which was a huge hit with my little guy.
Another hugely popular water bottle for preschoolers is the CamelBak Eddy Kids Water Bottle. This option is BPA free, easy to clean, and comes in a ton of print options.
We’ve had a Contigo Kids Water Bottle as our every day water bottle for over a year now, and it’s held up great! I opted to get my son a new water bottle just for preschool, but we still use this one when we go to the park. It’s leak-proof, easy to clean, and durable – and trust me on the durable part.
Many preschools ask you to send an extra set of clothes with your little one to school. An easy way to keep everything together is to put the spare clothes in a wet dry bag. And that way you know whatever comes home on that first set of clothes will be nicely contained within the wet dry bag.
ALVABABY Wet Dry Bags
ALVABABY Wet Dry Bags (2pc set)
This set of wet dry bags from ALVABABY has 2 compartments, is made of waterproof fabric, and can hold a lot! These wet dry bags are perfect to repurpose for a day at the pool once school is out for the summer.
Another highly-rated wet dry bag is the Bumkins Waterproof Wet Bag. This wet dry bag is also large, waterproof, and comes in a variety of prints – including several licensed prints.
The Skip Hop Wet Dry Bag came recommended by fellow mommas. This wet dry bag has a waterproof lining, different compartments for wet and dry clothes, and is machine washable.
