June 25, 2025
What Are the Best Questions to Ask Preschool References?
Finding the right preschool for your child feels overwhelming, doesn't it? You want to make sure you're choosing a place where your little one will be safe, happy, and ready for kindergarten. One of the smartest things you can do is talk to other parents who have experience with the schools you're considering. But what should you actually ask them? We've helped hundreds of families in
Parsippany navigate this important decision, and we know exactly which questions will give you the real information you need. In this guide, you'll learn the most important questions to ask preschool references, what their answers really mean for your child, and how to spot the signs of a truly excellent early learning program.
Questions About Daily Learning and Activities
When talking to other parents, start by asking about what their child actually does during the day. You want to hear about a good mix of activities that help your child grow in different ways. Ask questions like "What does your child tell you about their day?" and "What new things has your child learned since starting?" The best
Daycare programs balance structured learning time with free play, which means kids get both teacher-led activities and time to explore on their own. You should hear about activities that help with early reading skills, like story time and letter games, plus hands-on learning through art, music, and outdoor play. If parents mention their children are excited about school and coming home with new songs, stories, or facts, that's a great sign. At quality programs, children develop school readiness skills naturally through play-based learning, which just means they're learning important things while having fun.
How Teachers Handle Different Personalities and Needs
Every child is unique, so you'll want to know how teachers work with different personalities and learning styles. Ask references about how teachers handle shy children versus outgoing ones, or how they help kids who learn differently. Great teachers understand that some children need more time to warm up, while others jump right into activities. They should use positive guidance techniques, which means helping children learn good behavior through encouragement rather than punishment. Ask if the teachers seem to really know each child as an individual. You want to hear that teachers notice when a child is having a tough day and adjust their approach accordingly. The best early childhood programs focus on social-emotional development, helping children understand their feelings and learn to get along with others. This foundation is just as important as learning letters and numbers because it helps children succeed in all areas of life.
Communication Between School and Home
Strong communication between teachers and
childcare parsippany families makes a huge difference in your child's experience. Ask other parents how the school keeps them informed about their child's day and progress. You should hear about regular updates, whether through daily reports, apps, photos, or quick conversations at pickup time. Good preschools also listen to parents and work together as a team. Ask references if teachers are approachable when they have questions or concerns. Find out if the school provides guidance on things like potty training, sleep schedules, or handling challenging behaviors at home. The best programs understand that consistency between home and school helps children feel secure and learn more effectively. You want a place where teachers know your family's values and work with you to support your child's growth. This partnership approach means you're never left wondering how your child is doing or feeling disconnected from their daily experiences.
Safety and Health Practices
Your child's safety is your top priority, so ask detailed questions about how the school handles health and safety. Find out how they manage things like hand washing, cleaning toys and surfaces, and what happens when children get sick or injured. Ask about their policies for pickup and drop-off security, outdoor playground safety, and how they handle emergencies. Quality programs have clear procedures that all staff follow consistently. You should hear that teachers are trained in first aid and CPR, and that the school follows state licensing requirements for health and safety. Also ask about their approach to food allergies and dietary restrictions if that affects your family. The best schools take a proactive approach to safety, meaning they prevent problems before they happen rather than just reacting to them. When parents feel confident about safety measures, they can relax and focus on their child's learning and development.
Red Flags to Watch For in Reference Responses
While most parents will be honest about their experiences, it's important to listen for warning signs that might indicate problems. Here are the key red flags to watch for when talking to preschool references: •
High teacher turnover - If parents mention lots of different teachers throughout the year, this could mean staff aren't happy or well-supported •
Poor communication - Parents struggling to get information about their child's day or feeling ignored by staff •
Frequent behavior issues - Children acting out more at home or seeming stressed about school •
Lack of learning progress - No noticeable growth in skills like speaking, counting, or social abilities •
Safety concerns - Any mentions of injuries, lost children, or security problems •
Inflexibility - School refusing to work with families on individual needs or concerns •
Unhappy children - Kids who don't want to go to school or seem anxious about their teachers Trust your instincts when evaluating these responses. If something doesn't feel right, ask follow-up questions or seek additional references.
Age-Appropriate Expectations and Milestones
Understanding what your child should be learning at each age helps you evaluate whether a preschool program is meeting developmental needs. Here's what to expect and ask about:
Age Group Social Skills Learning Skills Physical Development 2-3 Years Playing near other children, following simple rules Recognizing colors, simple counting, vocabulary growth Running, climbing, using crayons 3-4 Years Taking turns, making friends, expressing feelings Letter recognition, storytelling, problem-solving Pedaling tricycles, using scissors, drawing shapes 4-5 Years Cooperating in groups, showing empathy, following multi-step directions Pre-reading skills, writing name, basic math concepts Hopping on one foot, catching balls, detailed drawings
Ask references if their children are meeting these milestones and if teachers help track progress. Quality programs assess children regularly but in natural, play-based ways rather than formal testing.
Questions About School Culture and Values
The overall atmosphere and values of a preschool shape your child's daily experience. Ask references about the school's approach to diversity, inclusion, and celebrating different families and cultures. Find out how they handle conflicts between children and whether they teach problem-solving skills. You want to hear about a warm, welcoming environment where all families feel valued and respected. Ask if the school encourages creativity and curiosity, or if they focus too heavily on rigid rules and conformity. The best early childhood programs celebrate each child's unique strengths while building a sense of community. They should also align with your family's values around things like independence, kindness, and learning. When there's a good match between home and school values, children feel more confident and secure, which helps them learn and grow more effectively.
Making Your Final Decision
After gathering information from multiple references, take time to reflect on what you've learned. Look for consistent themes in the feedback, both positive and negative. Remember that no school is perfect, but the best ones continuously work to improve and address any concerns that arise. Consider scheduling a visit to observe the program yourself and meet the teachers who would work with your child. Trust your instincts about whether the environment feels right for your family. The ideal preschool should feel like a place where your child will be understood, challenged appropriately, and loved. At
The Goddard School of Parsippany, we encourage families to ask lots of questions and take their time making this important decision. We're confident in our program and happy to connect you with current families who can share their honest experiences. Your child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and the right preschool choice will give them exactly that.
Ready to Learn More About Our Program?
The Goddard School of Parsippany
311 Smith Rd, Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 386-5550
https://www.goddardschool.com/schools/nj/parsippany/parsippany
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