Children think and learn in ways that are different than adults. They learn by doing and by interacting with others. They explore ideas in their play.

A good preschool program lets children experience things in may ways that are right for their special age and stage, and for their own unique ways of being people.

Young children are excited about learning. They need to feel successful in their first school so they will want to continue to learn.

Young children need teachers who understand them and who have been specially trained to provide them with an early childhood program that meets their needs.

What You Need

• You need to find a place where you and your child feel welcome.
• Where children and adults get along well.
• Where safety and health are priorities.
• Where play and learning are valued.
• Where faculty and staff are well-trained and dedicated.
• You need a convenient location with hours of operation that fit your schedule.
• You need tuition that is affordable.

Visit Preschools

You will learn if it is a good preschool for your child by looking and asking questions.

You can see if it....

• is licensed by the State of Hawaii
• has enough adults to work with a group and to give individual attention to each child.
• has plenty of interesting things for all children to do
• has enough space outdoors for running, climbing, jumping and playing
• has space indoors for playing with friends and working alone, for group activities with a teacher
• is pleasant to look at and enjoyable to be in
• has clean rest rooms and kitchen
• has teachers who practice good health habits, like washing their hands
• has fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, and a plan for emergency evacuation

You can ask if ....

• nutritious meals and snacks are served
• parents are welcome to visit
• parents can participate in the classroom or in activities with other parents
• parents can meet regularly with their child's teacher

Watch the Activities

You can see if there are....

• active and quiet things to do
• times when children can make choices about what to do
• places for children to work alone, with a friend or in small groups
• times when children can help themselves with dressing, using the toilet, resting, washing, and eating
• activities like block building and dress-up
• books, puzzles, toys, games, paint, crayons, musical instruments, a record player
• plants and animals
• sand and water to play with
• swings, slides, trikes, wagons, and things to climb on
• happy children, busy with activities and friends

You can ask if....

• there is a daily routine and what it includes
• children take trips outside of the school
• teacher plan special activities for children every day and every week
• teachers read and sing with children every day

Meet the Teachers

You can watch to see if the teachers....

• seem to enjoy children and children seem to like their teachers
• stay near the children, watching or playing with them
• are friendly and kind to each child
• help children and really listen to them
• talk with children and help make them talk to one another
• are gentle and help children to understand the rules
• seem to enjoy working with one another
• are friendly to you and other parents

You can ask how the teachers....

• learned how to work with young children
• help children get along with others
• guide and discipline children