Choosing who will care for your child all day is a big decision, and most Reno parents make it after only one or two visits. Here is how to get the most out of those visits.
Start with the basics
Before you fall in love with a classroom, check the things that have to work every single day:
- Hours. Do they cover your workday, plus the drive? A center that closes at 5:30 is a problem if you get off at 5:15 across town.
- Ages. Some centers take babies under a year, some start at 12 months or later, some only take preschoolers. Ask where your child would go next as they grow.
- Location. In Reno most families drive, and many pick a center near work rather than home. Try the drive at the time you would actually do it.
- Openings. Ask whether there is a spot for your child’s age now, or a waiting list, and how long it usually is.
What to watch for on a tour
A tour is your best tool. Pay less attention to the decorations and more to the people.
- How teachers talk to children. Good teachers get down to a child’s eye level, use a calm voice and call children by name.
- What the children are doing. Busy, engaged children are a good sign. A room full of kids waiting around is not.
- The space. Look for clean floors and bathrooms, furniture sized for small children, and books, toys and art within their reach.
- Outdoor play. Is there a playground every day, and are little ones kept apart from the big kids? Is there somewhere to move indoors when the weather turns?
- The front door. How do people get in? Key codes, sign-in rules and cameras should be easy to spot.
Questions worth asking
Bring a list. These are the ones parents most often wish they had asked:
- How many children are in each class, and how many teachers?
- How long have the teachers been here?
- What does a normal day look like, from drop-off to pickup?
- How do you handle naps, meals and potty training?
- How will I hear about my child’s day? (Many centers use an app with photos and notes.)
- How do you handle hard moments, like biting or a tantrum?
- What is your sick policy?
- What does tuition include, and are there extra fees? Do you accept child care subsidies or offer sibling discounts?
Trust what you see
If you can, visit twice: once on your own and once with your child. Notice how your child reacts and how the teachers react to your child. The right place usually feels right on the second visit too.
Come see Little Learners
Little Learners is a family-owned preschool in two converted homes on Ryland Street in Midtown Reno, open 7 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday, for children from 12 months to 5 years. Bring this list with you. We are happy to answer every question on it.