Choosing the Right Preschool Program

As a parent you have a few decisions to make before starting your search to find a preschool that is the right fit for you and your family.

• Am I interested in preschools near my home or work?
• Do I want my child to attend a part-time or a full-time program?
• What kind of program do I want?  Learn more about different types of preschool.

Now, begin your search.

• Call CCRC's Resource and Referral Department at (818) 717-1000 for a list of licensed programs in our service area or search our online database.
• Start calling centers and inquire about their fees, policies and curriculum. After you have narrowed your search to a few programs you can start to schedule visits.  Take special note of potty training requirements and late pick-up fees.  Download our comprehensive checklist.
• You may also want to get recommendations from other parents keeping in mind that even though a preschool maybe a great fit for one child it may not be a fit for yours.

Make an Informed Decision

What does a quality preschool program look like?

For a parent who is looking for a quality preschool program the options can look very similar. Even though a program looks inviting and fun at first glance, there is much more to consider when deciding if a program can provide the kind of learning opportunities your child needs during this crucial year of development.

How do preschoolers learn?

Since preschoolers are still active learners, they must have ample opportunities for exploration and play in order to learn.  For example, in playing with cars and ramps children learn that the steeper the ramp the faster the car will go down it. Secondly, preschoolers need to feel safe and secure in their learning environment. If they trust their caregivers to listen to their feelings and needs they will feel safe enough to explore new areas of learning and take risks in trying out new skills.

What are the basic things I should I look for?

• Licensing

  • If you are considering a program not referred to you by the Child Care Resource Center, you will need to verify that the program is licensed by the State of California. All programs must display their license in a prominent area. If the staff cannot produce it, you risk the chance that they are not licensed and have not gone through the criminal background check required for licensing.
  • Once you have verified that a program is licensed, we strongly recommended that you review the program’s licensing history to check for complaints or violations before placing your child in care. To do so call Community Care Licensing at (310) 337-4333 or (323)981-3350.

• Total number of children and child to teacher ratio

  • Count the number of children in the classroom. Are there more than twenty? Classrooms exceeding twenty can be over stimulating and stressful for young children.
  • In addition, state law state requires that there must be a minimum of one caregiver for every 12 preschool age children.  NAEYC, The National Association for the Education of Young Children, recommends there be one teacher for every 8-10 four and 5 year olds.  In general, the lower the ratio the more individual attention available to your child. 

• Safety and Cleanliness

  • In order to receive a license, centers and family child care homes are inspected for safety hazards, however, as a parent, you will also want to check the environment for safety concerns such as smoke detector.
  •  Check to see that all areas of the environment look clean and smell clean.  Make sure that toys and furniture are well maintained and age appropriate.

• Teacher Qualifications

  • In a center based program, teachers are required to have a minimum of an associate’s degree. There is mounting research showing the benefits to children when teachers have a college degree.  Read more about this.
  • In home based preschool programs, teachers are not required to have formal training in early childhood education but many do so don’t be afraid to ask.  Like center staff, home based staff is required to attend CPR and Pediatric First Aid Classes.

Go Beyond the Basics: Elements of a Quality Program

• Supporting Social Emotional Development

  • Children are nurtured and respected by caregivers through positive interactions throughout the day. Without a caring and supportive environment children will not feel secure enough to explore and try new things.
  • Parents should be sure to ask about a program’s discipline policy to make sure it coincides with their own. Having different sets of rules at home and at school can be very confusing and stressful for young children.

• Supporting Intellectual Development

  • Opportunities for hands-on play and exploration are available daily and include art, science, math, dramatic play, music and movement.
  • Communication between children and caregivers happens throughout the day and in both directions with children having one-on-one conversations with caregivers and group conversations.
  • Children are read to individually as well as in a group on a regular basis.
  • Children are encouraged to use their reasoning and problem solving skills to solve issues.
  • There are opportunities for children to share their cultures and home languages.    
  • Children are encouraged to express their creativity in their artwork instead of all art being uniform. 
  • Children participate in activities that prepare them for a smooth transition to kindergarten.

• The Environment

  • The environment is “child centered” with plenty of books, toys and materials at the child’s level.
  • The atmosphere is fun and welcoming to children and parents. All family child care homes and centers should have an open door policy for parents to observe.

• Parent-Involvement and Communication

  • Parent involvement is encouraged.
  • Parents are regularly informed about their child’s progress either informally or formally.

• Screening for Special Needs

  • Some programs regularly screen children for the possibility of a special need and assess children’s progress regularly. Although many parents may be hesitant to have their child screened at such a young age, doing so may help to identify a special need. These preschool programs are taking extra steps to ensure children’s health and wellbeing.

Child Care Resource Center offers a School Readiness program to help young children develop the skills necessary to be successful when they enter kindergarten.  Click here for program details.

For more information on choosing a quality preschool program, call CCRC's Resource & Referral Department at (818) 717-1000 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .