Selecting a preschool is one of the first big decisions parents make for their child’s education.
Programs differ significantly in philosophy, licensure, structure, and overall quality between Centennial, CO, and across the country.
A good early learning environment builds social skills, emotional resilience, and readiness for school.
Taking the time to assess key areas before enrollment can help families avoid second-guessing their decision down the road.
Knowing the right questions to ask and what matters is where getting it right starts.
Families learn about the programs and experience them firsthand by touring preschools in Centennial, CO.
The following checklist summarizes the most critical points to consider when making your final decision.
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Licensing and Accreditation
At a minimum, any preschool must be licensed by the state. The licensed facility has met health, safety, and staffing standards set forth by the state’s Department of Human Services or Department of Education.
Parents should also ask about NAEYC accreditation, which is considered the gold standard in early childhood programs in the United States.
Accredited schools use evidence-based practices in curriculum design, teacher training, and classroom quality that exceed minimum standards.
Educational Philosophy
Preschools have different curriculum models, and the right one for your child will depend on your family values and your child’s personality. Typical ways are:
- The classrooms are mixed-age groups and are based on active, child-led learning.
- It is a project-based approach that is child-led.
- Waldorf is about imagination, about routine, about nature, and about limiting early exposure to technology.
- Play-based programs use the play time to work on social skills and emotional development.
- Traditional/academic classrooms are more structured and focus on early reading, writing, and math readiness.
The best way to see how each philosophy is practiced is to visit a classroom during regular hours.
Teacher Qualifications and Staff Stability
What matters is the people in the classroom, not just the curriculum. Ask if lead teachers have early childhood education degrees or a Child Development Associate credential.
Staff changes are also a critical concern, as the frequent changes can compromise a child's sense of security and trust.
Consistent, qualified teachers are critical in developing the preschool skills that are the foundation for subsequent learning.
Parents should make sure their children are in a school where all staff have been thoroughly background-checked, including fingerprinted.
Classroom Environment and Ratios
Fewer staff per child means more opportunity for individual attention. NAEYC recommends roughly one teacher for every 8 to 10 children, depending on age.
Total group size is also important and should ideally be kept under 20 for older preschoolers.
The physical environment should be neat, bright, and clearly delineated into learning areas, such as a reading area, an art station, and a block area.
Materials should be accessible to children and be age-appropriate.
Health, Safety, and Discipline Policies
Safety is more than locked doors and secure entryways. Parents should ask how often toys are cleaned, how often hands are washed, and what teachers do when conflicts and emotional outbursts occur.
A healthy discipline is positive guidance and redirection, not punishment.
CDC’s child development milestone resources can help parents understand age-appropriate behavior and know what healthy social-emotional growth looks like in preschool-aged children.
It is also worth checking the school’s illness policy, allergy procedures, and medication rules before enrolling.
Schedule and Logistics
Any program is only as good as how it fits into your life. Parents should check that the drop-off and pick-up hours work with their work schedules.
Some schools follow the local public school calendar, with summers and holidays off; others are year-round.
Different programs have different expectations for potty training, so it is important to ask about them early on.
It's also a good idea to discuss meal policies, transportation options, and after-care availability before you sign up.
Trusting Your Instincts
Numbers and qualifications all play a role, but the vibe matters as well. On a tour, observe the teachers’ interactions with the children. Are they speaking at eye level with warmth and patience?
Do the children appear engaged, comfortable, and happy? Parent communication is another indicator of a quality program.
Schools that have daily updates and many conferences or communication apps tend to keep families more connected to their child’s progress and daily experiences.
Conclusion
Choosing to put your child in preschool influences early learning habits, social skills, and confidence.
Licensing, teacher quality, classroom layout, safety procedures, and schedule flexibility all have to be carefully examined.
Seeing it firsthand, asking the hard questions, and trusting your gut can help to narrow the options.
The right preschool should make your child feel at home, safe, supported, and excited to learn.
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