This guide is designed to assist you in learning about different preschool programs, such as your local school district, Head Start, private child care center, or special service schools. Not all questions apply to all of these settings.
1) Program Name: ____________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: _____________________________________________________________
2) How long is the program session? _____________________________________________
Morning _______ 10 Month Program ________
Afternoon ______ Extended School Year (12 months) ______
Full Day ________ Summer Program _______
3) How will my child get to and from the program? __________________________________
______________________________________________________ (If by bus, please see
Section 11: Common Questions Parents Ask About Transportation.)
4) Do the transportation arrangements meet my child's needs (accessible
vehicles, scheduling, length of time of bus ride)? ________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
5) May I visit my child's program at any time? _____________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
6) Can I accompany my child on field trips? ________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
7) Is there a written description of the program's curriculum that is available to
parents? ___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
8) Are the teachers certified? ____________________________________________________
9) What is the maximum number of children in the program? __________________________
10) What is the child/staff ratio? __________________________________________________
11) What services are available to children in the program? _____________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ A. School Nurse (i.e., emergencies, medications, illness, safety, etc.) ________________
B. Who is authorized to give medication? _____________________________________
C. How is my child's progress documented, evaluated and made available to me?
(daily progress notes, etc.)__________________________________________________
D. Will the teachers/therapists provide me with suggestions of activities that I can
do at home with my child? __________________________________________________
E. How can I contact the program to learn about my child's progress? ________________________________________________________________________
F. When/how are parent/teacher conferences scheduled?___________________________
________________________________________________________________________
12) If my child uses a wheelchair are there other appropriate seating/positioning options
available during the program? _______________________________________________
13) If my child is going to a preschool special education program, what kind of class
make-up will I see (children with similar needs or a more varied group)?
________________________________________________________________________
14) Will the children in my child's program be close to his/her age? _______________________________________________________________________
15) Are there times when the children go outside? __________________________________
16) What are the ages of the children on the playground? ____________________________
17) Is there adequate space for:
A. Outside Play? ________________________________________________________
B. Quiet Time? __________________________________________________________
C. Floor Time? __________________________________________________________
D. Time-out? ____________________________________________________________
18) Are snacks provided? _____________________________________________________
A. When is snack given? __________________________________________________
B. Who provides the snack? ________________________________________________
C. If my child is on a special diet will his/her needs be met? ______________________
D. Who provides lunch if my child is in a full day program? _______________________
19) If my child is not toilet trained? _____________________________________________
A. Do I need to supply diapers and wipes for my child? ____________________
B. Who will change his/her diapers? ___________________________________
C. Are the bathrooms located in the classroom? __________________________
D. If not, where are they located? _____________________________________
E. Do the staff wear gloves when changing diapers? _______________________
F. Are the bathroom doors locked? ____________________________________
G. Will the staff help toilet train my child? ______________________________
H. Who will help my child to the bathroom? _____________________________
I. Is there a designated person to assist my child with toileting? ______________
_______________________________________________________________
20) Will there be opportunities for my child to interact and develop friendships with children
with and without disabilities?
21) Child's Behaviors:
A. How is separation handled? _______________________________________
B. What type of behavior management techniques are used for undesirable
behaviors (i.e., biting, hitting, kicking)?__________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
C. How is good behavior reinforced? __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
D. Is the general discipline policy within the program available to the
parents? _______________________________________________________
22) How are parents involved in their children's program? ___________________________
________________________________________________________________________
23) Is there a parent organization or support group available? _________________________
________________________________________________________________________
24) After making your observations, please feel free to discuss them with people on your
transition resource sheet (page 3) or make an appointment with the preschool
program administrator or teacher.
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