Curriculum and Daily Rhythm

• What curriculum or learning approach do you use (play-based, faith-based, Montessori, Reggio, Nature-Based, etc.)?

• How do you support social-emotional learning?

• How do you support physical development and well-being?

• How do you support language development and early literacy/numeracy?

• What does a typical daily schedule look like (outdoor time, naps, meals, free play, circle time)?

• How much outdoor time do children get, and in what kind of space?

Behavior Guidance

• How do you handle challenging behaviors and conflicts between children?

• What is your philosophy on discipline and redirection? What practices are off-limits?

Food, Naps, and Routines

• Do you provide meals/snacks?

• How are food allergies managed and communicated across staff?

• What is the nap routine, and how do you support children who don’t nap?

• Can you accommodate breastmilk, bottle schedules, or specific feeding needs?

Health, Safety, and Licensing

• Are you licensed?  If not, can you explain why you’ve made this choice?  (In Montana, part-time preschool programs are not always required to obtain a license).

• What’s the caregiver-to-child ratio and maximum group size by age?

• What are your safety protocols (entry security, sign-in/out, visitor policy,       emergency drills)?

• How do you handle injuries, illness, and medication administration? What’s the illness exclusion policy?

• Are staff CPR/First Aid certified and trained in allergy/anaphylaxis response? 

• How are cleaning, sanitizing, and ventilation handled?

Staff Quality and Stability

• How many teachers/assistants would be working specifically with my child’s group? Can I meet them?

• What qualifications and ongoing training do teachers receive?

• What’s your staff turnover rate? How do you retain teachers?

• How are staff vetted (background checks, references)?

• How do you support teacher-child attachment and continuity of care?

Parent Communication and Involvement

• How will I get updates (app, photos, daily sheets, end-of-day chats)?

• How often are formal conferences or developmental assessments provided?

• What is your policy on parent visits, volunteering, and class observations?

• Who is my main point of contact for questions or concerns?

Environment and Materials

• Can I see all classrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, outdoor areas?

• How do you ensure materials are developmentally appropriate and safe?

• How do you support independent toileting/potty training?

• What is your screen time policy (if any)?

Logistics and Policies

• What are your hours, holiday/closure dates, and late-pickup policy/fees?

• What’s the tuition, deposit, and what’s included (diapers, wipes, meals)?

• What’s your withdrawal notice period and refund policy?

• Is there a waitlist, and how are spots offered?

• Do you accept Best Beginnings Scholarships?

Culture, Values, and Fit

• How do you celebrate diversity, languages, and family traditions?

• How do you support kindness, empathy, and conflict resolution?

• What does success look like for a child here by the time they “graduate” to the next level?

• How do teachers comfort upset children and help with separation anxiety?

References and Transparency

• Can you share references from current parents?

• Can I review your parent handbook?

• How  do you handle complaints or concerns—can you share a recent example and resolution?

Quick Red Flags to Watch For

• High turnover with vague explanations.

• Ratios consistently stretched or combined classrooms without notice.

• Limited outdoor time, harsh discipline, or unclear illness policies.

• Poor cleanliness, locked emergency exits, or reluctance to show       spaces/paperwork.

• Defensive or sparse answers to basic questions.