By Pam Morris, Early Learning Center director
Education as a career path and life goal began for me in 1992 with my graduation with a BS in Psychology from Binghamton University. That fall, I entered my master’s program in Early Childhood Education at the same university, different school and I never looked back! With many relevant degrees, over 3 decades of hands-on experience, Early Childhood Education is my passion, my raison d’etre, my tachlit, my reason for being.
Choosing a preschool is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child, and after 14 years of leading early childhood programs, I understand why parents feel overwhelmed by the process. With my master’s degree in early childhood education and over 30 years in the field, I’ve seen educational trends come and go—but the fundamentals of quality early learning remain constant.
Let me walk you through what really matters.
Look Beyond the Pinterest-Perfect Classroom
When I became a director, I quickly learned that the programs with the fanciest décor weren’t always the ones where children thrived. In fact, some of the most beautiful classrooms felt like
museums—look but don’t touch. What you want to see is a classroom that’s been used by children. Evidence of real learning: block structures in progress, art projects drying, books left open, dramatic play areas showing signs of active imagination. A quality preschool should look lived-in, because children should be active participants in their environment, not visitors.
Observe Teacher-Child Interactions
This is the single most important factor, and it’s something I emphasize with every family who tours our program. Spend time watching how teachers engage with children: Do teachers get down at children’s eye level? Physical positioning matters. Teachers should be sitting on the floor, kneeling at tables, creating an environment of respect and accessibility.
How do teachers respond to conflict? Skip the classroom during perfect circle time. Ask to observe during transitions or free play when you’ll see real problem-solving in action. Quality teachers coach children through conflicts rather than simply separating them.
Do teachers ask open-ended questions? Listen for “What do you think will happen?” rather than “What color is this?” The best preschool teachers are facilitators of thinking, not just deliverers of facts.
Is there genuine joy? In my three decades in education, I can tell you that children know the difference between a teacher going through the motions and one who genuinely delights in being with them.
Understand the Educational Philosophy
During my graduate work, I studied various early childhood approaches—Montessori, Reggio Emilia, play-based, academic prep—and here’s what I’ve concluded: there’s no one “right” way, but there absolutely is a right fit for your child and family.
Ask programs to clearly explain their philosophy:
Play-based programs emphasize learning through child-directed exploration and creative play. These programs trust that children learn best when following their interests.
Academic-focused programs provide more structured learning with emphasis on pre-literacy and math skills.
Hybrid approaches (like ours at East Valley JCC) blend structured learning opportunities with ample time for play and exploration.
Research in early childhood development consistently shows that young children learn best through hands-on experiences, meaningful relationships, and play. Be cautious of programs that look like “kindergarten prep” with worksheets and long periods of sitting still. Four-year-olds need to move, create, and explore.
Ask About Curriculum and Assessment
A quality program should be able to articulate:
What children will learn. Not just “ABCs and 123s,” but social-emotional skills, problem-solving, creativity, and self-regulation.
How they’ll learn it. Through projects? Thematic units? Child-led inquiry? Teacher-planned activities?
How progress is measured. Formal assessments? Portfolios? Observations? Parent conferences? You should receive regular updates on your child’s development.
Consider Practical Matters (They Matter More Than You Think)
In my years of leadership, I’ve seen families choose a “perfect” program that became unsustainable because of logistics. Consider:
Location and commute time. A 30-minute drive might feel manageable until you’re doing it twice daily in traffic.
Hours and flexibility. Does the schedule align with your work? What happens if you’re running late?
Closure days. How many days is the program closed? Do they align with your work calendar?
Sick policies. What’s the fever policy? How do they handle contagious illnesses?
The Diversity and Inclusion Question
At East Valley JCC, we proudly welcome families of all backgrounds, and I believe this diversity strengthens every child’s experience. In our interconnected world, children benefit enormously from learning alongside peers from different cultures, religions, and family structures.
Ask programs:
- How do they celebrate different cultures and traditions?
- What does their curriculum include about diversity?
- Look at the books, dolls, and materials—do children see themselves and others represented?
Red Flags to Watch For
After 14 years leading programs and years before that in the classroom, here are the warning signs I’d tell my own family members to watch for:
- Teachers seem disengaged or speak harshly to children
- High teacher turnover (ask about retention rates)
- Difficulty getting direct answers to your questions
- Reluctance to let you observe classrooms
- Overly rigid rules that don’t account for developmental stages
- Pressure to enroll immediately without time to think
Trust the Tour
I always tell families: pay attention to how you’re treated during the tour. Are your questions welcomed? Does the director or tour guide seem genuinely interested in your child and family? At our
center, I want families to feel that we’re beginning a partnership from the very first conversation.
Ask to visit during active classroom time, not just naptime. See the bathroom facilities. Ask about the outdoor space and how often it’s used.
The Price-Quality Balance
As someone who has worked in both non-profit and for-profit settings, I know that cost is a real concern for families. The most expensive program isn’t always the best, but quality early childhood education does cost money. Teachers with degrees and experience deserve professional compensation, and that’s reflected in tuition.
Look for programs that are transparent about costs and offer options like sibling discounts or payment plans.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts
I have a master’s degree and decades of experience, but I always tell parents that they are the experts on their own child. You know your child’s personality, needs, and what will help them flourish.
Visit multiple programs. Take notes. Sleep on it. Imagine your child in each space. Where can you picture them happy, challenged, and cared for?
Choosing a preschool isn’t just about academic preparation—it’s about finding a place where your child will feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. It’s about finding educators who will become partners in your child’s development and a community where your family belongs.
Take your time with this decision. The right fit is out there, and it’s worth the effort to find it.