Selecting the right preschool Greeley for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make for their early development. It’s an investment in their future, and finding the perfect environment requires thoughtful research beyond basic tuition costs.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the seven most critical questions, covering safety, curriculum, and staffing, that every parent in Greeley should ask when touring centers. Use these questions to ensure the program you choose provides the foundation your child deserves.

1. Safety and Licensing: Is the Environment Secure and Compliant?

Safety is non-negotiable. While all centers must adhere to state guidelines, understanding the specifics of their security protocols is vital.

The Essential Question to Ask	Why It Matters
“What is your current licensing status and safety record?”	This confirms compliance with Colorado state regulations. You should also ask about emergency procedures (fire, lockdown, weather) and see evidence of secure entries/exits.

ABC East Difference: We maintain strict access control and are fully licensed by the State of Colorado. We encourage parents to view our facility protocols and review our history, which demonstrates our unwavering commitment to a safe learning environment.

2. Curriculum Philosophy: What and How Will My Child Learn?

Knowing what a program teaches is important, but knowing how they teach it is crucial. The teaching philosophy deeply impacts your child’s engagement and long-term development.

• The Essential Question to Ask: “What is your core curriculum philosophy (e.g., play-based, academic, STEM)? How does it prepare children for kindergarten?”
• Why It Matters: High-quality educational programs for children Greeley should align with developmentally appropriate practices (DAP), often emphasizing play as the primary vehicle for learning. Play is how children build essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Pro Tip: Look for evidence of a balanced approach. While academic readiness (letters, numbers) is important, social-emotional learning and problem-solving skills are arguably more predictive of long-term success. Our programs integrate structured lessons with plenty of hands-on, exploratory play.

3. Teacher Credentials: Who is Guiding My Child’s Development?

The quality of the teaching staff directly impacts the quality of the program. Teachers should be knowledgeable, experienced, and passionate about early childhood education.

• The Essential Question to Ask: “What training and certifications do your lead teachers hold, and what is your ongoing professional development schedule?”
• Why It Matters: Teachers with degrees or extensive training in Early Childhood Education (ECE) are best equipped to handle developmental differences, manage challenging behaviors constructively, and implement effective curriculum.

At a Glance: We invest heavily in our team. Our teachers are trained in best practices and participate in regular professional development to ensure we utilize the latest, most effective strategies in early learning.

4. Ratios and Group Size: How Much Attention Will My Child Receive?

Low teacher-to-child ratios are critical for safety, personalized attention, and effective learning. This allows teachers to interact meaningfully with each student and manage the group effectively.

• The Essential Question to Ask: “What are your current teacher-to-child ratios for my child’s age group?”
• Why It Matters: While state licensing sets minimums, accredited programs often strive for better-than-minimum ratios. Smaller group sizes mean more one-on-one attention, quicker responses to needs, and richer developmental conversations. (Check out our FAQs for detailed ratio info.)

5. Discipline and Behavior Guidance: How Are Challenges Managed?

Understanding the center’s approach to behavior is essential for ensuring consistency between home and school. Avoid centers that rely on time-outs without explanation or punitive measures.

• The Essential Question to Ask: “How do your teachers handle conflicts, challenging behaviors, and emotional outbursts?”
• Why It Matters: A research-backed center should use positive guidance techniques. This means viewing misbehavior as a learning opportunity and coaching the child on empathy, emotional regulation, and appropriate communication, rather than focusing on punishment.

6. Parent-Teacher Communication: How Will I Know How My Child is Doing?

Strong communication is the bridge between home and school. You should feel informed, respected, and involved in your child’s daily experience.

• The Essential Question to Ask: “How often will I receive communication about my child’s specific day, and what methods do you use (e.g., daily sheets, apps, conferences)?”
• Why It Matters: Daily updates reassure parents and give you conversation starters for when your child gets home. Look for centers that offer structured parent-teacher conferences to discuss developmental goals.

7. Health and Wellness Policies: How Are Illness and Allergies Managed?

In a group setting, clear and strict health policies are necessary to protect all children and staff.

• The Essential Question to Ask: “What is your specific policy regarding sick children, managing allergies, and administering medication?”
• Why It Matters: Detailed protocols for excluding sick children help limit the spread of illness. If your child has allergies or special dietary needs, ensure the staff is trained to handle and prevent cross-contamination.

We Welcome Your Questions

We believe that every parent deserves clear, thoughtful answers. At ABC East Child Development Center, we take pride in the safe, enriching, and educational community we have created. Please ask us these questions and see firsthand how our commitment to excellence sets us apart.

We welcome your questions. Contact us today to learn what makes ABC East the right fit for your child.