What the Rating Categories Mean

In each of the categories, 5 is the highest rating and 1 is the lowest rating. If you don't have enough information to make a decision, click the "don't know" button.

Here are some guidelines to help you make a selection in each category:

Overall rating

Make a judgment about the overall quality of the preschool. You don't need to go strictly by the numbers you give the school in each category, and you can also consider other factors, such as the level of student learning and the physical condition of the school. Select a rating that reflects your bottom-line evaluation of how the preschool is meeting the needs of your child and how it is serving the community.

Program and curriculum

In a high-quality program children are given opportunities to learn and develop through exploration and play. The curriculum promotes literacy and language development, and pre-math skills. Materials are provided that spark children's interest and encourage them to learn. There are hands-on activities to improve children's problem-solving skills, language skills, social skills, curiosity and creativity. The program focuses on the child's physical, intellectual, social and emotional development.

Facilities and equipment

Take a look at the environment of the preschool. The environment should be clean, neat, organized and inviting to children. There should be ample space for children to move about. There should be different areas set up in the classroom such as a water table, playhouse, storage cabinets and children's cubbies. Toys and learning materials are age appropriate. The outside area is large enough for children to run, jump and play. There should be a variety of climbing structures, balls and toys.

Health and safety

Assess the overall health and safety of the preschool. There should be enough preschool teachers in the room and on the playground to provide for necessary supervision. At a high-quality preschool, the playground equipment meets safety codes. The children are taught how and when to wash their hands. There are policies for when children get sick and procedures on who can pick up a child. There are fire drills and clear procedures in case there is an emergency. If food is served, it is nutritious. Tables are sanitized before meals. Local and state licenses are current and posted. Staff is trained in first aid, and all accidents are recorded and communicated to parents. Schools that pay attention to safety do not provide easy access to strangers.

Teacher quality

Consider the overall quality of the teaching staff. Good preschool teachers foster the intellectual and social development of each child. They help each child adjust to the preschool setting and get along with each other. They express fairness, warmth, patience, sensitivity and kindness. They welcome parents as visitors and participants and communicate regularly with parents in an open and clear manner. They work well with each other to meet the needs of each child. There should be enough teachers in the room to provide the necessary attention. The teachers should be trained in early childhood education.

Parent involvement

Evaluate the quantity and quality of parent involvement at the preschool. In a highly rated school, parents play important leadership roles. Parents are welcomed as volunteers and are encouraged to observe and interact in the classroom. There is a recognition and respect of families. Information is communicated regularly concerning what goes on in the classroom and how parents can be active partners in their child's education. Expectations and activities are provided to families such as regular newsletters and lists of age-appropriate books for home.

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