How to Choose a Preschool

Use our online Find a Preschool tool to check out the location, description, hours of operation, contact information and quality rating of our preschool partners.

Schedule a visit with your child so you can see how your child feels in the preschool and how staff relates to your child.

You can also download a copy of this Preschool Visit checklist above as a PDF to print and take with you.

Observe

• Remember, first impressions matter. When you walk into the preschool with your child is your first impression positive? Watch your child’s response. Did adults acknowledge your child or just focus on other adults?
• Observe how teachers interact with children. Are they at children’s eye level when they talk to them? Do they appear responsive to individual children by listening closely, asking questions and using positive language?
• It is important that your child’s classroom has a variety of age-appropriate learning materials, toys and equipment. Are there places for quiet time and an area for dramatic play?
• Does the classroom seem clean and safe with enough adults to supervise children?

Ask Questions

• What is the school’s philosophy about how children learn?
• What is the school’s approach to children’s behavior and discipline?
• How do activities promote social-emotional and intellectual growth and stimulate creativity?
• Is there space and materials to promote a wide range of developmental activities from holding a pencil or cup to running and jumping?
• Walk around the room and ask the teacher what the child is learning from different activity centers.
• Since no two children are at the same stage of development, how does the teacher support individual children in their learning?
• Do children have their own place to keep their special things?
• What is the daily schedule? Does the preschool offer activities your child would like to participate in and is there time for your child to explore?
• How does the school communicate with families and how often?
• Can you visit the classroom at any time?
• Ask to talk to parents who have a child in the school.

Determine if you want to participate in Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK). If so, apply at https://upk.colorado.gov/.

Accept your Colorado UPK match and enroll at your matched preschool. If you choose not to participate in Colorado UPK, you can enroll at your preschool if there’s an opening.

Get help with tuition costs by applying for DPP tuition credits. Once enrolled in one of DPP’s preschool partner’s programs, all Denver families can sign up for tuition support with Denver Preschool Program.

If you have questions, call us at 303-595-4DPP (4377) or email info@dpp.org to learn more.