Sourcing a school for you kids, even a preschool, means being particular and asking a lot of questions. Start your search at least several months before you want your kid to start: In some areas, families need to get on wait lists years ahead of time to get a spot at a top preschool.As you search, use the following list as a guide. A good preschool should have:

 

A good reputation

A good preschool should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment and stimulating curriculum. Ask the school for the names and numbers of current parents you could call for a reference, or stop by during afternoon pickup time and approach other parents.
Of course, try not to form a definite opinion about a school until you see it for yourself – disgruntled parents may simply have had a negative experience with the school or a personality conflict with the preschool director. Trust your own first impressions here. Observe the children carefully when you visit: If they don't seem happy to be there, that's probably a signal to look elsewhere.
Bottom line: If you don't hear many good things about a certain school, or if it doesn't feel right when you visit, keep looking.