Check with the licensing or accreditation group in your area and find out if the preschool is accredited and/or licensed. In some areas licensing is the only option for preschools, so research the possibilities. The state Education Department should have this information on their website.

Since most preschools are only half-day programs, is there an option for half day care for you child through the same facility or through a partnering arrangement with a day care. Find out about issues such as transportation if the children are moved to and from the preschool location.

Find out the educational philosophy of the preschool and determine if this meets your expectations and the needs of your child. Does the preschool like kids to learn by doing? Do the teachers spend a lot of time in "traditional " type lessons? How much socialization and interaction time is provided for the kids during the day?