Ok. It's time. John and I have to start looking at kindergartens. I need help putting together a good list of questions. Please add on. And yes, I know, this list is a little out of control. Here's what I have so far:

Describe a typical day.

What is your educational philosophy? Can you give me some research that your philosophy is based on?

What is your teacher/student ratio?

How do you integrate art, music, theater, and dance?

How often do you read to the kids? Can I see some of the books you read?

How do you teach reading, writing, math, history, concern for others, concern for the environment, and health?

How do you define bullying?
What is your policy on bullying?
What do you do to prevent bullying?
What do you do when you see bullying?
Can you give me some concrete examples illustrating this?

How do you define diversity?
How do you support diversity?
What is the diversity of your student body?

I'm concerned about spraying and cleaning supplies. What do you use?

Do you have a dress-up box? a play kitchen? baby dolls?

Do you have a quiet place for kids to go with pillows or a couch?

What forms of discipline do you use?

What do you do when a child has a temper tantrum?

Do you hug the children, hold their hands, and in general touch them?

How often do you do field trips?

How often do you cook in class?

What do children have choices about? In what ways is the class a democracy?

What do children not have choices about?

Do you have a "you can't say you can't play" rule?

What are the classroom rules?

Who sets the curriculum?

What professional development is offered to the teachers?

Are you unionized?

What is the teacher's experience and professional background?

How much does the school cost?

What transportation is available?

Do you have multi-age classrooms?

How do you support children who are academically advanced?

In what ways do you communicate with parents?

Are parents allowed to visit the classroom at anytime?

Will my daughter be happy here?