The Preschool Tour Checklist (Free PDF)

Download the free PDF

What this free download is

The Preschool Tour Checklist is a printable PDF for parents and guardians. It gives you one place to write down what you see, what you hear, and what questions you still have.

It is made for real tours. That means it covers the things families usually want to check, like the program's state license, teacher-child ratios, daily routine, safety steps, cost, hours, and how staff talk with children and families.

You can use it for one program or for several. Many families visit two or three places and later forget which one had longer hours, outdoor play, or extra fees. This checklist helps you keep the details clear.

What’s inside the checklist

The PDF is organized so you can move through a visit step by step. There is space to check boxes, circle details, and write notes in your own words.

Inside, you will find sections for license and basic facts, classroom setup, safety, staff, routine, meals, potty help, nap time, communication, and tuition. It also includes room to note what feels right for your family, like language support, teaching style, and whether the environment feels calm and welcoming.

The checklist also reminds you to verify key information yourself. For example, ask for the program's license number and confirm it with the state. If you want help with that part, read how to check a preschool license and understanding teacher-child ratios.

• License and license number
• Teacher-child ratio and group size
• Daily schedule, play time, naps, and meals
• Safety steps for drop-off, pick-up, and emergencies
• Tuition, fees, hours, and waitlist notes

How to use it on a tour or at home

If you are touring in person, bring the printed PDF on a clipboard or keep it open on your phone. As you walk around, write short notes like "warm teacher," "small playground," or "extra fee for lunch." Small notes help a lot later.

If you cannot tour right away, you can still use the checklist at home while you call or email programs. Ask the same questions and fill in what you learn. Then bring the sheet with you if you later visit in person.

A simple way to use it is:
1. Before the tour, mark your must-haves, like location, hours, or home-language support.
2. During the tour, write only the key facts and what you notice.
3. After the tour, review your notes the same day while the visit is still fresh.

If you are comparing different types of programs, these pages may help too: preschool vs. daycare, bilingual preschool, and play-based preschool.

Why this checklist helps

Tours can feel fast. Staff may use words that are new to you, and every place may start to sound the same. A checklist gives you structure. You do not need to remember everything in the moment.

It also helps you ask better questions. For example, instead of only asking "Is it safe?" you can ask concrete questions like who can pick up your child, how they handle medicine, where children nap, or what happens if a teacher is absent. If you want ideas, see questions to ask on a tour and how to choose a preschool.

Most important, the checklist helps you compare programs fairly. One classroom may look beautiful but have a schedule that does not fit your work hours. Another may be simpler but offer the language support your family wants. This tool helps you see the full picture.

Free to download on this page

The PDF is free. You can download it on this page and use it as many times as you need.

Cubby Road is a free service that helps families get matched with preschools, daycares, and early-childhood programs. We do not run these programs, and we cannot promise admission or a spot. It depends on each program's availability, requirements, and waitlist.

Before you choose a program, visit in person if you can, ask questions, and verify the state license yourself. If you want help finding options that fit your family, you can get matched, free or learn how it works.