5 Mistakes to Avoid When Touring a Preschool (From a Local Expert)

Touring preschools is one of the best ways to find the right fit for your child. But as parents walk through classrooms, it’s easy to get caught up in surface details and miss the things that matter most.

At Brainy Kids Place, we’ve been guiding Santa Fe families through the enrollment process for over a decade. Here are five common mistakes parents make when touring preschools — and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Focusing Only on the Building

A shiny new facility may look impressive, but the real question is: How do teachers interact with children? Pay attention to the relationships you see, not just the walls and furniture. Children thrive most where teachers are warm, engaged, and connected.

Mistake 2: Not Asking About Ratios and Training

Many parents forget to ask about teacher-to-child ratios and staff qualifications. These numbers matter because lower ratios mean more individual attention, and trained teachers ensure quality learning and safety. At Brainy Kids Place, we often exceed state standards in both.

Mistake 3: Overlooking Safety Procedures

Don’t assume every preschool has the same safety standards. Ask about secure entry, emergency drills, and staff CPR/First Aid certifications. At Brainy Kids Place, every classroom is equipped with a LifeVac device, in addition to strict security policies.

Mistake 4: Forgetting to Ask About Curriculum

A high-quality preschool offers more than babysitting. Be sure to ask how children learn and what curriculum is used. For example, we use the Frog Street Curriculum combined with Conscious Discipline — a balance of academic foundations and social-emotional growth.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Parent Communication

You should never feel out of the loop about your child’s day. Ask how the school communicates with parents. Do they provide daily reports, photos, or updates? At Brainy Kids Place, our real-time parent app ensures families stay connected every step of the way.

Touring With Confidence

The best tours are about more than what you see — they’re about what you ask and how you feel. When you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll leave a tour with the information (and confidence) you need to make the right choice for your family.

We encourage every family to tour, ask questions, and see how our teachers, safety standards, and curriculum set us apart.

Ready to see Brainy Kids Place for yourself? Book a free tour and meet our team.