Tips for Visiting New Programs

(FACTS/LRE grants permission for photocopying of this handout.)

• Make an appointment with the program director or classroom teacher.
• Find out where the program is and where to go when you enter the building.
• Find out the name of the teacher and other staff whose class you will be visiting.
• Stop at the office when you enter the building. Many programs require that all visitors sign a form.
• Have a list of items that are important to see or learn about and a list of questions to ask. Find out if you should direct questions to the teacher or director and when you can talk (for example, before, during, or after your observation).
• Don't be surprised if the teacher or director asks questions about your child and family. They may want to learn about you too. Think about what information you want to share about your child and family.
• Take notes if possible. Don't rely on your memory.

If you visit when the class is in session, it will be helpful to:

• Plan ahead with the teacher for the activities you would like to see (snack, free play, or other activities); find out when those happen and how long you should visit.
• Ask the teacher where you should sit (or stand).
• Ask the teacher how you should react to the children in the class (for example, can you talk to the children or help them if they ask you to do something?).
• Remember that teachers will vary their teaching style across activities, based on the goals of the activities. For example, the teacher may not interact much with some children during free play if her goal is for children to become more independent in playing with peers. On the other hand, the teacher may interact frequently with one child in order to help the child learn to play with certain toys and friends. You may find it helpful to observe more than one activity.
• Remember that the children in this class probably have been in the program for some time--don't assume that the skills and behavior you see when you visit are what will be expected of your child when he or she begins the program.