Choosing a Preschool in Huntington Beach: 10 Questions to Ask on Your Tour
Choosing a preschool is a big decision. You want to find a place where your child feels comfortable, builds confidence, and has opportunities to learn and grow. But when you're visiting different schools, it can be difficult to know what questions to ask or what to look for beyond the classroom itself.
A preschool tour is an opportunity to get a better understanding of what your child's everyday experience might look like. From the daily schedule to how teachers support learning and independence, here are 10 questions to consider when touring preschools in Huntington Beach.
1. What will my child’s day look like?
Ask about a typical day in the classroom. How much time do children have to explore, work independently, participate in group activities, and play outdoors? A daily schedule can help you understand how the school balances learning, movement, and rest.
At MCDC, our preschool day includes circle time, small-group lessons, and individual work across Practical Life, Language, Math, Sensorial, and Cultural Arts. Children also have time for lunch and outdoor play. Each part of the day offers opportunities to develop new skills, build relationships, and practice independence.
2. How do teachers support each child’s learning?
Children develop at different rates, and a lesson that interests one child may not be right for another just yet. Ask how teachers recognize what a child is ready to learn and how they support children who need more time or an additional challenge.
In our Montessori classrooms, teachers observe children closely and introduce lessons based on their individual development and interests. Lessons may be presented one-on-one or in small groups, allowing children to practice new skills at their own pace while continuing to make progress.
3. Are the classrooms grouped by age?
Some preschools separate children by age, while authentic Montessori classrooms typically include a range of ages within the same environment.
At MCDC, our Primary classroom serves children ages three to six. Younger children have opportunities to observe and learn from their older classmates, while older children strengthen their understanding and confidence as they model familiar routines and help others. Over time, children become part of a classroom community where everyone has something to learn and something to contribute.
You can read more about this approach in our blog, Why Are Montessori Classrooms Mixed-Age?
4. What are the school hours, and is before- or after-school care available?
A program may be a great fit educationally, but its schedule also needs to work for your family. Ask about the regular school day, available care outside those hours, and whether part-time enrollment is an option.
At MCDC, our Montessori school day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with daycare available from 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Primary students can attend half days, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or full days, with two-, three-, and five-day schedules available.
5. What if my child isn’t potty trained yet?
Potty training is a process, and children don't all reach readiness at the same age. Before enrolling, ask about the school's policy and how teachers work with families during this transition.
Our Toddler program serves children ages 18 months to three years. When children begin showing signs of readiness, we support their potty-training progress and work with families to help maintain consistent routines between home and school.
6. Is the school accredited or licensed?
Licensing and accreditation serve different purposes, so it's helpful to ask about both. Licensing establishes requirements for operating a child care program, while accreditation involves an additional review against an organization's standards.
MCDC is a California-licensed child development center and is accredited by the International Association of Progressive Montessori (IAPM), which reviews our program annually. When visiting any preschool, ask what oversight applies to the program and what those standards mean for your child's experience.
7. What does tuition include?
Tuition can look different from one preschool to another. Ask for a breakdown of what's included in the monthly rate and whether there are additional fees for activities, supplies, meals, or extended care.
At MCDC, weekly Music and Movement classes are included in tuition, and guest speakers visit throughout the year to introduce children to different careers and experiences. Optional enrichment classes, such as Soccer Shots and dance, have separate fees. You can find our current tuition information on the Admissions page.
8. Are there financial assistance options?
If tuition is a concern, it's worth asking whether the school accepts child care subsidies or participates in other assistance programs. Eligibility and availability can vary, so the school office may be able to help you understand your options.
MCDC participates in the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) child care subsidy program. Our office can help families learn more about the application process and where to find additional information.
9. What comes after preschool?
Preschool is an important stage, but it's also helpful to consider what comes next. Ask whether the school offers kindergarten or elementary education and how children are supported as they move into a new classroom or program.
At MCDC, children can continue from our Toddler program through Primary, including the Kindergarten year, and into Elementary through fifth grade. Familiar routines, relationships, and a consistent educational approach can help make these transitions more comfortable as children grow and their needs change.
10. How does the school communicate with families?
A child's experience at school is only one part of their development. Communication between teachers and families helps everyone understand how the child is doing, celebrate progress, and work through concerns together.
Ask how teachers share updates, how parent-teacher conferences are handled, and whom you should contact if a question comes up. You should feel comfortable reaching out and confident that your child's needs will be taken seriously.
What else should you look for during a preschool tour?
The answers to your questions are important, but take some time to observe the classroom, too.
Notice whether children have opportunities to choose activities, access materials, and practice doing things independently. Watch how teachers interact with children and how they respond when a child needs help. Consider whether the environment feels welcoming and whether the daily routines seem appropriate for the children's ages.
You don't need to understand every part of a school's educational philosophy during one visit. The goal is to leave with a clearer picture of what your child's days might look like and whether the environment feels right for your family.
Visit MCDC in Huntington Beach
Finding the right preschool takes time, and visiting in person can help you understand what makes each program different. At Montessori Child Development Center, we'd be happy to introduce you to our classrooms, explain our Montessori approach, and answer your questions about enrollment.
If you're exploring Montessori preschools in Huntington Beach, we invite you to learn more about MCDC or contact our office to schedule a tour.