Choosing a preschool is one of the first big decisions you make for your child's education. Here in Modesto, families have many options, and they don't all look alike. This guide walks you through the questions that matter most, so you can compare programs with confidence and find the right fit for your family.
1. Start with your family's schedule
Before you look at curriculum, look at logistics. Ask each program:
- What are your daily hours, and are they the same year-round?
- Do you offer full-day care, or only half-day sessions?
- Is there care for younger or older siblings, so you can make one drop-off?
Working parents often need a program open early and late. At Hazel's, for example, we're open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and we care for children from newborns to 12 years old. That means one trusted place can grow with your family.
2. Look for an academically-oriented, age-appropriate curriculum
Young children learn best through structured play, hands-on activities, and plenty of conversation. A strong preschool program should build:
- Early literacy: letter sounds, phonics, stories, and vocabulary
- Early math: counting, shapes, patterns, and sorting
- Social and emotional skills: sharing, taking turns, and naming feelings
- Kindergarten readiness: following routines, listening, and independence
Ask to see a sample daily schedule. A good one balances guided learning, free play, outdoor time, meals, and rest.
3. Ask about teachers and class ratios
Caring teachers are the heart of any preschool. When you visit, notice how teachers speak to children. Do they get down to eye level? Do they stay calm and warm? Ask about:
- Teacher training and experience
- How many children are in each room, and how many adults
- How long teachers have been with the program
Lower teacher-to-child ratios mean more individual attention, which matters a lot for infants and toddlers.
4. Make safety a non-negotiable
You should feel completely at ease when you leave your child each morning. Questions worth asking:
- How is the building secured, and who can pick up my child?
- How do you handle allergies, medications, and illness?
- What is your emergency plan?
- Are play areas fenced and checked regularly?
California child care programs must be licensed by the state. You can look up any licensed facility through the California Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing search tool.
5. Consider values and community
Many families want a program that reflects what they teach at home: kindness, respect, and responsibility. If faith matters to your family, a Christian preschool can reinforce those values every day. Hazel's offers a Christian, values-based environment and welcomes families of every background.
6. Think about location
A preschool close to home or work makes daily life easier. Hazel's has three Modesto locations:
- 133 E Roseburg Avenue, Modesto, CA 95350
- 920 Ila Way, Modesto, CA 95354
- 1528 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355
7. Always take a tour
A website can only tell you so much. Visiting shows you how a program really feels. Plan to tour at least two or three preschools, bring your list of questions, and if you can, bring your child so you can see how they respond.
A quick checklist for your visits
- Hours and calendar fit our family
- Curriculum builds early reading, math, and social skills
- Teachers are warm, attentive, and experienced
- Rooms are clean, bright, and organized
- Safety and pick-up procedures are clear
- The program's values match ours
- My child seemed comfortable
Come see Hazel's for yourself
We'd love to show you our classrooms and answer your questions. Call us at (209) 521-4422 or check availability and request a tour online.