42 Hawaii Parent NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026 with their peers and their teachers? The first thing I look for when visiting a school for my own family is staff and child interactions. How are they talking? How are they interacting? Am I getting positive or negative feelings as I walk through this school and classroom?” Considering your child’s interests and personality will allow you to envision your child fitting in there and will give you an idea of what to expect in your keiki’s upcoming transition. Never be afraid to ask your teachers and directors how they attend to children exactly like yours or ask how they encourage their individuality in the classroom. Every child is wonderfully unique, and your child’s personality will very much decide how the transition to preschool will go for all of you. TIME TO TAKE A TOUR Once your initial research is completed, you will have a solid list of schools that you want to interview. Schedule your tours, write down a list of general questions, and while touring, bring a notebook and jot down things you notice and feel during your visit as well as any questions that pop up. By writing down teachers’ and directors’ names, current lessons, etc., you’ll be able to remember your impressions and feelings toward each location more clearly and make a better decision later. President Christina Cox recommends, “Always remember to take any information they give you home and read it carefully. There is vital information in the welcome packets—policies and promises that sometimes aren’t noticed until it’s too late. Always read the information completely, as this could sway your decision one way or another. Being informed is the key to making a positive choice for your family. Always keep in mind that this is YOUR interview and not the other way around. You are the employer, and your child is the service being provided for. Always tour your final considerations with your child at least once.” LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION Any school you tour should want you to be as informed as possible. No question is a bad question, and professional educators will be more than willing to help guide your process. Choosing a center that is state-licensed is essential. On this matter, Ms. Cox states, “In Hawaii, all childcare programs are required to be licensed by the state. This means that expectations are kept at a state standard, including everything from safety regulations, staff hiring, and background checks. A licensed facility is held to an expected standard as all schools caring for children should be.” These requirements keep your child safe and make the program accountable not just to you, but to the state as well. Accreditation may indicate that a program has met additional standards related to
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