Are preschools licensed?
Because preschools are classified as daycare centers rather than educational institutions, they have to meet the same licensing requirements daycares do. In other words, don’t go to the Department of Education for information on preschools. Of course, a license is no guarantee of quality; what it shows is that a facility has met the minimum health, safety, and teacher training standards set by the state. In some states, having a license means only that a preschool has registered as a business; in others, it means a preschool has passed stringent regulations with flying colors. In any case, ask to see the preschool’s license when you visit to make sure it’s at least up to date, and check to see what it takes to get one in your state. You can check a preschool’s license by calling your state or county social services department. Accreditation may be a more telling sign that you’ve found a good preschool. Look for one that has passed the tough accreditation process required by the Nationa
