How to Choose a Preschool Program in Lombard, IL: A 2026 Parent Checklist

Choosing the right preschool program in Lombard, IL, is one of the most important decisions a parent will make in their child's early years, and this checklist can help you make it with confidence.

Lombard families have access to a range of early childhood options, from public pre-K through DuPage County to private Montessori-style programs. Not every school is the right fit for every child. Knowing what to look for before you tour can save you time and stress.

What Should You Look for in a Preschool Curriculum?

A strong curriculum goes far beyond ABCs and finger painting. Look for a program that supports the whole child: social skills, self-regulation, language, and motor development. Montessori-based classrooms, for example, prioritize hands-on learning and let children move through materials at their own pace. This kind of self-directed approach can build confidence and a genuine love of learning early on.

Ask to see a sample daily schedule. A well-rounded day typically includes both structured and free-choice time, outdoor play, and opportunities for creative expression. If a school cannot explain its curriculum philosophy clearly, that is worth noting.

Key Curriculum Questions to Ask on Your Tour

• Does the program follow a recognized educational philosophy, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or play-based learning?
• How are lessons planned, and how are individual children's interests incorporated?
• Is Spanish, music, movement, or another enrichment built into the weekly schedule?
• How does the school communicate a child's progress to families?

What Are Illinois Licensing and Safety Requirements for Preschools?

Illinois DCFS licensing sets the legal floor for health and safety. Licensed child care centers must meet Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) standards for health and safety, including child-to-staff ratios and required space per child. State representatives make annual unannounced visits to all licensed child care programs to ensure they maintain those standards.

When you tour, ask to see the current DCFS license displayed at the facility. The current license is required to be displayed at the facility at all times. You can also check a program's compliance history through the Illinois Sunshine website before you visit.

Illinois Teacher Qualification Standards

Teacher credentials matter. Illinois DCFS has adopted updates to its standards for director and teacher qualifications, and Montessori credentials can count toward certain requirements if issued by MACTE-accredited programs or AMS/AMI. Ask about each teacher's education background and how long they have worked with preschool-age children. Experienced, credentialed staff make a meaningful difference in classroom quality.

Illinois requires a layered background check for staff, including state police criminal history, DCFS State Central Register, fingerprint-based national history, and sex offender registry checks. You may ask any school how they handle this process for new hires.

Classroom Ratios and Group Size

Ratios determine how much individual attention your child will receive every day. For private preschool programs licensed by Illinois DCFS, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children ages three to five is 1:12, with a maximum group size of 24. Smaller ratios than the state minimum often signal a school that prioritizes quality over capacity.

During your tour, observe how teachers interact with children. Are they engaged and on the floor with the kids, or managing from a distance? A calm, attentive classroom is a good sign regardless of what the ratio sheet says.

Schedule Flexibility and Year-Round Availability

Lombard parents often need more than a part-time morning program. Look for a preschool that offers both half-day and full-day options so your schedule can evolve as your family's needs change. Year-round enrollment can also be a major advantage, especially if you work full-time or need consistent care through the summer months.

Ask about drop-off and pick-up flexibility, what happens on school closure days, and whether the program offers extended care hours.

Questions to Ask During Every School Tour

Visiting in person is the only way to get a real feel for a school. Come prepared with a short list of questions and trust your instincts once you are inside.

• Is the current DCFS license posted and visible?
• What is the actual classroom ratio today, not just on paper?
• How do teachers handle challenging behavior, and what is the school's discipline policy?
• Are enrichment activities such as Spanish, yoga, or physical education included?
• What does a typical day look like from arrival to pickup?
• How does the school involve parents in their child's learning?

Pay attention to how the staff interacts with visiting families. A school that is welcoming and transparent during a tour is likely to be the same way once your child is enrolled.

Schedule a Tour and Start Your Search in Lombard, IL

Finding the right preschool program in Lombard, IL, takes time, but this checklist gives you a clear starting point. Visit more than one school before you decide. Bring your child if you can, and watch how they respond to the space and the teachers.

Creative Montessori Learning Center has been serving Lombard families from its location at 550 S. Edgewood Ave. since 1979, offering a true Montessori preschool program with half-day, extended-day, and full-day options, plus enrichment in Spanish, dance, yoga, movement, and swimming. To learn more about the preschool program, or to review program schedules and registration details, visit the website. You can also call (630) 620-5505 to schedule a tour, or find the center and read family reviews on Creative Montessori Learning Center via Google.