I am anxious for some replies to this question!  My daughter is starting preschool this Fall and I would love any insight as to what to ask, what to look for, etc.

Thanks.

When I visited B's preschool, I looked for how the room was organized and what types of learning manipulatives and toys they had. Was there a section for reading? Pretend play? Was there a schedule for the day? I asked questions regarding safety procedures, preschool's philosophy, what they do if ___ (mine was child cries or if they have to go to the bathroom during recess lol).

In elementary school (I taught 4th and 5th grade) the teacher usually has a lot of info to share with you during those meet the teacher nights. I'd make sure to figure out the way that is best to communicate to him/her (email, handwritten note, phone call) and what materials your child needs to be ready for school. Once school gets started you will get a better idea of things and can make a list of things you want to talk to the teacher about at conferences or by phone/email.

Does that make sense or help at all?

I would look at how the teacher interact with my child. (warm and fuzzy or more stoic) Also class rules, how they interact with you, the schedule (Is there free play or just structure?),a helper chart (Do children get to take ownership of their room?), and an area to display children's work.

oooh i like those ideas jdaniel4's mom!

I teach 3rd grade and it's interesting to hear the parent's perspective on this!  I know I always try to have each kid's name on something in the room (desk and/or cubby) so when they first walk in by themselves, they know exactly where to go and what to do.  It always seems to ease the first-day anxiety!

I taught third grade too along with second and was a technology resource teacher.

As far as first impressions go, i think teachers need to be personable and come across as being organized and "having a plan."  Maddie has her first day today, and when I went to orientation, they didn't have a folder ready for me.  Initially I assumed it was because I signed her up just 2 days before, but then I saw another parent go ask the assistant director about her son because he didn't have a folder with his name, either.

LIZ!!!! Her first day?!! Congrats mama! How did she/you do? :)

HUGS!!!