Preschool Safety Checklist for Your Tour
By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-10
A safe preschool controls who can pick up your child, keeps staff CPR-trained and background-checked, has clear allergy, medication, and emergency plans, and maintains a clean, childproofed space. Use this checklist on every tour — most items you can see or simply ask about.
Security & pickup
- Controlled building access and a sign-in/sign-out system.
- An authorized-pickup list and ID checks for anyone unfamiliar.
Staff
- Background-checked staff and pediatric CPR/first-aid training.
- Enough adults for the room — see ratios.
Health & allergies
- Written allergy and medication procedures and safe storage of any meds.
- A clear sick policy and good hand-washing/sanitation routines.
Emergencies
- Written emergency and evacuation plans and regular drills.
- Safe sleep practices for the youngest children.
Environment
- Clean, childproofed rooms; safe playground; secure, hazard-free spaces.
Pair this with checking the license, the signs of a good preschool, and our tour questions.
This is a general guide, not a substitute for your state’s licensing requirements or professional advice. Specific rules vary by state and program — confirm details with each school and your state’s child care licensing agency.
Frequently asked questions
What should I check for safety at a preschool?
Secure entry and a strict pickup/authorization process, sign-in/out, background-checked staff trained in CPR and first aid, clear allergy and medication procedures, written emergency and evacuation plans, safe sleep practices, and a clean, childproofed space.
How do preschools keep children safe at pickup?
Good programs control building access, keep an authorized-pickup list, ask for ID for anyone unfamiliar, and use a sign-in/sign-out system so a child is only released to approved adults.
Should preschool staff be CPR and first-aid trained?
Yes — staff trained in pediatric CPR and first aid is a basic safety expectation, and many states require it. Ask how many staff are certified and whether someone trained is always present.
How should a preschool handle food allergies?
Ask for a written allergy policy: how allergies are documented and communicated, whether the classroom is allergen-aware, how medications (like epinephrine) are stored and administered, and how staff are trained to respond.
Free. Save your shortlist, track tours and deadlines, and compare side by side.
Related guides
Find preschools near you
Browse and compare local programs by approach, cost, and location — then save a shortlist and track tours.