7 THINGS PARENTS SHOULD LOOK FOR – AND THE QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING OUT LOUD
Choosing a preschool is one of the first big decisions you’ll make for your child. The options in the Montclair, Bloomfield, and Glen Ridge area are plentiful — which is a good thing, but it can also feel overwhelming… Here are 7 criteria that actually matter, beyond the brochure.
Question #1 – Is the school licensed by the state of New Jersey?
This is your non-negotiable starting point. A preschool or daycare licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families has met specific safety, staffing, and facility standards. It’s not a guarantee of quality, but it is a baseline of accountability. Always ask — and verify.
AT LEONARDO
We are a fully licensed preschool and childcare center under the New Jersey Department of Children and Families since our opening in 2024. Our license is current and on display at our Bloomfield location.
Question #2 – Who are the educators, and what is their training?
Credentials matter in early childhood education. Look for certified preschool teachers and certified early childhood professionals — not just childcare workers. CPR and First Aid certification for all staff is also something to ask about specifically. In an emergency, it makes all the difference.
AT LEONARDO
Our team is made up of certified preschool teachers and certified early childhood professionals. Every educator on staff is CPR and First Aid certified. Beyond credentials, our teachers are genuinely warm and experienced – Miss Miki, Miss Camille, Miss T., and Miss M. are the ones tying shoes, wiping tears, celebrating tiny victories, and turning everyday moments into learning adventures for your little ones!
Question #3 – What is the philosophy behind the curriculum?
Some preschools are academic-focused. Others are purely play-based. The strongest programs integrate both — using hands-on discovery and play as the vehicle for early literacy, math, science, and social skills. Ask how a typical day is structured, and whether children have time to lead their own learning.
AT LEONARDO
Our curriculum is built around five core pillars: STEAM exploration through hands-on discovery, World Languages (Spanish, French, and Mandarin), Music & Movement, Cooking Up Creativity, and Outdoor Education. Learning is never siloed — these pillars overlap intentionally, so children absorb concepts through doing, not just listening.
Question #4 – Does the environment feel safe and nurturing?
Trust your instincts on a visit. Are children calm and engaged — or chaotic and unsupervised? Do teachers get down to the children’s level? Is the space clean, organized, and stimulating? A safe and nurturing learning environment shows in the details, not just the marketing materials.
AT LEONARDO
We are a warm, non-denominational school that welcomes children and families from all backgrounds. Our environment is intentionally designed to make children feel secure enough to explore, ask questions, and take the small risks that lead to big learning moments. We invite you to come and see it for yourself!
Question #5 – What enrichment is included in the program?
Not all preschools offer the same depth of programming. Look beyond the basics — are there arts, music, language exposure, outdoor education, or STEAM activities woven into the curriculum? Enrichment at this age isn’t a luxury; it’s how young children build neural pathways that support learning for life.
AT LEONARDO
Enrichment isn’t an add-on for us — it’s the foundation. Every child at Leonardo is exposed daily to STEAM exploration, world languages, music, creative cooking, and outdoor play. These are not separate classes or occasional specials; they are part of how every day is structured.
Question #6 – Does the schedule work for your family?
Extended care hours, flexible pick-up options, and a clear calendar of closures matter more than most parents realize — until they’re scrambling. A child care center that offers extended hours (say, 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM) and a consistent schedule gives working parents real peace of mind.
AT LEONARDO
We offer extended care from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, designed to support working families. We welcome new families throughout the year, and enrollment for 2026 is currently open.
Question #7 – Does it feel like the right fit?
After all the checklists, this one is still the most important. Your child will spend a significant part of their week in this place, with these people. Does the director take time to answer your questions? Do the teachers seem genuinely warm? Does your child seem at ease during the visit? No rating system replaces that feeling.
AT LEONARDO
We believe a visit tells you more than any brochure can. We’d love to welcome you to 57 Park Street in Bloomfield, show you our classrooms, introduce you to our team, and answer every question you have — no pressure, no rush.
If you’re currently exploring licensed preschools in Bloomfield, Montclair, or Glen Ridge, we’d love to be on your list 🌟 Schedule a visit and see our classrooms, meet our team, and ask us anything!
About Leonardo da Vinci International Academy
We are a warm, non-denominational licensed preschool and childcare center in Bloomfield, NJ, welcoming children ages 2.5 through Kindergarten and serving families in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Montclair. Our school is a New Jersey Department of Children and Families licensed preschool and daycare, led by certified early childhood professionals in a safe and nurturing learning environment. We offer preschool, extended care from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and enrichment programs built on our core pillars: Music & Movement, World Languages, STEAM exploration, Cooking Up Creativity, and Outdoor Education.