Visit any early learning center or child care with the right questions in your pocket.
Child Care Compass pairs a plain-English guide to every major early childhood curriculum — Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, HighScope and more — with a guided visit checklist that adapts to each program's philosophy.
Little Cedars Preschool
Score 22/26Visited Tue · Brooklyn, NY
Why parents pay for it
"I walked in to three visits feeling lost. I left each one with notes I could actually compare."
— Maya, parent of a 14-month-old
The checklist
Eight areas. One calm visit.
Grouped the way you'll actually observe a program — from the parking lot to the nap room.
Licensing & Credentialing
Verify the program meets professional and regulatory standards.
5 questions
Parental Engagement
How welcomed and informed will you be as a parent?
3 questions
Language, Accessibility & Diversity
Look for warmth, inclusion, and respect for every family.
6 questions
Class Size
Small groups and a primary caregiver matter most.
2 questions
Schedules
Honoring each child's rhythms vs. rigid routines.
3 questions
Pedagogy & Practice
Observe how teachers interact, guide, and grow together.
8 questions
Environment & Safety
Trust your gut — and check the details.
4 questions
Special Needs & Accommodations
If your child has special needs or a disability.
6 questions
One-time
$19
Lifetime access. Unlimited programs. Yours forever — long after your child starts.
Get Child Care Compass- All 40+ expert questions across 8 areas
- Save unlimited program evaluations
- Per-question notes you can take on the spot
- Side-by-side scoring to compare visits
- Works offline — data lives on your device
- Free updates as the checklist evolves