December 8, 2025
The LSP Difference: What Exceptional Preschool Programs Do Differently
Choosing the right preschool program is one of the biggest decisions parents make during the early years of their child’s life. This first school experience helps shape how a child views learning, friendships, and even their sense of independence. And with so many types of preschool programs available, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the options.
While there are many loving childcare environments out there, not every preschool offers the same level of quality, structure, and intentionality. To help guide your search, here are five essential areas to pay attention to and how high-quality programs stand out in each one.
1. Look Out for Staff Without Specialized Training
One concern to look out for is staff who lack proper training in early childhood education. Teaching little ones isn’t just about reading books or leading craft time. It requires understanding child development, emotional regulation, and positive guidance strategies.
✅ What to look for instead: The LSP Difference
Ask about teacher credentials, years of experience, and professional development opportunities. A high-quality preschool values its teachers and invests in their growth. Staff should be educated in early childhood education, CPR-certified, and supported through ongoing training.
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, our educators are not only certified and experienced but also deeply passionate about helping children thrive. Each of our teachers maintains a developmental checklist that allows them to track every child’s growth and milestones: socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. These checklists help parents stay informed about their child’s progress and provide valuable insight into emerging strengths and needs.
Because our teachers are specially trained to recognize these small but meaningful milestones, they can adapt their teaching strategies to meet each child’s unique learning style. This individualized approach ensures every child receives consistent, loving care and the support they need to shine in their own way.
(Meet our Program Director in Rogers, AR, Ms. Heather! She hosted a Picnic and Paint team builder at her school, a perfect example of how our teachers become like family, not only to each other, but to their students as well!)
2. Look Out for Limited Communication with Families
When exploring how to choose a preschool, pay close attention to how the school communicates. A lack of communication between parents and teachers can quickly become a problem. Families should never feel out of the loop about their child’s progress, classroom activities, or any behavioral concerns.
If the school doesn’t offer daily updates, periodic conferences, or ways to connect with teachers, it might signal a lack of transparency or organization.
✅ What to look for instead: The LSP Difference
The best programs treat parents as partners in their child’s learning journey. Look for preschools that offer consistent updates, whether through an app, email, or face-to-face communication.
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, we know how important it is for parents to feel connected. That’s why we developed our LuvNotes® communication app, which gives families daily updates, photos, and insights into their child’s day. We also host parent-teacher conferences where families meet with members of our Little Sunshine’s team to discuss their child’s progress, celebrate accomplishments, and share artwork that highlights developmental growth. These meetings give parents and teachers the chance to collaborate on strategies that support each child’s goals at home and in the classroom.
It’s all part of our commitment to transparent, family-centered care that keeps parents informed and children supported every step of the way.
(This photo of one of our adorable students was captured by a teacher in Mt. Juliet, TN!)
3. Look Out for Lack of Cleanliness or Safety Protocols
A clean and secure environment is non-negotiable. When visiting a preschool program, take note of hygiene practices, classroom organization, and how safety measures are enforced. If the space looks cluttered, dirty, or unsafe, it’s a serious concern.
Pay attention to details like how often toys are sanitized, whether children wash hands before eating, and how securely doors and gates are locked. Ask about emergency procedures, food handling, and allergy policies.
✅ What to look for instead: The LSP Difference
A safe preschool should follow clear health and safety guidelines, with visible cleaning routines and secure entry systems. Teachers should supervise children at all times, and classrooms should be arranged in a way that promotes both safety and independence.
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, safety and cleanliness are at the heart of everything we do. From our secure check-in procedures to chef-prepared, allergen-conscious meals and daily sanitation practices, we go above and beyond to maintain a healthy, welcoming space for children to learn and play.
4. Look Out for No Clear Learning Philosophy or Curriculum
Every preschool should have a well-defined educational approach. If the school can’t explain how children learn through their program—or worse, if the curriculum feels more like babysitting than early education—that’s a red flag.
Children learn best through play, exploration, and real-world experiences. A strong preschool program encourages curiosity and creativity while helping children develop essential skills like problem-solving, communication, and cooperation.
✅ What to look for instead: The LSP Difference
When considering how to choose a preschool, ask what curriculum they follow and how it supports children’s growth across developmental areas.
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, our proprietary Creatively Shine® curriculum is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on learning, exploration, and child-led discovery. This approach allows children to be active participants in their own learning, fostering confidence, independence, and joy.
5. Look Out for A Negative or Unwelcoming Atmosphere
Your instincts as a parent matter. From the moment you walk into a preschool, you should feel warmth, positivity, and genuine care. If you sense tension among staff, see disengaged teachers, or notice children looking unhappy or unengaged, it’s worth paying attention to those feelings.
Children thrive in environments filled with kindness, patience, and encouragement. A negative or chaotic atmosphere can impact their emotional development and make them hesitant to explore or connect.
✅ What to look for instead: The LSP Difference
Observe how teachers speak to children and to each other. Do they kneel to children’s level? Do they listen with empathy? The best programs foster an atmosphere where every child feels seen, safe, and valued.
Families often tell us they can feel the warmth the moment they walk into a Little Sunshine’s Playhouse. From cheerful greetings during red-carpet drop-off to teachers who know every child by name, our schools are built around a culture of kindness, community, and genuine care.
Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Family
Deciding how to choose a preschool isn’t just about convenience or cost. It’s about finding a place where your child will be loved, supported, and inspired to learn.
Here are a few extra tips to guide your search:
- Visit in person. Seeing classrooms in action helps you understand how teachers interact with children. Find a Little Sunshine’s near you to schedule a private tour today!
- Ask questions. Inquire about teacher qualifications, class sizes, curriculum, and communication methods.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, explore other options.
- Look for alignment with your values. A great preschool program will share your priorities for your child’s development, whether that’s creativity, kindness, independence, or confidence.
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse, we believe early education should be joyful, intentional, and rooted in relationships. Our programs are designed to nurture the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—so each child can shine bright.
If you’re exploring how to choose a preschool that feels like a true extension of your family, we’d love to meet you. Schedule a tour at your nearest Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and experience the difference for yourself.
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