Preschool Comparison Worksheet for Arizona Families
Compare the same facts at each campus instead of relying on memory or a single overall impression. Copy this worksheet for every program, write down when and where each fact came from, and leave unknowns blank until you verify them. It is a decision aid—not a rating of any school.
Published by Pick My Preschool · Last reviewed
1. Set your family's non-negotiables
Before touring, decide which needs are essential and which are preferences. Share the same age group, start date, weekly schedule, and hours with every provider so quotes and answers are comparable. Do not treat a missing answer as a no or a zero.
- Child's age group and desired start date:
- Days per week, drop-off/pick-up window, and weeks needed:
- Commute or location limits, language/communication needs, and accessibility or other supports to discuss:
- Must-haves, flexible preferences, and questions you want every school to answer:
2. Record one dated fact sheet per campus
Use one row or copy of this list for each location. Keep observed facts separate from what a staff member told you, and save the date of a written quote or public record. A provider's brand can cover more than one campus, so identify the exact address.
- School and campus name; full street address; date checked:
- Current written hours, age groups served, and availability for your schedule:
- Written tuition amount, billing unit, effective date, quote validity, and required fees:
- Meals, supplies, closures, deposits, late pickup, withdrawal, and refund terms:
- ADHS facility/license identifier and licensing status; date you checked AZ Care Check:
- Most recent survey/inspection date and the type of document reviewed:
- What the record says, any written correction or later agency action, and what remains unclear:
- Tour observations, who answered each question, and follow-up due date:
3. Compare routines and relationships—not just features
During a visit, pay attention to ordinary transitions and ask the same questions of each program. A short visit shows only a moment in time; ask how routines work at other times of day and how families can verify the answer.
- Who supervises children during arrival, transitions, outdoor play, breaks, and staff substitutions?
- How are authorized pickup changes, illness, urgent concerns, and family updates handled?
- What are the classroom group size and teacher-to-child arrangements for my child's age group?
- How does the program share learning goals, daily experiences, and progress with families?
- What is the process for discussing meals, allergies, medication, accessibility, language, or other individual needs?
- What should I see in person, and what policy or document can I take home to review?
4. Make a decision with explicit unknowns
After visits, compare the written evidence against your own needs. You can use a simple family-specific mark such as “fits,” “doesn't fit,” or “follow up”; those marks are for your decision and are not a Pick My Preschool rating. Resolve critical unknowns directly with the provider or the responsible public agency before deciding.
- Best fit for our required schedule and location, and why:
- Two strengths based on a specific answer, observation, or document:
- Unresolved question, who will answer it, and follow-up date:
- Next verification step: current written quote, provider policy, ADHS record, or other source:
Official sources
Try these checks on public school profiles
These are alphabetical examples from Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale, not recommendations or claims about prices or safety. Check each profile's evidence dates and confirm details with the school and official sources.
This worksheet helps a family organize its own questions. It does not certify, rank, or recommend a preschool; confirm current details with each provider and official source.