Preschool Parent-Teacher Conference Questions to Ask

A preschool parent-teacher conference is a short meeting, often 15 to 20 minutes, where the teacher shares how your child is growing in language, early math, social skills, self-help and behavior. The most useful conferences are two-way: the teacher shares what they see at school, and you share what you see at home. Come with two or three questions and leave with one or two things to work on together.

What teachers usually share

• Social and emotional growth: making friends, sharing, handling frustration, separating from parents
• Language: vocabulary, following directions, telling stories, asking questions
• Early literacy: interest in books, recognizing letters and sounds, writing their name
• Early math: counting, comparing sizes, shapes and patterns
• Physical skills: holding a crayon, cutting with scissors, running, climbing
• Self-help: dressing, toileting, cleaning up, eating
• Work samples, photos or notes from observations

Many preschools in Illinois use the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards as a guide for these areas.

Questions to ask

About the day

• What does my child choose to do during free play?
• Who does my child play with most?
• When does my child seem happiest? When do they struggle?

About learning

• What skills is my child working on right now?
• What comes next, and how can I support it at home?
• Is my child where you would expect for their age?

About behavior and feelings

• How does my child handle disappointment or conflict?
• What helps my child calm down at school?
• Are there times of day that are harder, like transitions or nap?

About next year

• What should we focus on before pre-K or kindergarten?
• Do you have any concerns about readiness?

How to prepare

1. Write down two or three questions that matter most to you.
2. Ask your child what they like at school, and share it with the teacher.
3. Mention changes at home, such as a new sibling, a move or a new sleep routine.
4. Bring any notes from your pediatrician if you have concerns.

If the teacher raises a concern

It is natural to feel worried or defensive. Try to stay curious:

• Ask for specific examples: what happened, when and how often.
• Ask what the teacher is already doing to help.
• Agree on one or two things to try at home and at school.
• Set a time to check in again, often in 4 to 6 weeks.

If there is a concern about speech, motor skills or development, ask about a screening. Children under 3 can be evaluated through Early Intervention, and children 3 and older through the local school district. See our guides to Early Intervention in Illinois and free preschool screening.

After the conference

• Share one positive thing the teacher said with your child.
• Pick one simple goal for home, like reading together each night or practicing zippers.
• Keep in touch with short updates, not only at conference time.

Frequently asked questions

How long are preschool conferences?

Usually 15 to 20 minutes. Ask for a follow-up meeting if you need more time.

Should my child come to the conference?

Usually not for preschool. Ask the teacher what they prefer.

What if I cannot make the scheduled time?

Ask for a phone or video call, or another time.

What if my child behaves differently at home?

That is common. Share what you see. It helps the teacher understand your child better.

Preschool at Children's Land

Children's Land preschool and pre-K programs build language, early math, independence and social skills through themed units, STEAM and fine arts. Our private kindergarten includes parent-teacher conferences and MAP testing twice a year. Find a location near you.

Related reading: Pre-K vs Kindergarten: What Changes in the Classroom.