Parents should pay attention to their gut instinct when choosing a school for a child. Above, Noah Steele plays eye to eye with a herd of dinosaurs.

To ensure your child is in a good classroom, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) suggests looking for these 10 signs:

1 Children spend most of their time playing and working with materials or with other children.

2 Children have access to various activities throughout the day.

3 Teachers work with individual children, small groups and the whole group at different times during the day.

4 The classroom is decorated with children’s original artwork and projects.

5 Children learn numbers and the alphabet in the context of their everyday experiences.

6 Children work on projects and have long periods of time to play and explore.

7 Children have an opportunity to play outside in a safe play area every day.

8 Teachers read books to children individually or in small groups.

9 Curricula are adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help.

10 Children and their parents look forward to school.

Source: www.naeyc.org