Choosing a preschool can feel overwhelming for parents who want to find the right environment for their child. Families looking at preschool options near North Hollywood often have the same questions: Is the school licensed and safe? Who are the teachers? What does a typical day look like? How will the school communicate with parents?
Little Stars Academy Preschool is located in Arleta, CA, and serves families from Arleta and surrounding communities. In this article, we’ll outline practical factors families can use to compare preschools, questions worth asking during a visit, and how our school approaches each of them.
What Parents Should Look for When Choosing a Preschool
1. Licensing and Safety
Start by confirming that the preschool is licensed by the state. In California, licensed child care centers are overseen by the Community Care Licensing Division, and parents can ask any school for its license number. Little Stars Academy operates under California Child Care License #197418871.
Beyond licensing, ask practical questions about safety:
- Entry and release – How does the school control who enters the building and who can pick up a child?
- Supervision – How are children supervised in the classroom and during outdoor play?
- Emergency procedures – Does the school practice drills and have written emergency plans?
At Little Stars Academy, families can review our arrival and departure policy and ask our team about supervision and emergency procedures during a preschool tour.
2. Experienced and Caring Teachers
A preschool is only as good as its staff. When touring schools, pay attention to how teachers interact with children. Are they patient, kind and engaging? Do they get down to a child’s level, encourage questions and promote learning through play?
It also helps to understand the school’s approach to early learning. You can read about our philosophy and how our teachers work to create a nurturing environment where children feel welcomed, supported and encouraged to participate.
3. Age-Appropriate Curriculum
An effective preschool program balances structured learning with play and supports growth in key areas such as:
- Language and Literacy – Storytime, letter recognition and vocabulary-building activities.
- Math and Science – Counting games, simple experiments and shape identification.
- Social and Emotional Development – Activities that teach sharing, cooperation and empathy.
- Creativity and Movement – Art, music and active play that build fine and gross motor skills.
Ask how activities change as children grow. Little Stars Academy serves children ages 18 months to 6 years, and our preschool programs combine age-appropriate learning with play, creativity and social development.
4. Daily Routine and Classroom Environment
Young children feel more secure when they know what comes next. Ask to see the school’s daily schedule and look for a healthy balance of group time, independent play, meals, rest and outdoor activity.
During a visit, notice whether classrooms are bright, organized and stocked with age-appropriate books, toys and learning materials, and whether there is a safe outdoor space for physical play. Families can view our daily schedule online and see our classrooms in person during a tour.
5. Communication With Families
A good preschool keeps parents informed. Ask how teachers share updates about a child’s day, progress and any concerns, and how easy it is to reach staff with questions.
At Little Stars Academy, we value open communication with parents throughout their child’s preschool experience and encourage families to ask how their child is adjusting.
6. Cleanliness, Meals and Health Policies
Look for clean classrooms, bathrooms and eating areas, and ask how often toys and surfaces are cleaned. Find out what meals and snacks are provided and how the school handles dietary needs.
It’s also important to understand when a child should stay home. Families can read about our approach to food and nutrition and review our illness policy before enrolling.
7. Location, Hours and Scheduling
A preschool has to work with your family’s daily life. Consider the commute from home or work, drop-off and pickup times, and whether the school offers the schedule you need.
Little Stars Academy is located at 14237 Van Nuys Blvd, Arleta, CA 91331, and is open Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. We offer year-round care with full-time and part-time programs. Families can call (818) 890-0220 to ask about current availability.
Questions to Ask During a Preschool Tour
Visiting in person is one of the best ways to compare preschools. Bring a short list of questions, such as:
- What is the teacher-to-child ratio in each classroom?
- What does a typical day look like for my child’s age group?
- How do you help new children adjust during the first weeks?
- How are drop-off, pickup and authorized adults handled?
- What meals and snacks are provided?
- How and how often will teachers communicate with parents?
While you’re there, watch how teachers talk with children, how children move through activities and whether the classroom atmosphere feels calm and welcoming.
Why Families Choose Little Stars Academy
Little Stars Academy Preschool in Arleta combines age-appropriate learning, play, creativity and family communication. Families choose us for:
- Caring Teachers – Educators who create a supportive learning environment.
- Engaging Curriculum – Academics, creativity and social development blended into daily activities.
- Licensed Child Care – California Child Care License #197418871.
- Flexible Scheduling – Year-round care with full-time and part-time options for children ages 18 months to 6 years.
You can learn more about Little Stars Academy, our team and our approach before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Little Stars Academy located in North Hollywood?
No. Little Stars Academy Preschool is located at 14237 Van Nuys Blvd in Arleta, CA 91331, and welcomes families from Arleta and surrounding communities.
What ages does Little Stars Academy serve?
We serve children ages 18 months to 6 years.
Do you offer full-time and part-time programs?
Yes. We offer year-round care with full-time and part-time programs. Please contact us to ask about current openings.
When should I start looking for a preschool?
Many families begin comparing schools several months before their preferred start date. Starting early gives you time to tour, ask questions and check availability.
How do I schedule a tour?
Call us at (818) 890-0220 or send a message through our contact page.
Schedule a Tour at Little Stars Academy
Looking for a preschool near North Hollywood? Little Stars Academy Preschool is located in Arleta, CA and welcomes families looking for a nurturing, structured environment for children ages 18 months to 6 years. Schedule a tour to meet our team, see the classrooms and learn more about our programs.