How to find the right preschool?

The hunt for a preschool can be overwhelming and daunting. The application process itself is demanding in nature. Parents begin their search for a good school even before coming up with a name for their child. 

Make a checklist before starting on the journey:

1. A list of preschools
2. A list of personal requirements

The main goal is to care for the child and cater to their basic needs in a not-so-basic setup. 

1. The children learn the basics of all subjects so they can easily adjust once they start regular school. 
2. The child acknowledges the importance of socialization, and
3. the parents hope to reduce the stress of transition from home to school.

A good preschool will provide a high-quality environment for a child, ensuring that they gain practical skills that support them throughout their lives.

There are many potentially good preschools out there. It is necessary for parents to concentrate on their end goal and should keep in mind the desirable criteria that work best with their plan.

BUDGET

The first and foremost to take into consideration is the budget. It can sound like an obvious thing to do. But sometimes, hidden costs of maintenance, supplies, and upgrades often go unnoticed.

The costs vary from preschool to preschool. Parents should make a well-informed decision to avoid wasting time if they can’t afford a preschool.

SCHEDULE

The schedule of the parents is usually the key determinant for the type of preschool they select. Working parents prefer to invest in schools with a good curriculum and longer working hours. On the other hand, stay-at-home parents don’t mind the short working days and focus mainly on developmental factors.

CHILD’S ATTITUDE

While every parent wants to provide the best learning environment to their kids, they should not ignore their child’s comfort during the entire process. Parents should observe the general demeanor of their kids to understand the preferred learning style of their child.

1. The willingness to be away from home is not the same in every kid. Many children face difficulties while adjusting to a new environment, mainly due to separation anxiety.
2. While some children thrive in social situations, other kids might feel pressured and uncomfortable during the process of interaction.
3. Some schools govern the creative freedom provided in the classroom, and this can cause the child to abandon their ideas and feel trapped.

DISTANCE

The parents should consider the proximity, since pre-schoolers are far too young to use public transports, especially for a 2–3-hour session.

CURRICULUM AND METHOD OF LEARNING

Playschools enjoy advertising their curricular philosophy during the admission process. 

Philosophy is reflected in the timetable to help the parent reflect on the teaching methods used in the classroom. The amount of time allocated to various activities can reflect the efficiency of the school program. 

Is it Nursery school preparatory?

When looking at a playschool, parents can see if the educational curriculum prepares the child for nursery school or if it solely consists of playing with toys, as in day-care. It is essential to ensure that some actual learning takes place.

Is the chosen method suitable for the child?

Preschools may either teach by play or use a more structured approach in which the children sit on their desks carry out the activities assigned to them. Parents know their kids the best and should make their decision based on their child’s learning style.

TOUR AND VISIT

Preschools are not all created equal, and the price is not necessarily an indicator of quality. Even the most expensive preschools may have a pretty mediocre structure, while the cheap ones can end up being fabulous.

Visit the preschool and check their website:

Firstly, school websites can provide plenty of information regarding the school’s methodology and manner of working. 

The websites provide information on:

1. The types of programs offered
2. The philosophy of the school
3. Facilities provided 
4. The campus overviews
5. The alumni network

Apart from checking the website, a physical visit can also provide extra information and details about the preschool.

The things to observe during these visits can include: 

Teacher-child interaction: Children are highly impressionable. It is crucial to keep the teacher’s interaction with the kids. The teacher’s abilities and attitude can directly impact the child’s behavior and mindset.

Space: Kids need enough space to run about and play, so parents can look for an outdoor and an indoor play area to ensure that their children don’t miss out on playtime.

Security: The parents should note the following to ensure that the preschool of their choice is safe for their child:

1. Visiting hours of the school.

2. Who can access the building during school hours?

3. The adult-child interaction. Especially the teacher’s interaction with kids.

4. While considering the overall feel of the classroom, the parents should observe:

1. The resources inside the classroom
2. The lighting and visibility
3. Sufficient space for movement

5. Child pickup protocols to be considered:

1. Who can pick up the child?
2. What are the requirements for a guardian other than a parent to pick up the child?
3. The timings for the pickup.

Teacher training: Schools should appoint teachers having basic medical knowledge. Various schools employ one teacher per school, but the management can try to allot at least one teacher per class. 

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

What happens during school hours needs to be communicated effectively. Proof of learning in the form of daily reports and communication with the teachers and staff is necessary. 

The kids should be able to learn to make decisions, be independent, and time management. The teachers should also instill values that help the child be more confident and mature.

DRILLS

The pandemic has taught us that life is uncertain. Therefore, schools should include fire drills and other area-appropriate drills in their programs.  

1. The world we live in requires lockdown drills. Children should be aware of the proper protocols. They should know how to manage their emotions during severe circumstances.
2. And self-defense training is another aspect that needs attention. The children need proper guidance and training so they can protect themselves in adverse situations.

Ultimately, the preschool can serve as the launching pad for a child’s future. The parents don’t want to compromise on their child’s education. They work hard to find a suitable preschool that can train their child to become a well-adjusted individual. They aspire to develop their child’s ability to learn, grow and adjust from the start.

References:

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/17/11/how-pick-preschool

https://www.mother.ly/child/how-to-choose-the-right-preschool/1-your-child

https://www.parentingforbrain.com/how-to-choose-a-preschool/

Written by Stuti