Tips on Running a Successful Preschool 

A preschool is an institution that fosters the idea of constant growth and learning. The learners aren’t just the children but the members involved in building the foundation as well. An institution that strives to learn and grow together can succeed in the long run. 

On both sides, a successful preschool requires endless efforts and continuous learning. Even before starting the project, you’ll need a vision and a strategy, as well as professional guidance on how to carry it out effectively. And, according to Yamini Natarajan, founder of Juzzkidz Preschool in Electronic City, Bangalore said, growing as a preschool is a team effort rather than an individual effort., she says:

“Be it I or the teachers who ever worked with me had put their heart and soul to whatever they did, and our greatest support was parents who spread good words about the school through word of mouth. They have made me grow. “

CHALLENGES OF RUNNING A PRESCHOOL

When starting a business or venture, a person is bound to face challenges. When asked about the challenges she faced during running Juzzkidz, Yamini Natrajan explained: 

“Challenges, lots of them and every day it was new from the other.”

But every challenge is a learning opportunity, as explained by Yamini Natrajan:

“The best lesson learnt is to enjoy each and everything about each child. They are a blessing and moments of joy.”

Some of the commonly faced challenges are:

Choosing a curriculum

Setting learning goals for the children can be challenging, but it is achievable through help, and as Mrs. Yamini Natrajan explained:

“Both teachers and parents supported the school”

Healthy teamwork will help ensure that the curriculum prepared is monitored and regulated in an orderly fashion.

Sales and Marketing

“Our greatest support was parents who spread good words about the school through word of mouth.”

Mrs. Natrajan credits the success of their endeavour to the parents who brought in more parents and students.

And this marketing can be challenging without proper networking, especially in a competitive market, where tons of preschools are being set up nowadays.

Lack of quality staff and facilities

The student is only as good as the environment they grow in.

It is essential to remember that the quality of education and the quality of teachers can impact the thinking of the child from an early stage.

1. Space should be organized, and the place should have age-appropriate toys and stationery items that the child can use during school hours.
2. Worksheets, flashcards and other material provided should be multi-purpose and should not restrict the child’s imagination.
3. Teachers should take regular training to stay updated with the changing curriculum and patterns of teaching.
4. The teachers should set healthy limits on the children’s behaviour in class. This will ensure that no punishment is given to the child, since preschoolers are young, and excessive strictness can be harmful to their development.

Juzzkidz does a good job by putting the parents’ mind at ease

 “In Juzzkidz we provide the best education to kids, passionate teaching and We understand the apprehension of our parents, and how disturbing the news of inhumane incidents can be. For the parent’s peace of mind, we have on purpose kept an all-female staff at Juzzkidz”

Lack of awareness among parents

The traditional mindset among some parents can cause a lack of awareness among them. This includes the missed opportunity of enrolling children into a preschool that helps their child grow and learn in a well-structured environment.

To ensure that the child gets the proper head start in life:

1. Parents are to be informed of the opportunities associated with preschool admissions.
2. Preschools can guide the child from a very early stage, in terms of societal adjustments and appropriate social etiquette.

School websites a clear insight into the ideologies of preschools, and Juzzkidz’ conveys its message, saying:

“We use the best practices to give our kids a cutting-edge experience for them to stand out when they step foot into formal schools.”

What makes a good Preschool?

A supportive learning environment

Establishing a healthy learning environment requires support from the staff and the parents. 

1. The preschool should be comfortable for the child. Make sure the child enjoys attending the school.
2. It needs to have facilities to support the proper movement of the child, both indoors and outdoors.
3. Teachers who are well trained and nurturing must be present.
4. The curriculum should include several extra-curricular programs that support the overall development of the child.

And Juzzkidz’s philosophy supports the key ideas that are essential to a good preschool. 

The curriculum helps develop various physical, personal, social, emotional skills, literature and language skills.

According to the founders:

“Our curriculum in the nursery class is an extension of our pre-nursery program and is designed to give children a strong foundation in the skills and academic excellence that will be needed to enter regular school.”

Looking after the child’s mental and emotional well-being

Preschools are the first point of contact for a child. It is necessary to enrol the child in a school that has a caring staff and mindful teachers. 

Visit the campus and get a feel of the general demeanour of the teachers and the staff.

1. Be on the lookout to check if for counsellors who can help the child in a time of crisis.
2. Check for the behaviour among children. Their attitude towards each other and the teachers as well.

Tracking the child’s overall development

The preschools provide the children with a solid foundation to work with, and it provides them with an opportunity to become well-adjusted members of society.

And as per the Juzzkidz preschool curriculum:

“Children become familiar with the format and structure of a kindergarten school day while developing critical skills to succeed in elementary school.”

Such a format can ensure that the child doesn’t feel stuck in a monotonous routine, but can grow and develop in every aspect.

Parent-school communication

It is important for the child to feel comfortable and should have fun at school. But it is also necessary to have open communication that allows the parents to learn about the day-to-day activities taking place at the school.

“At Juzzkidz, the security of your child is of utmost importance. The In-Out times of the children are notified to the parents on the Mobile App.”

References

What Does a High-Quality Preschool Program Look Like? (https://www.naeyc.org/our-work/families/what-does-high-quality-program-for-preschool-look-like )

5 Qualities to Look For in a Good Preschool or Nursery (https://blog.friendscentral.org/qualities-of-an-exceptional-preschool)

Written by Stuti