Choosing a preschool

Go to any preschool at around the time of the opening bell and one common scene that greets you is kids that would howl their lungs out at the school gate and hold on to their mother's hand for dear life. So everyday, for the first one week, their teacher -- a plump, rosy-cheeked lady with a broad smile -- would come out to greet them. Sort of like they are doing her a favour by attending school. Soon enough they are most happy to enter the gate, without so much as a look in their mother's direction.

 

So yes, the school the parents choose can either make learning a drudgery or a fun experience for the child. It is important for parents to put some thought into the choice of the preschool.  

• Draw up a list of preschools in the neighbourhood. Remember, the parent does not want to travel too much to get their little one to school. You can use a portal such as yourschool.in to get a list of preschools.
• Some of the schools on the list might not meet the standards from the word go. Eliminate them immediately.
• Make calls to the schools. Call prospective preschools to learn about their programs, operating hours, payment policies, and other essentials. This will help get an idea of how they function.
• Pay a visit. Calling up a school may not be enough. Make arrangements to see the school. If need be, take the day off from work to do so. The parent cannot zero in on a school without spending at least a couple of hours there.
• Feel free to ask. You probably have a million questions running through your head. How do I know if they will treat my child well? Will he learn everything he is supposed to? Don't be afraid to voice your questions for fear that they might appear trivial. Remember, if you could think of it, it is worth being asked.
• Get the teacher/ coordinator to lead you verbally through the structure of a typical day. What you're looking for is a sense of predictability -- a pattern your child can anticipate.

If you are not sure what to ask? Here is a handy list of questions you might want to consider.

 

About the preschool:

Do their goals address all areas of a child's development?

Goals of a good preschool:

• To provide a safe, stress-free and supportive environment.
• To encourage the perception of learning as exciting, ongoing and lifelong.
• To encourage social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.
• To develop a curriculum that caters to visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning styles.
• To facilitate experiential learning.
• To develop high level of competencies, knowledge and creative problem solving skills.

Activities

 

Do they offer a balance of individual, small-group, and large-group activities?
Is there a balance between rest periods and vigorous outdoor activities?
Do their activities encourage self-expression?

Look for a healthy mix of these activities:

• Dramatic play, block play, fine motor activities like putting puzzles together or moulding playdough and activities involving pre math concepts to name a few.
• A structured literacy pogramme
• Rhyme time
• Free play and structured large motor activities like outdoor play time
• Art
• Music movement

Staff and Environment

 

Does the staff encourage/ respond to children's natural interests in reading, writing, and counting?

Do they provide snacks and meals that are nutritious?

 

About the environment:

• Are the classrooms spacious, clean and attractive?
• Is there an attractive, spacious outdoor area for safe, vigorous activities?
• Is there a sufficient supply of equipment?
• Preschoolers aren't the best at sharing. So duplicates of toys and supplies are necessary. Ask if the school has taken this into consideration and made arrangements for the same.

Are children always supervised when outdoors?
Can children find small, quiet places in the school like a library or doll house if they want to?

About the teachers:

• Are the teachers trained in early childhood education?
• There are diploma and degree courses available in Early Childhood Education. The duration could range from short term three-month courses to intensive two-year degree courses.

Does the coordinator/ principal have experience as a teacher?
Does the preschool have an ideal teacher child ratio?

Ideal ratios are as follows:

 

Playschool - 1:6
Nursery -1:8
Jr. KG/ Sr. KG.- 1:12

 

Has the staff been stable over the years?
Does the staff welcome parents and visitors?
Do the teachers express warmth, interest, and respect for each child?
Are the teachers engaged with the children most of the time?