Choosing right preschool for your child

It is a dream-like moment for every new parent when their tiny tot is all set to go out for the first time, on their own, to the world of learning. As much the thought is exciting and pride evoking, that much tiring is the process of finding a perfect pre-school for your little one since it requires so much of planning and research. Even if you say, you are that laid back person who crack things just right without much planning- no worries- but take the word, this phase needs a bit of hard work. Every child is unique and selecting the best pre-school is a pre-cursor to your child's future and dreams. Thus, the process is worth your time and research, how much ever laid back or busy you are.

But the good news is the process is not that difficult if you are prepared and have clarity on what your child deserves. Here are some tips we would like to recommend to avoid a panicky scenario for both the kid and you.

1. Budget

Decide on the budget range on which you feel secure and comfortable, and then shortlist the schools falling under your price range. This is one of the easiest parameters, right? Why bother to add a school to your list if it is not at all affordable? 

2. Talk to your child

You might be so excited and enthusiastic about getting the perfect place for your child. But everything goes vein if you don't understand his/her expectations and interests. Take time to sit and chat with your tiny innovator and note down what your child is looking up to when it comes to a learning atmosphere.

3. The approach matters

 

Once you know the child's expectations, you should understand deeply about a number of curricula prevailing in India right now. Yes, this applies to pre-schools as well. You may attend pre-school fairs or google such technical details about each school on your list. Each school's approach to children and studies are different- some might focus on just the ABCD part, while some might focus mainly on the outdoor and other creative activities and incorporate the ABCDs in between. So shortlist those schools, which follow a similar ideology your child believes in. 

4. Mood swings and the body clock

A pre-school or any other space that deals with little children should be aware of a child's biological clock or the circadian rhythms. The child's mind and body need a naptime during the day. So, if you opt a school that doesn't believe in this theory, it might affect your toddler's mood adversely as it is a severe jolt from their daily routine. 

5. Guidance, emotionally too

When a child is put in a daycare or a pre-school, it is his/her first encounter with the outside world, alone. For them, it is a 180-degree turn from whatever they have been comfortable with. Some children adapt faster, while some lag behind. Language barriers, emotional weaknesses, fear of strangers, fear of sharing things, likewise, there is umpteen number of things which your child can be uncomfortable with when he/she starts going to school. So when you shortlist a particular school, make sure you talk with other parents or visit that particular school for a day to understand how they handle such situations.

6. Location

Now your preference matters. It is important to put the child in a pre-school, which is closer to your home or workplace. Your child might simply need your presence and you cannot be late for them at that moment. Thus making a list of schools that are close by, ought to be an important criterion.

7. Cleanliness is godliness

A clean environment is where clean thoughts nurture. Cleanliness further matters, if they provide meals or snacks to your little ones. Try to know in detail about the ingredients of the food they serve to the children, as it affects the kids both mentally and physically.

Ask the staffs about the details of potty training they provide- if they are ready to give complete training or partial training or how they manage an emergency situation where the child was not able to control his urges. In any case, make sure to keep an extra pair of dress and undergarment for the kid.

8. Safety

Safety is the most important parameter. Children are quick and naughty at the same time, making it difficult for just one person to take control of them, especially when they know they are heading back home. Do a personal reference check on the schools you have shortlisted- on the security, the CCTV, the number of non-teaching staff available, accompaniment of staffs while children are taken to and fro the school buses/or any other mode of transportation. 

9. Inclusion of parents

You know your child better, thus you need to be aware of his/her daily activities, even in school. While selecting make sure the school is open to parental involvement (you can ask the parents of elder kids there) and believes in accepting suggestions from parents during the pre-school days of their children. Or else when things go wrong, you might end up walking out with the child searching for a better learning environment.

10. First-hand checks

Yes, at last, this does matter. Once you have a handful of schools that have passed the above tests, take a tour of all these schools along with your kid. Taking the child with you is crucial at this stage, as they might notice something special about a school, which you might not care. Basically, they are the ones who are going to spend their fruitful daytime.