As a parent, one of your top priorities is educating offspring. Most parents don’t really consider all the hard work that goes into this. Whether their child is at least a two years of age or more, they are unwilling to become responsible parents. It can be extremely overwhelming when considering all the factors and trying to make an informed decision to ensure that they receive the best education.
Finding pre-schools can be difficult because of the variety of options available. It is hard to decide which one will be most beneficial in the long run. Moreover, without the proper resources and effort, there is no easy way around this. The trick is to start early. Getting a head start can simplify a lot of things, so that when it comes down to it, just take admissions and getting your child ready for school will be the priority.
Check these factors to consider to pick a right pre-school:
- Basic Practical Factors
- There are some basic elements that all parents need to keep in mind when picking schools.
- These are rather practical factors that should be written down because they are also easy to forget when asking questions or doing a tour of the pre-school.
- First and foremost, budgets need to be taken into consideration. If you’re an average income family, sending your child to a school that has high fees makes absolutely no sense.
- Also, if you’re a lower income family, it would be wise to search for government aided pre-schools that require nominal or no fees at all.
- It is good to understand budgetary boundaries; this will help in creating a shortlist.
- There are certain schools that offer subsidized programs, find out the eligibility and criteria for qualification.
- Secondly, keep in mind distances.
- Depending on you and your spouse’s work schedule, there may not be a lot of time to waste on travelling.
- Pre-school usually doesn’t more than three hours. However, this is viable for a part time school.
- If time schedules do not coincide, you may either look for a daycare to which children can be transferred to or for a full-time
- This, of course, requires quite a few other considerations. There is a great debate about whether full time or part time pre-schools are more beneficial for toddlers.
- You should also consider whether you and your partner would prefer the institution closer to home or the workplace.
- It is useful if the school timings coincide with your work and lunch break hours.
- These are the two basic factors that should initially help create a comprehensive list of probable schools in which to enrol your child.
- Educational Philosophies and Settings
- As a parent, there may be certain educational methods that appeal to you. Perhaps the way you’ve been taught or new, scientific methods that have been developed are something that you’d prefer to be implemented in your child’s life.
- Toddler’s brains are like sponges; there are so many ways in which they can learn. It is something that must be decided early on.
- There are many educational philosophies that are followed in schools these days.
- For example, the Montessori Method allows children to make progress at their own pace and does not compare one student to another.
- The Reggio Emilia method focuses on problem-solving skills via creativity and innovation.
- The Waldorf approach focuses on the imagination, creative thinking and participating while implementing analytic thinking.
- In the scope approach, children determine their own methods of learning and teaching themselves.
- These are all aspects that parents need to keep in mind and consider because the way their children learn how to think, act and behave now – in terms of education – will determine how they approach it later in life.
- There are also other settings like a teacher-led classroom, faith-based, child centred or child led classroom that needs to be taken into consideration.
- Each determines what is taught in class and how it is taught.
- All of these methods come with their own pros and cons and requires a fair amount of thought and consideration.
- Facilities Available
- A secondary, yet no less crucial element to determining a school are the facilities available for students.
- Your primary concern is the health and well-being of the child.
- Hence, you must ensure that there are proper sanitary facilities; there should be anaid in case children have issues using washrooms and such.
- Determine whether a playground is necessary or not. Are there proper activities that students can participate in other than games?
- Are seating arrangements and classrooms comfortable?
- How many students per class? This is important to know so that you will be able to gauge the amount of attention each child is able to get from the teacher.
- Does the school incorporate day trips to museums, parks and other recreational as well as educational places of interest?
- Is the faculty qualified and reliable?
- How many teachers per class?
- What are the rules for parents and outsiders entering the campus?
- Is there sufficient security and monitoring systems?
- These are questions that one must ask before admitting any student into school.
- At the end of the day, when sending your child to a completely new venue with strangers, each parent wants to have satisfactory answers to their questions to ensure their safety.
- Childs’ Requirements
- A family with a special needs child will obviously require more assistance and facilities available than most others.
- Schools should general have ramps or elevators for children with physical disabilities. Classrooms and lunch halls should also be fitted with the appropriate furniture.
- There should be games that are inclusive of every student, and everyone should learn to incorporate each other.
- Zero bullying policies and punishments for those who break the rules are also necessary.
- For students with mental disabilities, teachers and faculty member should be well equipped with the necessary teaching skills.
- For this purpose, parents usually prefer schools that are solely focused on teaching children with learning disabilities.
- Communicate with Other Parents
- Schools will always try to sell themselves and sometimes, a few white lies may be thrown
- To get a detailed idea of how teachers and faculty members operate, to understand the kind of families associated with the school, and to get other information, speak directly to other parents.
- Simply strike up a conversation and ask them questions you’re unsure about.
- Many parents will be more than willing to tell you about their experiences with teachers and students.
- Public forums are a good place to discuss issues and doubts. Use social media as much as possible to clarify any outstanding questions.
- Visit Multiple Schools
- Pre-school websites may paint a pretty picture of the grounds and available facilities.
- It is easy to get duped by pictures and write-ups.
- If you really want to know what a school is like, size, location, washrooms, layout, etc., the best option is to visit the school itself.
- Shortlist a maximum of ten schools and pay visits on the weekends.
- Ask for a member of staff to give you a guided tour and explain the various amenities that are available.
- Finding a pre-school is much like choosing a college, and thus, must be given priority when the time is right.
- If you child has a well-rounded educational background, being consistent with work and studying hard will not be as stressful.
- It prepares them for the hardships of actually doing homework, interacting with peers and socializing in a healthy environment.
- Pre-school is less gruelling than school proper, but it will help them adjust nonetheless.
It is a well-known fact that having a solid foundation can veer your children in the right direction. This is associated with education as well. Not only does it make getting into school much easier, but they are prepared and ready for new challenges. It gives them a better success ratio than other kids in the progress of life.