How to choose The Right Preschool For Your Kids
By Narendra Modi - Nov 24, 2010
Picking Out The Right Preschool For Your Kids
A good preschool will prepare your child academically and socially, and help them get ready for the more formal learning environment of “big school.” It’s best to plan on choosing the right pre-school your child at least a year in advance, especially if you live in a big city.
Factors to Consider
The first step is to find out what what’s important for your child and your family. What’s highest on your priority list for your preschool kids? Is it academic training or social development? Or is it a balance of both?
There are a number of other factors you have to consider, including cost, school timings, location, student/teacher ratio, facilities and affiliation to regular schools.
The Price Tag
Preschools can charge a bundle, depending on where you live. It’s wise to decide what’s within your budget beforehand and choose among the preschools within the range you can afford.
School Timings
If both parents work and you don’t have other family members at home, you might consider preschools with longer hours, or those which have tie-ups with day-care facilities.
Location
It’s best to limit yourself to an area within a 20-minute travel time for your toddler, unless your child has special needs.
Student/Teacher Ratio
At least one adult for every ten children is desirable. Generally good preschools provide at least one teacher and one assistant or attendant.
Facilities
Are the school rooms clean, well-lit, spacious, and with good ventilation? Has attention been paid to safety? Are there a variety of pre school activity areas, with craft materials, books and toys for the children to play with? Is there an outdoor play area with well-maintained with playing equipment?
Affiliation to Regular Schools
You might consider getting your child enrolled in the preschool section of your area’s “big” school. This could be slightly expensive, but it would help your child avoid the stressful entrance tests to primary school.
Make a list of preschools in your area, and rate them. When you’ve trimmed down your list to two or three choices, take your child along for your second visit. She should be comfortable with the school and the teachers.
A preschool is an important foundation stone in your child’s education. It’s worth putting in the time and effort to make sure your kid’s first experience of school is a happy one.
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