A Guide to Choosing the Right Early Childhood Education Centre

With dozens of options to choose from, picking an early childhood education centre for your kid that is just right for their learning and development can be overwhelming.

The good news is that the decision-process can be made less daunting by breaking it into steps and phases. So firstly, you need to identify the different types of early years setting and select the one that suits you and your child the most. The most appropriate type of childcare will depend on your own family circumstances and the specific needs of your child.

To sort this out, here are some questions to consider:

• What does my child require/need at the age he/she is?
• What kind of learning do I want for my child?
• What will be the most affordable arrangement for our family?

Next, you will need to research the different types of early years providers. Here are a few options to look in to:

• Crèche – short-term occasional care for children under the age of eight.
• Children’s centres – for families with children under age five offering a range of services, information and support in the local community. Many centres also offer childcare, baby and toddler groups and crèches.
• Preschools and playgroups – offer care and education for specific sessions for two to four hours a day.
  Day nurseries/daycare – offer full-time or part-time care and education and can take children from as young as six weeks old until school age.
• Nursery schools and nursery classes – part of an existing primary school for preschool children aged three and four years old.
• Childminders – operating from their own homes while providing early education and childcare for small groups of children.
• Home-based childcare – employed by a parent to look after children in the family home.
  Out-of-school care – provide care for school-age children, up to the age of 11, before school, after school, during the school holidays etc.

The next step is to shortlist different early years options available in your area and contact them to arrange a visit. The early years provider should be more than willing to show you around and answer any of your questions.

Be sure to have a thorough discussion on how they will settle your child and support their development and learning. Also review their policies and procedures

On your tour, observe the following:

• If the setting/space feels welcoming and nurturing. Is it clean, safe and spacious?
• The staff looks happy and capable or not. How is their interaction with the children?
• Do the children look happy and absorbed in activities? Are they taken outside for outings and walks?
• Is there a range of activities and resources available and is the equipment safe and well maintained?
• Is the child’s progress and achievements communicated to the parents?
• What is the qualification/training of the childcare workers?
• What is the condition of the toilets and basins? Which facilities are available for changing nappies/toilet training?

You should get positive vibes from the staff and managers, they should make you feel welcome and answer any questions you have.

Most importantly, observe how the staff behaves with your child as soon as you walk through the door. Are they displaying natural warmth, openness and interest?

And finally, listen to what your gut tells you! If something doesn’t feel right, move on to the next option.

Once you’ve made a choice, give your child time to settle into the new environment and adjust to their new routine. Your cooperation with the early years provider will help your child to be comfortable, happy and secure.

Looking for the best early years education option in Lahore?

The Renaissance Education System (TRES) incorporates play-based experiences which lets children learn and develop holistically with the support, care, guidance, and dedication of Early Years Specialists.

Our team is ready to welcome you and your child and give satisfying answers to all your questions!