As a parent whose little one is soon starting their learning journey, the process of selecting the perfect preschool is a bit daunting. You want to find a school that is best suited to your child’s needs and your preferences.
As the admission process draws closer, many preschools start receiving calls from anxious parents inquiring about the school’s philosophy and operations. In leading educational institutes, the spots fill up fast – which is why before you go on a school tour or fill out any forms, here are some tips and must-ask questions to consider.
Apart from the academic qualifications, you should ask about the teachers’ background and certifications in early childhood education and the types of curriculum training they have.
It is essential to choose a preschool that does not become a financial burden in the longer run. Apart from the monthly fee and annual charges, ask about all the miscellaneous costs like registration fees, security deposit, admission fees, module charges etc.
It’s good to know in advance what you’re responsible for providing, apart from personal things like a change of clothes, snacks and a water bottle for your child. Whether it’s art supplies, craft materials, event costumes, or some decor items for the class, having a list beforehand helps in calculating all hidden costs.
It’s important to know that there are enough teachers, co-teachers and helpers to handle the number of children in the classroom. A low ratio will ensure each student gets due attention and there is more focused learning.
Ideally, toys and school supplies should be cleaned with a disinfecting agent regularly. During the school tour, observe how the toys and equipment look like and ask about their cleaning process.
It’s very likely that your child will pick up some sort of cold or virus because of being around other kids. Depending on the illness, some preschools ask to keep the child at home until they’re well or a doctor clears a return to school. Also ask about the vaccines required for children, and instructors as well.
During a school tour, observe how much the building is easily accessible. Notice if there is someone at the front desk and gate monitoring visitors at all times. Also ask about what child-proofing mechanisms they have in place.
Sometimes, even if your child is toilet-trained, a new environment could upset their training and accidents could happen. Ask which supplies would be needed in that case and who would and how would the situation be handled.
If your child isn’t toilet-trained yet, make sure to ask about how often the staff takes children to the bathroom, and if they are capable of handling all situations.
Ask about their educational curriculum and what the daily structure is like. Find out if there is more free play and self-learning or does the school require the children to sit still for longer periods of time for activities. You can also ask about access to screens/electronics.
Snack and lunch times, drop-off and pick-up procedures, as well as how much transition your child will have among multiple teachers are also important pointers to know.
Keeping parents updated about their child’s progress, daily routine, concerns or achievements is very important. You can ask how this information is delivered and what is the frequency of these communications.
Start your search early and ask many questions! Early years set the stage for cognitive, social and emotional development of your little one so choosing the ideal preschool is very important.
If you want to enroll your child in the best preschool in Lahore – one that provides satisfactory answers to all your questions, book a tour with The Renaissance Education System (TRES) today.
