Choosing a pre-school is no easy task. You will want to look around for one that fits your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle, but at the same time, you can’t afford to waste time and money on a school that isn’t going to work out. Preschool curriculum consists of the “3 Rs’, ‘reading, writing, and arithmetic.
While the curriculum, location, and cost of a preschool are often at the forefront of a parent’s mind when making a decision, there are a multitude of other important factors to consider when choosing the right preschool for your child. These include the educational philosophy of the school, the qualifications and experience of the teachers, the teacher-to-child ratio, the school’s approach to discipline, the diversity of the learning materials available, the safety protocols in place, opportunities for play and creativity, and the school’s strategies for fostering social skills and emotional intelligence in children.
Anchor to use: choosing the right preschool
7 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Preschool for Your Child
1) Curriculum
The preschool curriculum is vital, and it ensures that your child receives the education that they need to continue with proper schooling in the future. Preschool curriculum should consist of the “3 Rs’, ‘reading, writing, and arithmetic. However, other essential factors to consider when looking for a preschool for your child.
2) Location
The location of the pre-school is essential as well. It should be close to your home so that you can quickly drop off and pick up your child. If you choose a preschool that is close to your work, you will be able to visit your child during lunch breaks. You should avoid a pre-school which is too far.
3) Cost
Ensure that the preschool fits into your family’s budget. Both parents must spend time with their children during the day, and attending classes out of pocket can make this problem if it cuts too much into your budget. For example, if you and your spouse both work full-time and attend classes on top of this, there may not be enough money left for necessities such as food and clothing.
4) Educational level of the teachers
Teachers should have proper training in early childhood education and CPR/First aid training. They should also understand what appropriate behavior from young children is.
5) Hours of operation
The pre-school must have hours of operation that work with your family’s schedule. If you work during the day, make sure the pre-school has an evening program or is open on Saturdays.
6) Cleanliness
The pre-school should be kept clean at all times, and this means that the classrooms, bathrooms, and playground should be cleaned daily. Bacteria and viruses can spread quickly in a preschool setting, so it is essential to consider this when choosing a preschool.
7) Teacher-to-student ratio
The teacher-to-student ratio is also important to consider when choosing a preschool for your child. Ideally, there should be one teacher for every ten students, which will ensure that your child receives the individualized attention they need.
When choosing a preschool for your child, it is essential to consider all of these factors. A well-rounded curriculum, affordable prices, location and hours of operation, cleanliness, and teacher-to-student ratio are crucial aspects to look for when making a decision. Doing this will ensure that your child is safe and has the best possible learning environment and opportunities for success.
