What To Consider When Selecting A Preschool For Your Child

In today's world, with everything going the digital way and kids being pushed to the brink to excel, and education emerging as the key to a successful future, picking preprimary schools for your child can be a somewhat intimidating task. Preschools may only be the beginning ground, but are no less important than other stages of your child’s academic journey. Early childhood learning is crucial to a child's development and is built on a trusting relationship between the various stakeholders involved: you, your child, and the school and its teachers.

There are different things to look out for when picking your child's preschool. Because so much is riding on your choice — after all, you want your child to spend his/her days in an enriching, enjoyable and nurturing environment — you'll need to do your research thoroughly before making a decision. The facility should feature caring teachers, a comprehensive curriculum, and state-of-the-art facilities, and yet be priced reasonably. Or perhaps, it’s a particular learning style you’re looking for. Whatever the case may be, when you're looking for the best preschool in India, here are a few important things to keep in mind before you make this crucial decision.

1.  Budget: Budget is key. Shortlist pre-schools that fit into your budget before you start looking at other finer details. What’s the point of liking everything about a school and then having to give it up because you cannot afford it?

2. Staff: Look for how teachers interact with students.  You should see smiles and hear laughter in the classrooms. The staff members should be really listening to the students. Most importantly, the staff should love what they do. Talk to the teachers, and a love for teaching should shine through! Finding out the school's teacher turnover rate will reveal how many teachers have been there since a long time, which is a good sign.

3. Safety: Any school that claims to be the best preschool in India should have an emergency plan in place. Take a look at how safe the playground and the school transportation is. Does the school make the most of technology to notify parents when students enter and exit the vehicle? Are the backgrounds of bus drivers and other employees at the school verified?

4. Communication: Does the preprimary school keep the lines of communication open with parents? Check if the school has a handbook to fill parents in on the latest developments or if it alternatively uses monthly emails or newsletters. It's also important to know how individual teachers communicate with parents. 

5.   Teaching plan: Children learn through play. They should be holding books, touching blocks, listening to music, dancing, etc. Basically, the preschool curriculum should focus on well-rounded children!

 

6. Environment: Ensure the classrooms have proper furniture, so the students are comfortable and have enough space to move about the classroom. Preschools in Mumbai are particularly putting a lot of effort into ensuring this. Any school that claims to be the best preschool in Mumbai, will have students' art, writing, creations, and pictures all around the classroom. It should feel like a space that belongs to them.

Above all, go with your gut instinct when it comes to choosing the ideal preschool for your little one.