How to select a Preschool

When you see your toddler running around the house, wandering for more activities, peeking into kitchen exploring the drawers,  its time you start looking for a good preschool. Now the tough decision is how to select a Preschool. So here we present things to check before seeking admission in any preschool.

Teacher-student ratio

The first thing to enquire about is what is the ratio of teachers per student in class does that preschool maintain. Typically a student teacher ratio of 1:10 is advisable. A smaller class size and a lower teacher-student ratio ensures effective learning and achievement in the students. A lower teacher student ratio helps child to communicate  more effectively and build a good bonding with his teacher and Thus feels more comfortable and confident about his work.

Kind of learning materials

A quick glance at the displayed learning material can help the parent find out how are the different subjects taught in school . Parent should also research and ask about various ways or teaching methods used to teach maths or introduce any new topic in class.

Safety factors

Parents should check for all the safety measures covered in school. Following can be a check list of safety measures covered by the school:

• always guarded by a staff at the entrance gate. 
• uses no gas cooking in kitchen
• all electrical switchboard are off  reach from children
• all electric wiring is concealed
• staircase are well guarded with railings 
• emergency first-aid box available within reach

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Distance of Preschool

Distance plays a critical role in selecting a preschool. It should be at a distance easily approachable by the parent. One has to decide whether the preschool is near to their workplace or their home. Nearness to school ensures that you will be able to attend your child within a few minutes whenever your child needs you or in case of any emergency.

Research

At the end its a very big decision in the life of your little-one. and no big decision should be taken in haste. So take time in visiting all possible preschools and shortlisting them based on the above factors . Reach out for people reviews on the preschools you have visited. Explore the internet for  activities posted by those school and find out how different and creative they are in their work.

Why preschooling is necessary

Preschool gives the apt environment to your little ones to feel home away from home. When you enroll your little one in a preschool , your child is being exposed to a complete new environment and he/she  will learn to spend a few hours outside their safe zones. There are chances that little one completly denies going to school or staying away from his mother. But gradually the child finds out that preschool is not a place to be afraid of. Why? Because a preschools offers a complete homely environment to the child. He starts finding out his favourite toys, reciting the new poems or the songs that their teachers sing , they like being in company of their own age group, they enjoy playing outdoor on the swings , and basically they find out that they are growing.

How preschools are better than nursery sections of Primary schools

Preschools are mostly set up in small buildings usually an area of 2000 sq fts, this limited area is actually quite big in the minds of your little one. Now compare this with the actual size of any primary school that's a whole new world for him , the child is bound to feel lost in such a huge complex.
Preschools are more focused towards holistic and cognitive development of children as every student is an asset to them and will set a reputation for its survival in the world of preschool market. Its actually survival of the fittest.

What is the right age for preschool

Generally speaking the right age to enrol your child in preschool is once he turns 2. Because that's the age when he is willing to learn , explore, socialise and is inquisitive and observant. The earlier he is exposed  to this environment the faster he learns and grows . But every child is different in his/her  growth pattern.  Some children are not comfortable going to school again because of the safe zone factor of being in their own niche and  in that case its the parents discretion to find out what is best suited for their child.

What are the advantages of preschool

At Preschools the children are exposed to lot of basic learning activities in many creative and enjoyable ways. These activities help children to develop their Social , Gross motor , fine motor and sensory skills. The child feels more independent and confident in himself. Further at nursery level the activities are designed to unfold their mental and physical abilities  Children's sense of competence and self-worth grow as the learn to take care of themselves and help other.