As your toddlers grow into their threes, they’re constantly looking for new ways to explore the world around them. It can be a difficult and confusing decision to choose the perfect preschool for your child. 

Research has proven that the first five years are crucial in terms of brain-building for your child. It sets the foundation for many important personality traits as they grow up. Having said that, preschool years become that much more significant and hence choosing the right school is paramount to helping your child put her/ his best foot forward. 

While there are many parameters to consider, we bring to you six key differentiators that make for a great preschool. 

  1. Curriculum methods.
  2. Motor development.
  3. Space and lighting.
  4. Freedom by teachers.
  5. Parent engagement.
  6. Safety.

1. Does the preschool have a strong curriculum?

As children find out different ways of learning and understanding the world around them, their brains are busy making new pathways. Exposure to a variety of different textures, tastes, smells, sounds and sights are crucial to get their senses working at their best.

Check if the preschool you are considering has opportunities for your child to

  • Touch and feel different surfaces like hard floors, soft carpets, sand and water.
  • connect with nature and explore on their own.
  • Learn or engage with musical instruments.
  • Eat food that offers variety in tastes, textures, and smells (they are more likely to help your child form healthy eating habits).

A good preschool will keep your child engaged. A great preschool will keep your child engaged meaningfully and encourage exploring the world around them through the different senses. 

Children are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Imaginative play is a huge part of toddlerhood. Find a preschool that

  • Encourages imaginative play- a string can be a snake or a cardboard box can be a palace. 
  • Allows children to be more creative.
  • Learn or engage with musical instruments.
  • Provides a conducive environment for kids to ask questions.

Instead of telling them that a ball will roll on an inclined surface, they may discover that on their own when they let go of a ball from the top of the slide. Accidental discoveries from imaginative play are a crucial part of their learning. 

2. Does the preschool focus on motor development?

In the first eight years of their lives, children are growing and developing on many different levels. As Carla Hannaford explains in her book Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head, there are smart moves which, when practised regularly, develops important life skills ranging from communication to self-confidence. An ideal preschool must have space for outdoor play as well as indoor activities. 

 

  • Activities like running, climbing, crawling, jumping, kicking, and throwing are important for gross motor development.
  • Scribbling, drawing, feeding one-self, zipping, buttoning, playing with clay, help develop fine motor skills that will help your child develop strength and dexterity.

3. Is the preschool space designed for your child’s optimum growth?

Modern preschools have open learning spaces, movable furniture and flexible classroom arrangements. The learning spaces are designed with the child in mind and built in a way that encourages creativity, collaboration and personalization.

Check to make sure that

  • The learning spaces be well-ventilated.
  • There is natural light and fresh air.
  • The classroom provides for free movement of children.

If too many children are in a cramped space, not only does it become unhygienic and chaotic, but it also dampens learning. A child must have the opportunity to engage in group learning, hang out by themselves or with alone with a teacher sometime during the day.

4. Do teachers offer freedom and love to children??

Speak to teachers at a preschool to gauge whether they engage in positive narratives. You need to make sure that your child goes to a learning facility that

  • Engages teachers who are positive and kind.
  • Employs teachers who are nurturers as well.

Research shows that care from teachers develops leadership qualities in your child. You want your child to feel safe, be vibrant, and be surrounded by positive teachers.

Children need the time and space to discover things on their own. Does the preschool you are considering

  • Allow for freedom of children to just be?
  • Can your child sing and move about.
  • Rely on instructional teaching?

The emotional development of a child is just as important as cognitive development. Before picking a preschool, find out 

  • How the teachers encourage the students to feel different emotions.
  • If they play music that is sometimes slow and sweet and associate with relevant emotion.
  • If they teach age appropriate songs and nursery rhymes that allow them to experience emotions in a playful way.

It is important to teach children to deal with a spectrum of feelings and validate them. This will help them work through difficult emotional conflicts in a positive manner.

When you tour the facility, keep an eye out to see if the kids and teachers are happy. A happy vibe in the learning environment is very important in the early years of formal education.

5. Does the preschool indulge in parent engagement?

Wholesome learning is possible only when the preschool and parents work together to form a conducive environment for the child’s learning and development. Look for a preschool that

  • Conducts periodic parent workshops and orientations.
  • Provides for community events like library story-time.
  • Keeps parents involved in different aspects of learning and development of their child.
  • Facilitates field trips for the children with adequate safety measures in place.
  • Has a provision for you to speak to existing parents and talk to them about their experience (the school ought to provide references upon request).

6. Is the place safe and secure?

Make sure to check out emergency procedures, safety of the premises and first aid provisions at the preschool. Double check to ensure that

  • The rooms are clean and free of clutter.
  • The tables and play areas are arranged in such way so the children can be seen at all times.
  • The playground is adequately fenced off.
  • There are rules regarding who can pick your child up after school.

These are a summary of some of the most important factors you should consider. We hope this list will help you decide on the best preschool for your child.