When infants grow to become toddlers, they start to learn from everything they see and hear. They learn to utter words, walk and to develop tastes. These are the days when they need preschool education so that a strong foundation is laid for them. It is a general misconception that preschool is just an option for those parents who do not have time to devote to their childrens upbringing. However, it has been observed that preschool plays a very crucial role along with parental guidance in the fabrication of a healthy childhood. But some parents feel inundated with doubts when it comes to finding the right preschool for their munchkins. Here are some guidelines for those not-so-sure parents, which will take care of their worries.
See if the preschool incorporates elementary education
Kids have an edge if they are introduced to alphabets and numbers during their preschool education. These are the cognitive areas determining a child's future growth rate. So, make sure that the school instills these elementary fundamentals into your kids. You can go and visit the classrooms and see if they have a well-equipped bookcase or if they have maps or puzzles put up on walls. In addition to that, you can ask them to explain their approach towards teaching.
How do they take to plays?
It would be dull and unproductive if they dwell only on ABCs and 123s because that would leave no space for plays and games. An ideal preschool blends the foundation of literacy with plays. Children get an opportunity to explore the other developmental areas such as behavior and personality. You can look for an art room or a costume section if they have any. There ought to be an open space for kids where they can play in groups and engage in various activities.
Consistencies in the values
The values that they impart in preschool and what you cultivate at your home should be more or less in compliance with each other; because the consistency in the ways you tackle emotional and social issues at home needs to be maintained for a uniform psychological and behavioral growth. The most apparent way to ascertain this is by asking teachers and other staffs there. You may consult other parents if you get a chance, and ask them how the school approaches these soft areas.
Do they inculcate decisive skills?
If at the tender age of 3 or 4, kids are exposed to the idea of choice, they go on to exhibit a balanced life when they grow up. Kids should be allowed to choose from the daily activities, rather than being dictated by the teachers. You can get an idea of this by perusing the school schedule. There ought to be various activities designed, addressing different skills and learning aspects where kids are encouraged to choose from.
Relationship between teachers and kids
This is the most pivotal part of all the other things discussed here, as you will be sending your kids away from home for the first time, and that too for an extended period every day. So, it is imperative that the teachers and mentors should exude positivity and be high on ethical values.
The sole responsibility, obviously, lies with the parents. After all, at the end of the day, kids will be back home where they belong.
