How To Pick the Right Preschool for Your Child: Our Guide

With the variety of preschools in Singapore today, choosing the right one for your child can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t know what to look out for. But you want to make sure you choose one that’s the right fit for your child’s personality, learning style, and developmental needs. Before getting carried away with every offer that comes your way, take some time to consider these tips to help you choose a right preschool that will give your child the best start in life! Now, without wasting any more time, let’s have a quick look and learn more about them.

1. Look at Your  Child 

It’s no secret that every child is different, and what works for one child may not work for another. Children have different personalities that affect their learning, so your child should be in an environment that suits them. For example, you may notice your child absorbs concepts faster by doing things practically. 

Some of the questions to consider would be; Are you looking for a classroom-like environment or one where your child will learn through hands-on experiences? How much will your child interact with other children (and adults)? Before making any decision, think about a child’s personality type and what type of learning environment will suit them best. 

2. Look at the Teachers 

Teacher training makes a big difference in a child’s learning. In general, look for teachers who have completed at least two years of teacher training and have some experience working with children. Also, ask about how often they attend workshops to keep their skills sharp. 

A teacher trained in early childhood education can offer unique advantages to your teacher’s learning. These teachers have a deeper understanding of child development and are better equipped to handle behavioral issues. They also know how to create activities that foster a love of learning and self-discipline. 

The preschool should also be accredited by an organization like the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) or the National Institute of Early Education and Child Development (NIEECD). If you’re looking at international schools, ask about accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS).

3. Look at the Learning Environment

The physical environment in which your child learns also impacts their learning rate. You should consider some of the questions: Are there enough teachers to ensure that each student gets adequate attention? Is there a sufficient number of classrooms to allow students to learn at different paces? Is there enough space between tables and chairs so that children can move around freely? 

Are there enough learning aids (like books, toys, etc.) for all students? Is there an adequate number of toilets and washrooms so that children do not have to wait long before using them? Are sanitation facilities clean and hygienic? Do they meet international standards, or are they below par (if yes, ask why)? Do they provide toilet training facilities like potty chairs, or are these missing altogether (if yes, ask why)?

4. Look at the Curriculum

Preschools have a free hand in designing their curriculum, so you must choose a preschool with a curriculum that meets all your child’s development goals in physical, cognitive, and social skills. You can ask for several skills to assess a curriculum, including  Does it have clear activities for your child’s physical, cognitive, and social development? 

Are there plenty of outdoor activities? Is playtime included? Do they focus on math or language development? Does it help teach children how to get along with others? These are just some of the many questions you should be asking when evaluating a curriculum.

5. Look at the School’s Location

Your child’s preschool should be conveniently located where you can reach it quickly. The school needs to be near your home or workplace; dropping off and picking up your child will not be an issue. Some schools may offer shuttle services to pick up and drop off students from home, but it is better to choose a nearby school if they do not. 

If you have other children already attending school, it would also make sense to choose a school close by so that there will not be any issues with having one sibling go to one school while another goes to another.

For your child’s physical safety, the school should have  a good fence and a secure gate. There must be no gaps in the fence where children can fall through or climb over. There must be adequate space between desks and chairs so that children do not trip over each other while moving around.

Conclusion 

It’s important to pick a preschool with a solid educational curriculum and one that is geared toward preparing kids for elementary school. It also needs to be warm, nurturing, and fun. Enrolling your child in the right preschool Singapore will set the right foundation for your child. Pick the right preschool for your child because it plays a big role in shaping your child’s future.