Your little one is ready for preschool. The thought of them carrying a cute little backpack and coming home with those arty drawings that often settle on the fridge door in many households excites you. At the same time, you are anxiously wondering where to start looking, what to look for, and how you would know the right place to best meet your child needs.
For someone who likes to be in control, picking a preschool for our little one was an intimidating process. It was overwhelming because, as a parent, you are concerned about how the child will respond to a school environment. This is a valid concern, but one that most times, you do not have control over. Having realised that, when we eventually started searching for a preschool for our child, we focused on four practical aspects that were important to us and aligned with our family needs.
The proximity of the school to home was an important factor for us because we both worked far away from home. We wanted a close enough school to home so that her Caretaker could walk her to and from school. Of course, there was an option of school transport, but in my mind, I thought she was still very young to be in school transport on her own. Location is also essential if you are a working parent who may have to drop off and pick up the child from school. You ideally want a place that will be logistically convenient for both of you. Of course, location has to make sense in line with your family budget, which we discuss next.
As a parent, you always want to give your child the very best that you can, within the limits of your budget. Determining a suitable school fee budget for your family and how it affects you financially is the most obvious and critical element of this process. Outside of the official school fees, you also have to consider other fees relating to the supply list (e.g. toiletries), stationary, after and holiday care, and other little extras that pop up now and then, i.e. tuckshop day, school trips, etc. Also, most schools charge registration or enrolment fee, which can be once-off, and some additionally require deposits upon the acceptance of the placement. The costs can really build up quickly and therefore requires careful consideration.
There are few teaching methods or programmes as to how to approach early childhood education. It may be helpful to research some before you start looking. In deciding on which route to take, we took a guide from the child’s personality. For example, considering the child’s behaviour, how active they are and thus may not thrive in a “monotonous” teaching environment, the need for individualised attention, etc. At the same time, it is not guaranteed that what you choose will be the best method for them. But you go with the option that you feel will support your child’s needs the best.
There is research available that supports the importance of extramural activities for children. At the core of it, extramural activities are vital for the child’s holistic development. Amongst other things, they encourage problem-solving skills, acquisition of social skills and physical development. Most preschools have extramural activities to supplement existing curriculums, but the extent to which they offer these may vary. So, the choice as a parent should be whether you are leaning towards a more play-based school or a school that focuses heavily on academic goals or the one that offers a balance of both.
Overall, I believe there is no right or wrong way of going about the process of hunting for a preschool for your little one. The important thing is to identify whether they are ready. Further, think about aspects that are key for you as a parent that will encourage a pleasant experience for the child and focus on their holistic development.
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