What to look for in a preschool checklist

So now your child is ready to take their first step into the world of education by attending preschool. As a parent, it can be a jittery moment as the child is leaving the home for the first time and would be taken care of by some new strangers in the absence of parents. Will they take care of the child properly? Will the child be safe? Will the child be able to adjust? Which is the best preschool near me? How should I choose the top preschool near my area? These are just some of the many questions that run through parents' minds when they think of sending their child to preschool. It's normal to feel anxious about sending your child to preschool, but with the right preparation and research, you can ensure that you choose a preschool that is a perfect fit for your child's needs and your parenting philosophy.

When choosing a preschool for your child in India, it is important to consider several key factors. One of the most important factors is the staff and their experience in handling young children. You should research the qualifications and experience of the teachers and staff, and observe their interactions with children during a visit to the preschool. A trained and experienced staff can ensure that your child is in safe hands and will be taken care of in the best possible manner.

Another important factor to consider is the infrastructure of the preschool. The school should have appropriate equipment and facilities for young children and be well-maintained with a focus on safety and hygiene. A clean and hygienic environment is crucial for the well-being of your child. You should also ensure that the school has proper safety measures in place, such as CCTV cameras, security personnel, and emergency evacuation plans.

It is also important to consider how parents are updated about their child's progress and well-being. A lot of preschools still use Whatsapp as a communication medium. Whatsapp though is very easy to use but lacks the details a parent needs to stay updated about his child. A preschool that uses an app like HelloParent to inform parents in real time can be a great option, as it allows for easy and streamlined communication. This also demonstrates the transparency of the school and keeps you updated about your child's activities, progress, and well-being.

In addition, you should also look for a preschool that has defined processes for different activities, such as drop-off and pick-up, and has a system in place for dealing with emergencies. The school should also have a clear and defined process for handling different activities, such as snack time, nap time, and playtime. This ensures that your child's routine is not disturbed and they are able to adjust smoothly to the new environment.

Transport availability and updates are also important to look for, as you want to be sure that your child is being safely transported to and from school. You should also ask about the driver and cab changes if any. A stable and reliable transportation system ensures that your child reaches school and back home safely.

The fees of the preschool are also a factor to consider. While you want to find a preschool that fits your budget, you also want to make sure that it provides quality education and care for your child. It's important to find a balance between cost and quality of education.

Lastly, the curriculum is also an important factor to consider. You should research the different curriculum options available, such as Montessori, Playway, and traditional Indian methods. It's best to choose one of these methods, but ensure that the school follows a defined curriculum instead of just teaching through books. The curricula should foster a lot of creativity, involve a lot of activities for the child to indulge in, playtime and encourage the child to learn. But it's important to note that a large number of schools follow traditional Indian methods with certain changes. Some chain brands have different names for these curricula but the outcome remains more or less the same. Parents should consider the curriculum as the last in order of importance after all other factors are considered.

In summary, when choosing a preschool for your child in India, it is important to consider the staff and their experience, infrastructure, safety and hygiene, communication with parents, defined processes for different activities, transport availability and updates.