What are the factors I need to consider while choosing a preschool for my child?
Choosing the perfect preschool must sound like an impossible task however it is not so difficult if you know what to keep in mind and what really matters in the long run. Read this article below by Eshok Valley Preschool to find out the main types of settings to choose from.
Looking for a preschool in Singapore can be a daunting affair with the many preschools providing different aspects of quality education. However, Chiltern House Preschool Singapore has shown to be one of the best in providing a head start for your child. Do check out their site above today.
Types of preschools
Preschool is a big objective in both the child’s and the parent’s life. Most childhood experts say that going to a good preschool program aids in promoting a child’s social and emotional progress. Studies have also shown that children who attended high-quality early education programs are more likely to have better test scores and grades, go to University, and have better-paying jobs. So how do we choose the one that is best for our child? Read more here!
In Singapore, some of the common settings found in preschools are:
- Kindergartens (usually 3-4 hours in the morning OR afternoon);
- Full-Day Childcare (child-minding only)
- Full-Day Childcare (with a preschool curriculum)
- Half-Day Childcare
- Flexi-Hours Childcare
The next thing you need to know is teaching philosophy employed by the preschool. The following article by Karen on Noodle will give you an amazing insight into what you need to know.
At this point, you might be unsure of what preschool to send your child to. If you are serious about giving your child a headstart not just academically but also in social skills, Chiltern House Preschool is definitely the preschool to send your child to.
The common teaching philosophies
The most common type is the Traditional classroom system having a structured curriculum. The system devises specific objectives which the children have to build their goals around. Learning is through recognition of letters, numeric, various sounds and shapes e enhance problem-solving and listening skills. Hence the activities are teacher-directed which means the teacher passes down a set of instructions and sets the goals to be achieved by the child. In this children are not left so much on their own to explore. The children have to follow a dress code and have to be toilet trained by the age of 3.
The second most common type is progressive in which developmental is prioritized through keeping the teaching system child-centered. Here, the philosophy is that children need to explore and learn through imaginative play, art, and block-building. The progressive classroom is typically set up as a series of “centers” where learning can take place using open-ended materials. Read more here!
The school usually has a play area and an area for painting and a puzzle area. Teachers adapt to these environments instead of keeping expectation from the child for a certain goal. They keep checking up on kids in their own chosen engaging spaces and encourage them to go forward with their own ideas. Now that you are aware of the teaching philosophies available, you have to know about other factors affecting the running of the preschool. This article below by Vanda is sure to help you out!
Other factors to consider
First you need to know if it is government run or private. Most state owned schools do not have the freedom to design or alter their own curriculum. The next thing is the budget. You need to see how much you can pay for the services of the day care centre, especially if you are on a small budget. The next thing you need to be worried about is the locality. Some people prefer having it near their work place, some near their home? The snacks served also impact your child’s health so they are not to be kept out of the equation either. Ask what type of snack is served to the children and how much time is allotted for naps.
Also need to be checked is whether the school is accredited and a background check is also important to know the school’s reputation. You must also look carefully at the minimum qualifications of the teachers hired, First Aid/CPR availability in case of emergencies and the environment. Determine the pervading atmosphere of the play school or day care centre as you walk around. Is it a place where children are comfortable and taken care of? Do you think it would be the best place for your child to spend his/her early days? Read more here!
Some factors are to be known through observation only. You can simply look around to see the emotions of the children currently enrolled there. Do they look happy and having a good time? Is the infrastructure good enough for your child to play around freely? Do they provide extra curriculum activities such as sports dance or music to support the creative growth of your child? And last but not the least, are the toys provided by the school promoting mental growth?
To conclude, all these multiple factors together determine the quality and suitability of a preschool for your child. Then combine them with your needs to choose the schedule for your child and voila!