Considering A Preschool? 3 Questions To Ask
Posted on: 4 March 2019
As a parent, you probably want your child to grow and live in the healthiest manner possible. Therefore, the benefits of a healthy diet, exercise, and happy home should be easy to see. Of course, early education is also beneficial, even though most parents do not believe the cost of preschool is necessary. Fortunately, enrolling your child in preschool can be a great investment due to the improved socialization skills, independence, and building blocks for an effective education that this early form of education offer. If you are considering a preschool, such as Advantage Learning Center, for your child, here are a few questions to ask.
What Educational Curriculum Is Offered?
You may be surprised by the different types of curriculum offered at various preschools. While each offers its own pros and cons, finding a curriculum suited to your family's beliefs and your child's needs is key.
For example, Montessori schools focus on a child's ability to learn on their own but with a teacher's guidance. Students enrolled in a Montessori preschool learn using hands-on activities, working at their own pace, while learning independence by taking care of their personal needs.
A Waldorf curriculum centers more on creative play to learn. This may involve singing, play-acting, cooking, and storytelling. Most Waldorf classrooms resemble the interior of a home with comfortable furnishings instead of cold school desks. In addition, Waldorf students tend to stay with the same teacher throughout their early childhood education, creating a strong student/teacher bond.
If your religion is an important aspect in your family's life, you may want to enroll your child in a church preschool program. These programs are based on your specific faith, educating your child using basic early childhood principles that revolve around Bible stories and other faith-based lessons.
There is no right or wrong curriculum for your child's preschool. Your best option would be whatever appeals to your child and your family.
Why Does a Typical Day Consist Of?
You should also ask teachers and staff what a typical day in their preschool looks like. This will help you visualize how your child will learn, play, and interact.
Most preschools do follow a certain schedule, which consists of periods of time for educational purpose, such as lessons, classwork, and arts and crafts. Outdoor time will also be a part of the preschooler's day in addition to a period of snacking, eating, and resting.
What Is Required for Enrollment?
Every preschool will have a requirement that you and your child will need to meet before they can be enrolled. These requirements may consist of financial obligations on your part or educational/development milestones that your child may need to meet.
In regards to financial obligations, you may need to pay an application fee and a deposit to secure your child's spot. This is most common in more popular preschools.
One of the most common requirements preschools have in place is that children must be potty-trained before entering preschool. Some preschools require that they be potty-trained while others are willing to aid in the potty-training process. Knowing what is expected beforehand is essential to avoid stress on the staff's end and embarrassment on your child's end.
Of course, accidents do happen. It is up to you to prepare your child for these accidents, so packing a change of clothes and items to help with cleanup is helpful.
Finally, you need to determine if food must be brought into the school or if you need to pay extra for your child's food and stacks. Some preschools have cafeteria and food service available. However, bringing in food is most likely necessary if your child has a food allergy or dietary restrictions.
Again, knowing what is required and expected of your child beforehand is imperative for being prepared.
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