We’re not going to lie: Finding the right preschool for your child is a daunting task. It
can overwhelm even the most seasoned of parents. But it’s also an extremely
exciting time that signals the start of your child’s learning and growing beyond their
home and family.
As parents, we all want the best for our children, and we want to find an environment that will match the comfort, love, attention and care that we provide at home. Not always an easy task.
Fortunately, there are a few guiding principles to help you make a decision that is both practical and meets your little one’s emotional and social needs.
1. Do your research
Decide what you want out of preschool. It is great to talk to neighbours, colleagues and other parents on the playground but at the end of the day, you need to make your own assessment on what’s best for your child.
Some questions you may consider asking are:
- How long has the school been operating?
- Are the teachers experienced and nurturing?
- How does the school communicate with parents?
- Is the program play-based, academic, or both?
- What extras does the program have? Are there languages, outdoor play spaces, nature education, art, music, science, library, etc.?
2. Look for a warm and comforting environment
Visit the campus while school is in session so that you can see first-hand how the school operates. This is a great way to experience the environment and teacher-student interaction. Does the classroom feel inviting and safe? Do the children look happy? Is it calm and fun at the same time?
3. Nurturing Teachers
Passionate, caring, and qualified teachers and staff should be a priority. Teachers make all the difference to education when your little one starts formal schooling but don’t underestimate the power of a nurturing teacher at play school level. You want to leave your child in the care of someone who is in tune with your little one’s cues and who is skilled at creating a reassuring, safe and fun environment for your little one to grow, develop and be themselves. Ask the school about their behaviour management policy.
4. . Playful learning
Young children learn best by doing or experiencing—through discovery and play. This is why we prioritise play at Little Einsteins and we focus on providing a well-balance environment of guided and unstructured play. Additionally, the school should encourage the holistic development of the child and empower values within them. The joy of learning and the excitement to go to school should start early and can flourish in the right environment.
5. Be realistic
You might never find the perfect school that ticks all the boxes. The nursery and preschool years are the underpinnings of your child’s educational journey but they do not need a state-of-the-art playground and all the latest gadgets. Look for an environment that nurtures the whole child and teachers that prioritise learning instead of teaching.
Once you have narrowed down your search, apply to more than one school to avoid disappointment. At the end of the day, your gut will tell you what is right for you and your family.
Get in touch with us to visit Little Einsteins today, and find out how we focus on play, not profit through our social impact model with Learn To Play.
We believe in building a brighter Botswana, with our Little Einsteins.
– by Ronelda van’ t Hof
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