It is the time of the year when parents start to look for the best preschool for their children. Parents can get a first-hand impression at an Open Day that cannot be matched by a website or brochure. It’s important for parents to take advantage of the chance to get to know the staff, the teachers, and the learning environment in the classroom.
Additionally, a parent’s chance to ask questions during an Open Day helps them decide if the school is the best fit for their family. When visiting preschool Open Day, start by asking the following 10 questions if you’re just beginning your family’s preschool search:
- Are you licensed?
To safeguard the health and safety of our children, licensed centres are subject to far stricter standards and regulations than those that are not.
- What is the school’s standard for teacher qualifications?
Preschool teachers need to have a thorough understanding of how kids develop and learn, regardless of the type of educational environment. Additionally, you should find out if teachers and their helpers have received CPR and First Aid training, as well as if they attend workshops for continuing education on a regular basis to stay up to date in their area.
- How does learning take place at the school?
Children must have the chance to learn about how things work, exercise their developing bodies, and participate in enjoyable activities. Hands-on activities integrating several senses, particularly with preschoolers, frequently better support the development of children’s innate curiosities and their motivation in learning for learning’s sake. When you go to an open day, find out what kinds of activities the kids do during the school day. How much time is spent on activities that the teacher directs? Do kids have the chance to make decisions and move around the classroom? What kinds of educational resources are used?
- How is discipline handled?
This is significant since different centres have different discipline policies and practices. Make sure the disciplinary procedures at the school you are visiting are consistent with your own and your family’s methods so you will know what to expect.
- What will a typical school day look like for my child?
This is an important inquiry since the answer will aid parents who are experiencing some of the common worries that come with the first day of school. It will be easier for you to assess if your child will feel at ease in the classroom if you are aware of how the day is structured.
- Are Meals Provided?
This makes it easier for you to know what to anticipate in terms of things like whether or not you need to pack a lunch every day, whether or not to bring an afternoon snack, whether or not an afternoon snack is supplied, and more.
- How does the security system work?
Any high-quality programme must ensure the safety of every student and staff member. Check to see if the daycare or preschool you are considering has a system in place that only permits people who have been given permission to attend.
- What is the size of each class?
Are the children grouped by age, or are classes mixed?
How large is the group my child would be in?
What’s the teacher-child ratio in each group?
What is the maximum class size?
- What are your charges and operating hours?
Asking is perfectly OK because this is highly important. Knowing this information will help you arrange your family’s schedule and budget.
- When they graduate, will my child be prepared for kindergarten or primary school?
Given that there is a significant difference between a daycare and a preschool, this is likely the most crucial query. While lacking the structure, curriculum, and teaching of a preschool, daycares ensure your child is cared for and essentially merely looked after for the day.
