Playschools are educational institutions for toddlers who are still too young to join a primary school. As the children are at a very tender age, choosing the right playschool is the first major decision that we make for them. Although playschools do not focus on formal education, they provide an environment where the child can experiment and explore freely within the various areas of development.
There may be many reputed playschools in your neighborhood that look attractive. Undoubtedly you want the best play school in India for your darling, so keep these points in mind while selecting a playschool.
- Teaching methodology – This is one of the first things that you should look for while selecting a playschool for your child. Different schools follow different philosophies of education, for example, some may follow the play way method or ‘learning by doing, while others may follow the Maria Montessori method of teaching. Don’t hesitate to ask them about their teaching methods as this directly impacts your child’s learning.
- Safety and Security – It is crucial to gauge the safety protocol followed by the school. As this is the first time you leave your child alone, the environment should be safe and secure and the child should feel at home there so that the transition becomes easier. The teaching aids and the play equipment should be child-friendly and all necessary safety precautions should be in place.
- Timings – Most playschools work for a few hours or half-day. This is important because the children become cranky after a certain time and need some rest and quiet time. Some playschools have day-care facilities for the working parents who cannot pick up the child during the day. Select a playschool that offers all the facilities that you may require so that you can go to work, knowing that your child is in good hands.
- Teacher-student ratio – The teacher-student ratio should not exceed 1:8 so that individual attention and care are provided to the child. The child is too small to take care of his needs and requires constant attention. An ideal playschool should have at least two teachers and one assistant to take care of the children.
- Distance from Home – The playschool should not be located far from the home so that the child does not have to spend a lot of time traveling to and fro from the school. If there is a pick and drop facility or transport facility, make sure that an adult accompanies the child while traveling.
- School Reputation – Check the school website and ask around for the school’s reputation before enrolling your child. Good communication between the school and the parents is essential as the children are too small to convey any important information. They should provide pictures and videos from time to time so that you are aware of the activities being conducted in the school.
Conclusion
Enrolling your child in a good playschool ensures holistic development of the child and it becomes relatively easier for the child to get admission in one of the best ICSE schools in India.