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How to Select a Preschool / Playgroup
Having worked in the field of early childhood education for over ten years and being a parent myself, I am often asked by parents who have young children on how to find a school that will best meet the needs of their child. It can be a daunting, perplexing predicament these days because there are simply so many choices available in Hong Kong, especially for children aged six months to six years old. Preschools offer parents and children varied methodologies, curricula, religious and international affiliations, facilities and credentials. As often as twice a year, parents spend hours trooping from one “open house” to another, investigating campuses, meeting staff members, and receiving colorful brochures while trying to reach a decision.
My initial response when parents ask me for advice regarding this situation is usually the same: How does the classroom feel from the child’s point of view? Children, in fact, know nothing about curricula, methodologies and affiliations (which are actually of concern only to their parents). Their first learning experiences are based entirely on their senses. What looks and feels good to us might not be the same for the child and it is important that the child feels stimulated and secure in the classroom.
There are, however, other factors to take into account. It is the parents who need to consider the aspects of comfort, cleanliness, safety and security in the school because these are essential to any child’s wellbeing. We cannot expect learning to take place unless those components are part of the school’s environment. Fortunately, it is usually evident whether these components (e.g. cleanliness) are present in a school and should be apparent on a first visit.
Classrooms that are warm and inviting and adequately supplied with appropriate equipment make the child feel welcome. Parents should look for details: equipment is best when it exhibits signs of the teacher’s creativity and originality, includes teacher made materials as opposed to commercialized materials, and most importantly it must be “age appropriate” (challenging—but not impossible for the age group of the child.) On the playground parents should look for ample space for “gross motor” (large muscle) development as well as evidence that the area is not only used for play, but as another place in the school where learning and socialization occurs.
Once parents have narrowed their choice of a prospective preschool they should thoroughly research the schools in which they are interested. They should inquire as to the teachers’ experience, credentials and certifications that can protect children, such as First Aid training. The school should also be evaluated for its longevity and questions like: “Which schools do the graduates attend on leaving the preschool?” will help clarify the school’s reputation.
Some parents will prefer recognizable nomenclature that identify the school’s academic approach; buzz words like “Montessori,” school styles such as “Singaporean, Australian etc.” and even religious affiliations attract many parents every year. Competition is so intense that parents can always find schools like the “Saint Mary Had a Little Lamb Singaporean International Montessori Fun Play Group and Preschool,” however, upon investigation the school might be no more than an ordinary preschool that has only just enough space and be of little additional value to their child.
The key word in the last sentence is “value.” How much is your child’s education worth to you and your family? Successful placement of a young child in an educational environment, especially if it is the child’s first exposure to the classroom, will depend on the child’s adaptation to the school. This means that both the parents and the child must be comfortable with the prospect of attending the school, and be very comfortable with its environs, methods, equipment, personnel and atmosphere. To help narrow down the choices and make an informed decision, I’ve compiled a detailed checklist to use as parents visit each Preschool / Playgroup location. Take your time and review the options carefully.
Written By Y.L. Lie, Operations Director - Tutor Time International Nursery and Kindergarten |
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發表於 08-12-10 20:57
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