Selecting the appropriate preschool for your child is one of the most critical decisions you will ever make as a parent. Preschools can significantly impact your child's early development, both in the academics and social areas. To give your child the best education and environment, here are a few key questions to ask when interviewing a preschool teacher/administrative staff. Following are some of the key questions to ask the preschool teacher of your child before enrolling.
1. What is the teacher-to-student ratio?
In your child's learning experience, the teacher-to-student ratio is very important. Reduced ratio provides the ability of teachers to provide more individualistic care to every student which promotes a better learning environment. Ask about the number of children in the class and how many teachers or aides are present. Ideally, the children's ratio should remain so low that each child has the attention they need to develop academically and socially.
2. What is the preschool’s curriculum?
It’s important to understand the preschool’s approach to learning. Some preschools adopt a prescribed academic curriculum, and others adopt a more play-based or a Montessori model. Inquire into the curriculum and how it assists with your child's growth development. Inquire about the balance between school learning (letters, numbers, geometry) and creative activities (art, music, open play). The curriculum should be engaging and hands-on tailored to suit your child's age.
3. How do you handle behavior and discipline?
Since different preschools have different behavior management strategies for students, it is important for you to find out just how the teacher manages his or her classroom behavior. Request the teacher to explain how students' behavioral issues and discipline are handled. Seek strategies that are congruent with your parenting style and beliefs. In this developmental stage, positive reinforcement, redirection, and natural consequences are all viable leads for teaching children's behavior. It is also useful to learn about what the teacher uses to reinforce positive behaviors and establish an appropriate classroom culture.
4. How do you communicate with parents?
Communication between teachers and parents is essential for a successful preschool experience. Ask how the teacher plans to keep you informed about your child’s progress, daily activities, and any issues that may arise. Certain schools offer frequent written reports, parent-teacher conferences, or digital communication tools. Ask how often you can expect updates and what format they will take. Open communication there, allows you to be directly engaged in your child's learning and growing.
5. What are the preschool’s health and safety policies?
Children's health and safety is always your top priority, therefore it is essential to ask the preschool about what health and safety policies they have in place. Ask about school procedures in case of emergency, sickness, and allergies. What is the procedure for sick children? Are teachers trained in first aid and CPR? However, you should also ask whether there are policies for handwashing, disinfection, and environmental cleanliness.
6. What is the school’s approach to social and emotional development?
Preschool is a critical period for the development of social and emotional skills, including sharing, cooperative playing with peers, and the appropriate labeling of emotion. Ask the teacher how they foster social and emotional development in the classroom. Some interventions facilitate teamwork, conflict management, and empathy. Are the schools providing opportunities for the children to learn to manage emotions and build self-regulation? Read More
This article is referenced from
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
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