Children grow up fast, and before you know it, school age is fast approaching; a couple of years in kindergarten gives the child the social skills he or she needs to enter Year 1. In this short article, we offer a guide to choosing the right pre-school for your son or daughter.
Developing Social Skills
This is the primary aim of any early learning program: to equip the child with the skills to interact with others, both peers and adults. Good manners are important, as well as respecting other people’s property and living in harmony with classmates. Teachers are always excellent role models, and group participation is encouraged to help the children work together. If you are looking for childcare in Blacktown, a Google search will help you find the best institution.
Love of Learning
If a pre-school can instil a love of learning in the children, it will stay with them for the rest of their lives; it is for this reason that all activities are fun-based and serious academic learning doesn’t begin until Year 3. Storytelling, art, dance and movement make up the majority of the activities during a typical day, while outdoor activities are also included when the weather allows.
Safety & Security
Of course, the school needs to have good security, with CCTV coverage in all areas and a system whereby only authorised people are allowed access. All Australian early learning programs must conform to very rigid requirements regarding safety and security. Check out this interesting blog on online education courses, which you might find useful.
Choosing a School
Start with a Google search that will bring up a list of approved early learning programs in your immediate area; browse until you find at least one that looks suitable. Take a look at their mission and vision, and look for a program that utilises active learning, rather than a traditional classroom concept. Research shows that child-centred learning gives the best learning outcomes, and that gives your child the best start to their academic years.
Book a Visit
Of course, you must be shown around by the principal, which can usually be booked via their website, and you should prepare a few questions to ask. If all goes well and you decide to register your child, make sure they visit informally before the big day, which removes all anxiety. A short 30-minute trip is all it takes, and when your child arrives on the first day, there will be some familiarity, rather than anxiety.
Daily communication with the carers is essential to the child’s development and well-being; most schools use a small notebook for parents and teachers to send each other messages. If, for example, the child has a current issue, one party would inform the other, and with joint support, learning is cemented.
It is important to carry out your research when looking for an early learning program here in Australia, and we hope that the information in this article helps you to find the right program for your child.
