What Do Parents Look For In A Preschool Visit

Choosing a preschool for your child is an exciting journey, but things can also get overwhelming as you search for the perfect childcare centre. Parents often wonder what to look for in a preschool to ensure the best environment for their child. With so many options available, it’s important to consider various factors before making a decision. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top priorities parents should keep in mind when choosing a preschool in Singapore, from class sizes to curriculum quality, to ensure your child has the best start.
 

The Value of Putting Your Children in a Good Preschool

What do parents look for in a preschool? A high-quality early childhood program is key to ensuring children meet their learning and developmental milestones, as they gain skills that are important for life.

Beyond that, preschools serve a practical need by providing a safe and nurturing environment for children while both parents are at work. For all this and other reasons, zooming in to the best preschool that meets your needs and requirements can be an uphill task.

When selecting a preschool, parents should focus on how well the school meets their child’s developmental needs as well as their family’s schedule. To help you navigate through this process, here are some factors to keep in mind as you look out for the best preschool for your children.

What Parents Should Prioritise When Choosing a Preschool in Singapore

1. Class Size & Teacher-Child Ratio

According to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), the ideal teacher-child ratio varies by age group.

Class Level (Age of Children) Staff to Children Ratio Staff to Children Ratio (with an additional Assistant/Teacher
Infant (18 months & below) 1 : 5 Not Applicable
Playgroup (Above 18 – to below 3 years old) 1 : 8 1 + 1 : 12
Pre-Nursery (Children who turn 3 years old during the year enrolled) 1 : 12 1 + 1 : 18
Nursery (Children who turn 4 years old during the year enrolled) 1 : 15 1 + 1 : 20
Kindergarten 1 (Children who turn 5 years old during the year enrolled) 1 : 20 1 + 1 : 25
Kindergarten 2 (Children who turn 6 years old during the year enrolled) 1 : 25 1 + 1 : 30

 

While some preschools may have the capacity to offer class sizes that are smaller than the recommended guidelines, most childcare centres follow the ratios set by ECDA.

These guidelines were designed to allow learning to be interactive between the teachers and children, whilst allowing the little ones opportunities to interact with their peers which builds up their social skills.

2. The Preschool Environment 

When visiting a preschool, parents should assess the overall atmosphere of the centre. Are the classrooms engaging and welcoming? Does the school display children’s work, which reflects active learning?  These observations say a lot about the lessons that the teachers conduct with the children and the quality of learning that takes place.

Above that, do also take note of the centre’s overall organisation and setup as well. Do the classrooms look “too neat” – which could be a sign that children are not allowed the freedom to explore and learn from their messes.

On the other hand, a classroom that is messy right from the start does not look good either.

As you walk through the doors of the preschool, you should feel a comforting sense of warmth as you scan the overall environment. Teachers and children should interact with ease and be familiar with each other – these are the things you would want your child to feel too every day that he/she enters the childcare centre.

While striking a conversation with the principal and teachers, note how they respond to your questions. Are they confident in their answers or are unsure about certain policies of the school? This says a lot about how much they know about the centre’s operations and how organised the entire school is.

little footprints preschool

3. Space for Learning and Play

A top concern for parents is the balance between structured learning and play. Another area to consider is space available at the centre and how the learning areas are segregated.

Check if there is ample space for children to move around and if the centre has designated areas for different activities conducted throughout the day, such as lessons, nap and mealtimes, as well as play and exploration.

Are the classrooms in individual rooms or laid out in an open concept style – decide which style you are most comfortable with.

For many parents, an outdoor area is a must-have. Observe if the space wide enough for children to run around safely and find out what activities are typically conducted in this area.

4. Daily Schedule & Routine 

A well-structured daily schedule is essential for young children as it provides them with a sense of stability and helps establish good habits. Parents should look for a preschool that offers a balanced daily routine with a variety of activities that promote both learning and play.

Ask the preschool for a copy of their daily schedule, which should typically include:

  • Arrival and free play: Time for children to settle in and engage in independent or small group activities.
  • Structured learning sessions: Short, engaging lessons that cover early childhood education topics like language, math and science.
  • Snack and meal times: Regular breaks for healthy snacks and meals, ensuring children are well-fed and energised throughout the day.
  • Outdoor play and physical activities: Time allocated for outdoor play or physical activities is essential for children’s physical development and motor skills.
  • Nap time: For younger children, preschools often provide time for naps or quiet rest, which is important for their overall health and well-being.
  • Storytime and creative activities: Many preschools incorporate reading sessions, art, music and imaginative play into their daily routine to stimulate creativity and cognitive development.

A consistent daily routine helps children feel secure, and the variety of activities encourages holistic development, from social skills to academic readiness.
 

5. Meal Options & Nutrition 

Your child will be taking meals and snacks several times throughout the day through the food that the school provides. In Singapore, all preschools strive to provide meals that are well-balanced, nutritious and healthy for growing children.

Parents need to be confident that the preschool provides healthy, balanced meals. Ask about the source of the meals provided by the school – are they prepared in-house or catered by a reputable caterer? It is also helpful to ask to view a copy of the menu for an example of the food served to the children and if these are suitable for your children.

If your children have known food allergies, find out if the school is able to cater to your children’s dietary needs – or if they allow the flexibility of having you pack homemade meals for your children.

6. Cleanliness & Health Protocols 

The overall cleanliness of the centre is another important factor as children are very susceptible to falling ill from viruses. 

In view of the current pandemic, preschools in Singapore should also put in place higher standards of cleanliness to protect our children from falling ill. 

Some health and safety protocols to find out include:

  • The frequency of cleaning the centre and toys/learning materials 
  • Protocols for teaching children good personal hygiene (e.g. washing of hands before eating and in between activities)
  • Availability of hand sanitizers for the children’s use

7. Approach to Discipline & Encouraging Good Habits 

Parents often want to understand how a preschool handles discipline and promotes good behaviour. Classroom rules are helpful for children to understand their boundaries in a learning environment and whilst interacting with others. Do find out how the teachers encourage positive behaviour in class and guide the children in situations of conflict.

It is important for parents to work closely with teachers in this aspect as our little ones are going through different phases throughout their preschool journey and learning to relate to the people around them. 

8. Staff Stability & Teacher's Passion 

A stable teaching staff indicates a positive work environment and happy teachers, which directly impacts your child’s experience. When choosing a preschool, parents should ask about the staff turnover rate.

Take time to observe how the teachers interact with the children during the tour – are they actively involved in their lessons and do they maintain positive energy with the children? Teachers who are passionate and engaged with children create a supportive and effective learning environment.

little footprints preschool

Important Questions To Ask When Choosing A Preschool

To help you make an informed decision, here is a quick list of important questions to ask when touring a preschool:

  • What does a typical daily schedule look like, and how are different activities balanced throughout the day?
  • How does the curriculum support my child’s learning and development?
  • How is the preschool space organised to support learning and play? Is there enough space for both indoor and outdoor activities?
  • What is the teacher-child ratio, and how will it impact my child’s individual attention and learning?
  • What safety protocols does the preschool have in place?
  • How do teachers approach discipline and resolve conflicts between children?
  • How does the preschool keep parents informed about their child’s progress and daily activities?
  • What meals do you provide, and how do you manage food allergies or dietary restrictions?
  • Are there extracurricular activities or special programs that support my child’s interests and growth?
  • What is the staff turnover rate, and how does it affect the consistency of care and teaching?

These questions serve as a helpful guide when evaluating preschools and will provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision. By asking the right questions, you’ll be better equipped to choose a preschool that not only meets your child’s developmental needs but also aligns with your family’s values and expectations. Remember, finding the right preschool is about ensuring your child thrives in a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
 

Ready to take a closer look at your shortlisted preschools in Singapore?

Now that you know what to look for in a preschool, it’s time to visit your shortlisted centres. Book a tour to observe the environment, interact with the teachers, and ask questions that will help you feel confident in your choice.

With centres conveniently located in the heartlands of Singapore, Little Footprints Preschool may be a great choice for you.

Here, learning is based largely on a thematic and experiential approach, along with specially curated programmes to develop your children socially and cognitively.

Both half-day and full-day programmes are available for your selection, while infant care services are available at selected centres for little ones aged 2 to 17 months.

Schedule your tour today and see how Little Footprints Preschool can be the perfect fit for your family. Remember, your child’s happiness, safety, and development are the most important factors when choosing a preschool.

 

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