Unlike elementary, middle, or high school, an ideal preschool in Riyadh should feel like a home away from home. A preschool is where your child will learn the basic academic and social skills they need to get ahead in kindergarten and beyond, so it’s crucial to find one that feels the right fit. Touring preschools is a great way to get started before you go for school admissions however, it can be a daunting process. Here are eight essential questions to ask on a preschool visit:
- Are Teachers Having Proper Credentials?
Preschool teachers’ training varies from state to state but inquires about their education. Did they get a degree? Did they study early childhood development in college? At the very least, the head teacher should be licensed in early childhood education and have a B.A. or M.A. are sufficient for many staff, including teacher assistants. Just make sure they can handle children. Also, inquire how long the instructors have worked at the institution. High employee turnover may indicate an unhappy teaching staff.
- What’s the Preschool’s Philosophy?
Most preschools will have a written mission statement that you can read before touring. The director or the head teacher of a preschool in Riyadh should also be able to tell you what they believe in and how they put those beliefs into practice. If possible, see if the preschool’s philosophy is evident in how the classrooms are set up and the interactions between teachers and students. A quality preschool will be warm and nurturing, with plenty of opportunities for play and exploration.
- What is the Teacher-to-Student Ratio?
According to the NAEYC, i.e., the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a maximum class size of 20 students for preschoolers, with two teachers in each class. This ratio allows for individual attention and ensures teachers can handle disruptive behaviour. If a preschool you’re considering has larger class sizes, ask how they plan to give each child the attention they need.
- What is the Daily Schedule?
A day at an ideal preschool in Riyadh should be filled with a balance of activities, including opportunities for free play, group time, arts and crafts, music, and outdoor time. Ask to see a copy of the daily schedule so you can get an idea of how they will structure the day. Be sure to inquire about snacks and lunchtime as well; healthy eating habits are essential to encourage at this age.
- How Do You Handle Discipline?
It’s crucial to find out how preschool staff members handle discipline issues. Do they believe in time-outs? How do they deal with biting or hitting? What are the consequences of not following rules? It’s also important to ask how teachers praise good behaviour; positive reinforcement is key to encouraging kids to make good choices.
- What Is Your Curriculum?
Most preschools will follow some curriculum, even if it’s just a loose guide for daily activities. Ask to see a copy of the particular curriculum to get an idea of what your child will learn and how it will be taught.
- What Is Your Approach to Screen Time?
With preschoolers, it’s important to limit screen time to no more than an hour per day. It includes T.V., computers, tablets, and phones. Preschools should have the policy to limit screen time and ensure that kids get plenty of hands-on learning and play opportunities.
- What Are the Safety Procedures?
It’s one of the main questions while you look for school admissions. Safety is always a top priority when it comes to preschools. Ask about the procedures for drop-off and pick-up, as well as how visitors are screened before being allowed into the building. Find out if there are security cameras on campus, and ask about what would happen in the occurrence of an emergency like fire or other crisis.
Additional Questions
- What Is Their Policy on Homework?
Most preschools don’t assign homework, but some may send home letters or numbers for parents to help their child practice. Others may have suggestions for ways that you can support your child’s learning at home. It’s crucial to find out the preschool’s policy so you can be prepared to help your child if necessary.
- Do They Have Any Special Programs?
Some preschools offer special programs like language immersion or STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) classes. If any programs interest you, ask about them during your tour. Many preschools also offer before- and after-care programs for working parents.
Conclusion
The best advice you can get from experts for admission to preschool in Riyadh is to start your search early, and you must ask many questions. Choosing the best daycare or nursery for your family can be challenging since it pertains to your child’s development and social conduct. Because selecting the appropriate daycare or nursery for your kid is an important decision, but it takes time and thought. These early years are also crucial in laying the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional growth, so picking the proper caregivers is an essential first step toward decreasing parental stress and creating a conducive learning environment.
