This blog is aimed at any parent who is looking for advice about child care and early learning. I do not work in this industry. My name is Keira, and I am just another loving parent who wants the best for her child. When my child was 2 years old, I decided to return to work. This was the beginning of my search for child care. Over the next couple of months, I learnt lots of useful things from other mothers and those who work in the industry. I hope this blog helps you to make the right choice when it comes to child care.
Early Learning and Child Care
Essential Questions to Ask on a Preschool Tour
Lesa Miller
You can send your child to a preschool when they are as young as twelve months old. Pre-kindergarten is an excellent way for your child to get socialised in a group situation. If you spend a lot of time at work, sending your child to school is right for them. You can relax knowing that qualified professionals are taking care of your baby's every need. Pre-kindergarten involves learning through play. Your child will learn how to solve problems, share and be creative. The group interaction is very beneficial for your child.
As a parent, you want to enrol your child in the best possible school. Here are three essential questions to ask during your preschool tour.
Are they licenced?
You do not want to leave your child in an unlicensed school, so find out whether the school is licensed to operate. They should also tell you what ages they are licensed to handle. You do not want to leave your one-year-old at a school meant for three-year-olds. To get licensing, a school has got to have high safety and health standards. It also means that the school has passed the local legal requirements in regards to staffing, child protection and food safety needs. The Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority regulates child care services.
What about teachers?
The teacher is vital when you are looking for a school. Ask about their qualifications. The person spending the day with your child should be qualified to do so. Also ask about staff retention because consistency is essential for your child. If they are dealing with a new teacher every other month, that will not be great for them. Ask whether the children get a new teacher every year because it is better if they have the same teacher for the first couple of years. Find out whether the school provides opportunities for in-service courses to teachers to update their child care training.
Does the school require potty-training?
If your child is not fully toilet-trained, ask whether the school allows that. Some schools require that children are fully potty-trained before they join pre-kindergarten. Some schools are willing to help you in the process of toilet-training. If the school is ready to take your child, find out how they handle accidents. They may require that you send your child to school with a change of clothes.
Sending your child to preschool can be stressful at fist. Ensure you pick one that you can trust with their health and safety. Check out preschools in your area to learn more.
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