If, as a parent, you are not sure what an early learning centre is and why you should have your child there, a little research on the subject is in order. Picking the right kids’ early learning centre is the most important decision you will ever make. You must consider your child’s needs and see where they will thrive and be happy, what type of care suits your values, and what a centre has to offer. This is in addition to the curriculum. Here is a list of important features to consider in the search for the best centre for your child.
Searching For The Right Early Learning Centre
The right fit: It is always difficult for a parent to put their child in another’s care. Finding the right kids’ early learning centre can make a big difference – especially after learning how they teach and engage the children in their care. Since you know your child best, reflect on whether your child would like to be at a regular centre or at a quieter place with smaller groups of children. In the search for a learning centre, check out if the programs are rigorous, or if the emphasis is on music and the arts. You may have to choose between a traditional or play-based learning program. Children reveal their innate strengths at an early age and encouraging them will expand their horizons. It is up to you to pick the right system for your kid.
Tour the centre: It is a parent’s prerogative to request a tour of the facility before signing their child up. Most centres are happy to show parents and children around to get a feel for the facility and meet the teaching staff. While at the centre, look around to see if the environment is friendly and natural with lots of space. Do the children look happy to be there? Check the staff to children ratio. It is important to check if the teachers have a quality relationship with their pupils. Booking a tour should be easy – you can either do it online or call the facility directly and make an appointment.
Talk to the director and teachers: In cities, kids’ early learning centres have long waitlists and parents forget to check if it would suit their child’s needs. It is good to go prepared with a list of questions like:
- No. of children in a group
- How are a child’s specific needs addressed?
- Will the centre provide additional support in the form of teachers and resources, if needed?
- What is the teacher turnover?
Centre proximity: If the centre is located close to home or office, it will work out better. Dropping off the child and picking him/her up on the way home will be far more convenient as you will not have to deal with traffic. You should play your time in a way that you can say goodbye to your kid properly when you are dropping him/her off.
It is important that you start the search for a kids’ early learning centre as soon as possible. It would be a pity if there is a spot in a centre close to home and you miss the opportunity.
