How best playschools/preschools are second home to children?

Christmas is the festival of love and hope. As Christmas is approaching my two-year-old pre-schooler demanded “mamma Santa cap”. I hugged her and asked, "dear how do you know Santa". She put her little right hand on the mouth 😲 as if asking me "Don't you know Santa “I had no words but smiled and understood "it’s all playschool celebrations".

Playschool learning

What are playschools/preschools?

Playschools synonymously known as preschools are turning into a second home for toddlers. They are learning platforms for them outside the home and play a crucial role in bringing fore the hidden talents in little Santas. 

What are the yardsticks for the best playschools for children?

A good preschool is a pre-preparatory institution for formal schools which focuses on cultivating the best in the child. Therefore, parents must be observant and careful while choosing playschool for their toddlers. In my opinion, a successful playschool is the one where a child goes happily and comes back happily.

 What are the main concerns for parents and how to prepare themselves and child for this new phase? 

The following steps will surely serve as a guide:

• First step should be to talk to friends, neighbours and other parents whose children are already going to any preschool. It helps to reduce separation anxiety from young ones.
• Next step is to decide on choosing a playschool for toddlers from their perspective because every child is unique.
• Proximity from the house and safe transport is prerequisite.
• The educational background and experience of teachers and staff must be considered.
• Each face is new for the child. The attention, affection, rapport and handling matters for staying back and settling of a child in days to come. In the initial phase itself, the child reacts to the environment and gives signs to parents.
• Teacher student ratio is also significant. Ideally, it should be 1:15 The lesser the better for the development of the child and individual attention.
• Neat and hygienic environment including toilets is recommended to avoid infections and allergies.
• Dust free green surroundings, open space, colourful rooms are the source for positive energy.
• The type of plays that are conducted, where do children take nap, how children eat their meals, is there any potty training are other major issues to look into.

In nutshell, one right decision of parents leads to the formation of structured attitude and aptitude of the child. Even the reluctant child starts showing these early signs:

• greetings like thank you, goodbye, morning
• sharing while playing
• familiarity and recognition of different objects
• fussy eaters start eating
• awareness about celebrations
• learning by repetition
• discipline, routine
• improved social and behavioural skills

It has been observed that freedom and continuous encouragement to children leads to communication without hesitation. They grow as curious and receptive human beings with a strong foundation who are better prepared for the future.

Please provide your valuable insights in the comment box.