Choose the right preschool for your little one

Our children are our little treasures. Finding a preschool that’s the right fit is of utmost importance. Let’s have a look at what Southdowns College suggests we need to keep top of mind when selecting the right school.

A schools that honours diversity. Preschools should encourage children to play respectfully towards themselves and each other to strengthen social interactions. This is achieved by allowing children to take turns, share, collaborate with each other, follow routines and communicate their needs and thoughts. Children then learn to respect and value everything that makes people different from each other.

Schools that foster empathy, mindfulness and acknowledgement of each child’s uniqueness. Children should be comfortable to be themselves while remaining part of a larger group. They should be encouraged to be aware of other’s emotions and feelings and be given skills in order to support their peers.

Schools that incorporate different teaching styles. Preschools that develop the child holistically often use different teaching methods. Even though the curriculum is the same throughout a specific grade, classrooms should reflect the class community.

Schools that prepare your child for their formal school journey. Preschools should pave the way and provide an environment for children to play, explore, build their confidence, accomplish tasks and learn to make independent decisions which will prepare them to start their more formal journey from Grade 0.

Schools that encourage a growth mindset for their children and staff. As education is continually evolving, schools should reflect the 21^st century skills in their curriculums, such as social, communication, self-management, research and thinking skills.

Schools that utilise a play-based curriculum. Play-based learning should include language and literacy, mathematics, life skills, science, art, music, sensory and character-building activities from a very young age, as these will form a firm foundation in preparation for Grade 0.

A school that prioritises the social and emotional development of young children. Preschools in particular should aim to provide an environment that is warm and responsive to children’s psychological needs. Preschools and teachers in particular, play an important role in easing children’s anxieties by coaching them to identify self-regulation opportunities, coping mechanisms and conflict resolution strategies that contribute to their overall resiliency and adaptability.

Does the school support a trauma focused approach to teaching young children? Preschools that acknowledge anxiety provoking situations and are able to validate a child’s frustrations by creating a safe space for children to express themselves, build relationships and connections and support the teaching of emotional regulation practices.

Schools that provide a safe haven. Young children flourish with routine and stability. Young children, in particular, derive their sense of safety from the adults in their lives.  Preschool often serves as a safe haven where consistency and established routines add to their overall wellbeing. Life can get very busy for parents, preschools on the other hand offer a dedicated space and time to attend to your child’s specific needs on a daily basis. It is also often a different environment from home where they may also come into their own because the environment is specifically geared towards meeting their learning, physical and social needs.

Schools that offer an opportunity to learn about yourself and your peers. Children learn more about themselves by interacting with others. Opportunity is given to explore boundaries, test cause and effect of their behaviour, initiate contact and develop their social skills.

Schools create time for fun. A variety of play equipment and a balance between non-directed and directed play opportunities ensures a better understanding and mastery of the world around them. ‘Play is the work of childhood’ – a preschool is able to offer a larger range and variety of stimulating and fun activities that improve their skills, promotes self-regulation and social relationships. It allows for messy and sensory play to appeal to the integration of their sensory systems. Through outside play on a large playground with a choice of equipment, different gross motor skills can be exercised contributing to improved balance, co-ordination and physical strength, which acts as a solid foundation for the development of their fine motor development, visual-motor integration and perceptual development.

Preschools add another support structure to your child’s life. Caring and loving teachers add to your child’s positive development. Having a supportive adult that is dedicated to your child’s growth and is interested in their progress helps them to feel a greater sense of belonging and community. Teachers also offer a sound board by building a relationship with a parent and your child and can often offer advice or serve to help you reflect on your child’s overall wellbeing. It is reassuring to talk to someone who also knows your child well.

Preschools that encourage independence. Something as simple as carrying their own bag or opening their lunchbox makes them feel capable and acknowledges their ability to exercise more control over their environment and experience a sense of accomplishment. Preschools focus on developmentally expected goals and offer guidelines and support to reach them.

Early identification. Trained professionals allow for closer observation of your child’s expected developmental growth. Tracking their development ensures the identification of possible difficulties or delays and promotes early intervention. What support services are offered by the school to support their overall development should your child require additional support?

Details: For more information about Southdowns College, or to enroll your child visit: www.southdownscollege.co.za or call them on: 012 665 0244