Parents want the best possible daycare for their child, and there are many pertinent questions to ask prior to making the final decision.
Here are a few key questions to ask when considering your ultimate daycare choice best suited to your child:
What are you looking for?
I have been in early childhood education for more than 20 years. I have my bachelor’s degree in education, and have worked in daycare centers, taught public kindergarten, and been invited to speak at several early childhood conferences. As parents on the search for a quality program, you have told me you are looking for a social, yet educational experience. You want a physically and emotionally safe environment, and you want to know the teachers have the necessary talents and skills to enrich your child’s curious minds.
How do you identify a socially enriched program?
You have to ask about the unwritten curriculum. Children are experimenting with independence and learning they have a cause and effect on their environment. With this comes social responses like sharing, taking turns, and knowing how to get their shovel back on the playground. Find out how the school intends on teaching communication skills during this critical time when your child is learning how to communicate effectively.
Along with this comes assertiveness training, where children learn how to identify and express their emotions effectively. Age appropriate, positive discipline teaches children how to use problem-solving skills in order to get their needs met without infringing on the rights of others. A positive, socially rich environment is very important for your child’s development.
Curriculum: What will my child learn?
The magic of a quality program is the teacher’s ability to make learning purely exponential! Scientifically we know children learn best when they are moving and using all of their senses. A quality curriculum has as much breadth and depth as it does simple ABCs and 123s. For example, science experiments, cooking projects and gardening activities offer a myriad of dendrite connections versus a worksheet of the letter Aa. Such activities also provide opportunities for phonics, reading, mathematical and social skill building. Throw in a little Spanish and Sign Language, and you have an excellent recipe for genius! Meaningful experiences are stored in the long-term memory. It is in meaningful curriculum and experiences that your tuition becomes an investment.
Additional questions to ask:
- Are the teachers degreed, experienced and have longevity at the school?
- What is the structure of my child’s school day?
- Are children read to and allowed time to explore quality children’s literature?
- Is there communication and documentation of my child’s learning progress?
- Does my child have dramatic play opportunities?
- Are there music and movement activities?
- What is the purpose of the projects my child will be doing?
- Does the outdoor environment provide interaction with nature?
- Are the children treated with honor and respect from their teachers and peers?
Please visit Bridges Preschool and Kindergarten at www.Bridgespreschool.com. Bridges has limited enrollment opportunities. Our East Mesa campus offers affordable and professional preschool (starting at age 2) through private kindergarten. You are invited to call (480) 924-8008, or tour at any time.