Choosing a preschool? Expert recommends asking these 10 questions during a school tour before you decide |

Choosing a preschool is one of the first major decisions parents make for their child, and the experience can feel overwhelming. During a school tour, it is easy to be impressed by colourful classrooms, attractive infrastructure, smart boards and well-designed activity areas. While these features certainly contribute to the overall environment, they do not always reveal how children are cared for, how they learn, or how they are supported emotionally every day.According to Mr. Manish Gupta, Business Head at Cambridge Montessori Pre-School & DayCare (Jalsa Ventures), parents should treat a school tour as an opportunity to understand the philosophy and culture of the institution rather than simply evaluate its facilities. “A preschool is where children develop their first experiences of learning, relationships and independence. Asking the right questions helps parents understand whether the school’s values, teaching approach and daily practices truly align with their child’s developmental needs,” he says.

Before stepping into a school, parents should also reflect on their own expectations. What kind of environment do they want their child to grow up in? Will their child feel safe, confident and emotionally secure? How does the school communicate with families? What happens beyond academics? The answers to these questions often provide a far better picture of a preschool than its infrastructure alone.

1. Does the learning environment encourage children to explore, not just follow instructions?

Learning during the preschool years should be motivated by curiosity and not rote learning. Parents need to see if their children are involved in the activity or just doing as told. Find out what methods are used by the institution to engage children in active learning by way of storytelling, sensory activities, creative activities, natural activities, music, arts, and practical learning.

2. How are teachers continuously trained once they are hired?

While teacher qualifications are important, the institution’s ability to keep its teachers’ knowledge base current is just as important. Parents can find out how often the educators attend workshops, classroom observations, mentoring and professional development courses. The field of early childhood education keeps evolving and hence well-educated teachers will be able to cope better with the developmental stages of the children and also the diverse learning modes.

3. What does a typical day look like beyond classroom learning?

The preschool curriculum should have a combination of learning, playing, moving, creating, and socializing. Request a walkthrough of the day of your child at the preschool. How many hours of free play does the child get? Is there any provision for the children to do something outdoors, such as a musical activity, storytelling, painting, drama, gardening, or some other activity related to developing basic life skills? Such activities tend to foster confidence and independent learning skills in children much better than doing worksheet activities alone.

4. How does the school prepare children for the future without taking away their childhood?

The preparation for future-ready education begins much before coding and examination classes. The parents should know how their children will be encouraged to think creatively and critically to solve problems, collaborate, communicate, and think digitally and emotionally. A carefully crafted preschool program develops these skills organically through games, conversations, discoveries and collaborations.

5. What safety measures are in place beyond the school gate?

Safety encompasses much more than having a secure entry point. It is necessary for parents to know all aspects of the safety of the institution. Find out whether there is CCTV coverage, visitor management, emergency preparedness, evacuation plans, staff training, transport safety, and a reporting system in case of incidents. Not less importantly, find out how fast you are informed about any incident at the institution and how they handle medical emergencies.

6. How do they handle health and hygiene issues?

Health and hygiene are very important aspects since young children spend many hours a day at preschool. Parents should be aware of the institution’s hygiene and sanitization practices, classroom hygiene, toy sanitization, bathroom hygiene, cooking hygiene, allergies, and dietary concerns.

7. How does the school build discipline through understanding rather than fear?

In a preschool setting, discipline should involve helping the child learn more about his/her emotions, gain self-control, and form respectful relationships with others. It is useful to know what strategies the teachers employ in case of any disagreement, emotional outburst, or behavior challenge. Understanding classroom management will provide some insight into the school’s emotional safety and the respect shown to children.

8. How is the school involving parents in the development of their child?

The collaboration of parents and teachers is very important for the healthy development of the child. Instead of having a conversation only about the report card, find out what kind of information about progress, behavior, development, and achievements parents receive from the school.

9. Do the children seem happy, confident, and comfortable?

Probably, the most important question does not need any answers. You should look around and try to evaluate the mood of the kids during your visit. Are they happy, confident, asking questions and approaching the teacher confidently? Is the tone of talking polite and friendly? Is there a calm and pleasant atmosphere?

10. The right questions lead to the right choice

A Preschool forms the basis of a child’s whole educational journey throughout his/her life. Although it is true that the infrastructure and curricula are crucial factors, the parents should also go deep down and look at what else the preschool offers in terms of its values, people, and experiences. It can help the family go beyond their initial impression and make the right choice regarding their child’s development.