Typically, the time for your toddler to join a preschool is a period that parents associate with significant stress. It stands to reason. After all, you do not want to settle for the second best for your child, especially since the importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. Enough and more research has shown that the first 5 years are extremely crucial for the child’s development since 90% of the child’s brain develops during this period. You therefore want to choose the best playschool that not just offers physical safety for the child but also ensures the child’s all-round growth. If the question on your mind is how to choose the best preschool near me, here is everything that you need to know.

1. Physical Safety

When the child takes those first few independent steps, it may feel like you are seeing your heart travel outside your body. Truly so. At this time the child is too young to be able to take care of herself physically. You need a preschool that has a stringent focus on child safety. Some of the aspects to watch out for include:

• Whether or not it offers access to live CCTV footage
• What are the measures it takes to ensure background checks for staff?
• What are the dispersal measures taken, and more

2. Founder background

This is typically an ignored area but one that can throw a lot of light on the kind of approach the school might have. What kind of background do the founders have? Are they progressive in their thinking? Is the preschool just another venture for them, or are they committed to the cause of early education? There are some questions that you need to seek answers to.

3. Scientifically developed curriculum

The preschool curriculum is the single most important marker that will ensure the child’s all-round growth. It will be worthwhile checking on the following aspects:

• Does the curriculum focus on active participatory learning?
• Is the emphasis on developing key life skills?
• Does it focus on different content areas such as language, mathematics, socio-emotional development, and more?
• Do teachers act as guides, supporting the child’s exploration?
• Is student progress assessed through observation in natural learning environments?

4. Child-friendly infrastructure

In choosing the best preschool near me, you also need to take into account whether or not the school is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The infrastructure not only needs to be best-in-class, it also needs to be child-friendly to ensure safety.

5. Nutritious meals

Due focus also needs to be on the fact that the preschool needs to provide nutritious meals so as to ensure the child’s growth. Some areas to look for include:

• In-house food preparation
• No junk food
• Fruits being included in meals
• Nutritious menus, and more

6. Teacher: Student Ratio

One aspect that can really make a big difference in the child’s formative years is whether or not they receive individual attention. To this end, it is important to see whether or not the preschool offers a robust teacher-to-student ratio.

7. Programs Offered

It is important that the programs offered are tailored to the child’s needs. Do make sure, therefore, to see whether or not the preschool offers age-appropriate programs such as playgroup, pre-nursery, kindergarten, and more.

8. Daycare facilities

With the growth of nuclear families as well as with both parents working, it is imperative that you check to see that daycare/afterschool facilities are on offer. Trained staff and the kind of activities that are on offer are other aspects to look for. After all, you do not just want a physically safe environment; you also want the child to spend those hours fruitfully.

To Sum Up

Hours spent in research for the above factors can go a long way in ensuring that you make the right decision that impacts not just the child’s current years but also lays a foundation for their long-term well-being.
At Footprints Preschool, we are fully dedicated to the child’s holistic growth. Our focus is on ensuring that the child is equipped with the necessary life skills that are the ultimate markers of success in a fast-paced world. Little surprise then that parents consider us as their perfect parenting partner.

FAQs

1. Why is choosing the right preschool so important?
   90% of a child’s brain development occurs in the first five years. The preschool you choose plays a critical role in shaping lifelong learning, behavior, and well-being.
2. What safety measures should I look for in a preschool?
   Look for live CCTV access, thorough staff background checks, secure dispersal protocols, and above all, a strong culture of child protection.
3. How does the founder’s background impact the preschool’s quality?
   Founders with a deep commitment to early education often shape progressive, child-centric policies. Their vision influences curriculum, staff training, and overall school ethos.
4. What kind of infrastructure should a good preschool have?
   State-of-the-art yet child-friendly facilities that prioritize safety, accessibility, and stimulation. This includes non-toxic toys, age-appropriate furniture, secure play areas, and hygienic environments.
5. Why are nutritious meals at preschool important?
   Balanced, in-house meals with fruits and no junk food support physical growth, cognitive development, and healthy eating habits from an early age.
6. Why is an ideal teacher-to-student ratio in preschools important?
   A low ratio ensures personalized attention, better emotional support, and more effective learning.
7. What types of programs should a preschool offer?
   Age-appropriate programs such as playgroup, pre-nursery, nursery, and kindergarten help children transition smoothly through developmental milestones.
8. Should I consider daycare facilities when choosing a preschool?
   Yes. Quality daycare ensures your child is safe, engaged in meaningful activities, and cared for by trained staff beyond school hours.
9. How much research should I do before finalizing a preschool?
   Investing time in research is essential. Visit schools, ask questions, and compare safety protocols, curriculum quality, infrastructure, and staff credentials. A well-informed choice lays the foundation for your child’s long-term development and emotional well-being. Also, do not forget to speak to existing parents.
10. What sets Footprints Preschool apart from others?
    Footprints focuses on holistic development, life skills, and a scientifically backed curriculum. All of this within a safe, nurturing environment designed for today’s fast-paced world.