How to select the best preschool and daycare for your child?

Preschool education serves as a child's first formal educational experience outside of the home environment. Preschool programs often incorporate activities that enhance social interactions, emotional regulation, and physical coordination, fostering well-rounded holistic growth and cognitive development.

Preschool education nurtures a child's cognitive, social, emotional and physical attributes that sets a strong foundation for their future academic achievements and overall well-being. With so many preschools to choose from, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, here are our comprehensive tricks and tips on selecting a preschool for your child.

But before that, let's look into

Why is it Important to Go to a Preschool?

Studies show that a child's brain develops at the rapid rate from birth to age 5, compared to any other period of life. During the first 1000 days of a child’s life, the brain develops at an incredible rate, with neurons forming new connections at a rate of up to 1 million per second. A child's experiences during this time can have a significant impact on his or her brain development, influencing their ability to learn, communicate, and form relationships.

Furthermore, early brain development significantly influences a child's capacity for learning and success in school and in life. Moreover, studies show that kindergarten preparation is a solid indicator of future academic success. Children can socialise with their peers, learn to take turns, share, and communicate clearly in preschool.

In the early years, children observe and learn from their surroundings. Preschool helps children develop emotional regulation skills, including expressing their feelings appropriately, developing empathy for others, and coping with challenging situations. Therefore, we must give our children the best environment possible in their early years with early years education and the correct preschool.

Checklist for selecting a preschool

1. Research based and Learning Curriculum

Look for a preschool curriculum that aligns with your child's developmental needs and interests. A good preschool curriculum should balance play-based learning, structured activities, and opportunities for social interaction. Ask about the daily routine, the types of activities offered, and how the curriculum is designed to promote your child's brain development and holistic growth.

2. Nurturing Environment

The preschool environment can impact your child's overall development and learning experience. It's important to look for a preschool that provides a safe, clean, and stimulating environment that promotes learning and exploration. You should also consider the preschool's location and the surrounding area to ensure it is a safe and secure environment for your child.

The preschool should implement appropriate childproofing measures such as electrical outlet covers, cabinet locks, corner guards, and flooring materials that are slip-resistant and easy to clean to minimise the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Selecting a preschool with a positive and conducive environment can help ensure your child has a positive and fulfilling learning experience.

3. Where Safety Meets Smiles

Ensuring your child is safe and secure while at preschool can give you peace of mind and allow your child to focus on their learning and development. As a parent, it's important to ensure that the preschool you choose prioritises the safety and security of its students.

This includes having a secure facility with adequate safety features, such as Visitor Management System, Face Recognition, Secure Entry and Exit Points, and Emergency Response Plans. It's also important to ensure that the staff at the preschool are trained in safety protocols and procedures, including first aid and emergency response.

Consider the background checks and qualifications of the staff to ensure your child is in capable hands. Furthermore, you can ask the preschool about their policies on illness prevention and management and their COVID-19 protocols.

4. Tiny Tummies, Mighty Meals

Many preschools provide meals or snacks as part of their program, and it's important to ensure that the meals provided are nutritious and appropriate for your child's dietary needs. It would be best to consider whether the preschool offers a variety of healthy options that appeal to your child and whether they are accommodating to any allergies or dietary restrictions.

It would help if you also asked about the timing of the meals and whether they fit with your child's schedule. Consider whether the preschool encourages healthy eating habits and teaches children about nutrition. Providing your child with healthy and nutritious meals can support their overall health and well-being and set them on a path to healthy eating habits.

5. Transportation Treasures - On the Move

It's important to consider transportation when selecting a preschool that meets your needs and schedule. You should consider the preschool's location and whether transportation is available, either through a school bus service or public transportation.

It would be best to consider the distance from your home or workplace, as this can impact your child's schedule and your ability to pick them up and drop them off.

6. Infrastructure

When selecting a preschool for your child, one of the essential factors to consider is the presence of good infrastructure. A preschool with well-designed and well-maintained facilities provides a conducive environment for early childhood development.

A spacious and clean building with child-friendly classrooms, play areas, and restrooms ensures that your child has a safe and comfortable space to explore, learn, and interact with peers. Furthermore, a good infrastructure includes age-appropriate learning materials, toys, and equipment that stimulate a child's cognitive, social, and physical development.

Adequate safety measures such as secure entry and exit points, CCTV surveillance, and childproofed spaces further enhance the overall quality of the preschool. A school with good infrastructure reflects a commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for your child's early educational journey.

7. Ensure Your Child's Contentment

Preschool is a child's first experience with formal education and can set the tone for their future academic and social success. It's important to select a preschool where your child feels comfortable and happy, where they are supported, and where they can build positive relationships with their peers and teachers.

Visiting the preschool, observing the interactions between the children and the teachers, and asking for feedback from other parents can help you gauge the happiness and satisfaction of the children attending the preschool. When your child is happy at preschool, they are more likely to be engaged in their learning, develop a love for learning, and build a strong foundation for future academic success.

One of a parent's most crucial choices in life is choosing a preschool for their child. After weighing all the benefits that are associated with sending your child to a preschool, it’s time to find the best preschool in Delhi. Being said that, Petals Preschool & Daycare is the international standard preschool chain where your little one will create beautiful early childhood memories. 

Petals Preschool & Daycare Promises  

LIVE CCTV Feed

Witness every magical moment that unfolds and stay connected with your little ones as they explore, play, and learn at Petals.

UK-based EYFS Curriculum

Watch your child thrive academically, socially, cognitively and emotionally as they engage with the comprehensive EYFS curriculum, ensuring holistic development and tailored learning experiences.

Harvard Research-based Pedagogy

Prepare your child for a bright future with Petals’ innovative teaching methods rooted in Harvard's research-based pedagogy

Child Safety & Hygiene

We implement strict safety protocols to ensure the well-being of every child in our care. From face recognition entry and exit to visitor management system, we give utmost attention to Child’s safety and hygiene.

Brain Aptitude Test (USA Patent)

Witness the incredible potential of your child's brain with Dermatoglyphics Multiple Intelligence Test and discover their inner talents.

SED Connect

An original binding practice that relieves both parent and child separation anxiety.

ECCE-trained teachers

With Petals' ECCE certified educators, every child's potential finds its perfect bloom building a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Meal Plans by AIIMS Nutritionist

Petals has partnered with renowned AIIMS Nutritionists to design healthy and balanced meals for young learners. These meals are carefully crafted, considering the specific nutritional needs of growing children.

Instant Updates on the Parents App

It informs parents of their children's daily meals, nap times, activities, and performances as well as their daily video updates, enabling parents to stay updated on their children's daily escapades.

Not Satisfied Don't Pay*

Parents are entitled to a fee refund if they are really unhappy with their child's development within a day.

Summing Up

After you have determined that early years education is important for your child, keep the considerations above in mind as you search for the best preschool, carefully considering various factors, including location, cost, curriculum, teachers, environment, and parent involvement. It's essential to research, visit multiple preschools, and trust your instincts as a parent. Remember that your child deserves the best, so gather all the information you can and decide accordingly.