Every aspect of our lives involves making choices, which in turn leads to comparison and decision-making. Whether it's selecting your daily attire or facing major life events, decision-making is a constant. If you are currently reading this, chances are you are confronted with a decision to make, which could be challenging for some, filled with both anticipation and doubt.
When it comes to choosing a preschool for our little ones, consider looking at these few aspects before making your decision:
Logistics
Yes, Logistics. Before considering other aspects of the school, commitments of sending off and picking up your child to and from school should be the first things that come to mind. How far can the school be from home or work? What are the transportation options for my child to get to school?
These questions may seem insignificant at first, but once you commit to a school, that can mean three consecutive years of committing to such a routine. Thinking through the logistical part of schooling ahead of time will not only mitigate unnecessary hiccups but also make your child's schooling experience a consistent and fruitful one.
Choice of elementary school
Selecting a preschool for your child is a crucial decision that will significantly influence the choice of primary/elementary school for their future education. It is essential to consider the long-term perspective when making this decision. Various types of elementary schools, such as National Schools (SK), National-Type Schools (SJK), Private Schools, and International Schools, offer distinct syllabi and educational focuses. Preparing children with the appropriate early years learning will allow a seamless transition into their primary schooling phase. That is why choosing a relevant preschool is crucial. As an example, if you are looking to send your child to a National-Type Chinese School [SJK(C)], they would require a certain level of Chinese proficiency to be able to cope with the curriculum as majority of subject are taught in Chinese Language. In this case, identifying if the preschool put emphasis on Chinese Language will be one of your main focus when looking for a preschool for your child. Therefor, anticipating educational requirements in advance is crucial when evaluating preschool options.
Environment
Recently, discussions about the preschool environment have gained significance among parents and educators. Taking the Malaysian climate into account, many preschools have been equipped with air conditioning in recent years, with some being fully air-conditioned. While some schools have designed their spaces to be versatile, others have designated areas for specific activities.
For instance, consider Tadika Tunas Riang, where the spatial design is greatly shaped by the founders' concept of an ideal preschool.
The layout includes classrooms that provide a school-like environment for children while also incorporating functional
areas designed to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, the presence of plenty of outdoor space and equipment aims to create a nurturing environment for comprehensive growth and development amidst the urban landscape.
That is why it is crucial for parents to visit several schools to get a better feel for the environment before deciding on the type of environment that best meets their needs.
Approach
Going through several generations of evolution, there are a lot of varying approaches and theories out there when it come to early childhood pedagogy. Notable examples that we may find around the Malaysian educational landscape encompass The Montessori approach, The Reggio Emilia approach, play-based learning, among others. Each of these approaches underscores distinct facets of early years learning, with some emphasizing concrete learning outcomes while others prioritize abstract and imaginative methodologies.
There are no right or wrong approach as all of them has their own strength and weaknesses. Same goes to our little ones, they are all unique in their own way and there is no one size fit all learning that will benefit them equally. Getting a deeper understanding on a school's approach and way of fostering the learning environment will be an equally important factor among those mentioned.
Budget
Finally, let's consider the cost. Even though we may want to enroll our children in the finest preschool available, we must always take the practical aspect into account. Preschool and kindergarten fees in Malaysia vary widely. Various factors can influence the cost of preschool, such as:
Location
Facilities & Equipment
Program & Syllabus
Considering all these factors, it is crucial to determine your priorities within a specific budget and search for a preschool that meets your requirements. It is recommended to visit the preschool and thoroughly comprehend their fee structure, as many institutions offer services in various packages. Certain schools charge fees on a term basis, while others opt for a monthly payment system. Additionally, there may be extra charges for materials, supplementary programs, registration, and other services. It is advisable to clarify these details with the school in question to make a well-informed decision.
All in all, the early years are a crucial stage in a child's development. It is essential to make informed decisions to provide the most supportive environment for our children to thrive. Enjoy the journey of discovery and embark on a fulfilling adventure!
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