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What is a nursery school?

A nursery or preschool is a school for children, usually between the ages of three and five, who are not old enough to attend kindergarten.  It is staffed by qualified teachers and other professionals who encourage education.

What are the benefits of preschool for my child?

This type of environment will help develop children's social skills, encourage independence, allow them to build  friendships and introduce them to structure and routine to prepare them for kindergarten.  In addition, they will begin to learn basic skills such as writing their name, ABC's, numbers etc...

How to find the right nursery school...

Finding the right nursery school for your child is a very time consuming procedure and it takes asking a lot of questions.   It is very important to choose the preschool environment that best fits your child's needs and learning style. The school must support your child's development socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually.  However this must be done while having fun! 

Schools environment and philosophy...

There are many factors to consider when you are selecting a preschool for your child.  First, you must feel comfortable with the teachers and the environment of the school.  The teaching philosophy should be consistent with your values.   The environment of the school, whether it be highly structured and more disciplined  or  free-flowing and more imaginative, must right for you and your child.  Preschool teachers should provide constant, positive interaction with the children. They should display fairness, patience, kindness, and sensitivity toward children.  Preschool curriculums come in all styles and varieties.  However, the curriculum needs to offer children a fair balance of things that encourage different areas of development.

Schools layout and daily structure...

The layout of the school is also something to consider.  Can your child handle a one room facility which will be louder and more distractive or would you prefer a school that has different rooms.  Are the teachers working with individual children in smaller groups and the whole group at different times during the day or do they spend all their time with the entire group.  Look for assorted building blocks and other construction materials, props for pretend play, picture books, paints and art materials, and table toys such as matching games, pegboards, and puzzles. Children should not all be doing the same thing at the same time. Do the children have access to various activities during the day?   Is outdoor play built into the curriculum?  Is the classroom decorated in a warm and inviting fashion?  Are the children's projects on display?  Is the curriculum adapted for those who are ahead as well as those who need additional help

Is it a clean, safe environment?

Is the environment clean, neat and safe?  Restrooms should be clean and orderly. Carpets must be in good condition. Eating area, including table and chairs, should be clean and organized.  There should be adequate storage space for each child's individual belongings. Are the learning materials in good condition and age-appropriate?  Is there enough open space for children to play safely and comfortably?

Services provided....

Does it provide all of the services that you require for example after-school care? Is the school state licensed? If they are licensed it means that they are making the effort to maintain quality preschool standards.

Is it a fun environment?

Most importantly do the children attending seem happy and at ease with the environment, other children and teachers? 

Questions to ask when selecting a nursery school...

• What is the philosophy of the school?  Is it centered on imaginative play or education?

• Is there outdoor play and do they have an indoor gym for rainy days?

• What is the structure of a typical day at the school?

• How does the curriculum promote critical thinking and problem solving skills?

• How will my child be introduced to language and literacy?

• What opportunities will my child have to express their imagination and creativity?

• How are mathematics and science explored?

• What is the teacher/child ratio?

• Is there a weekly or monthly newsletter?

• Do they provide nutritious snacks or do you bring your own?

• Are there parent conferences?

• What is the teacher/child ratio?

• What is the dropoff and pickup procedures?

• How do they handle discipline?

• Are they state licensed and in good standing?

• What is the education level and training of teachers and staff?

• Have teachers and staff been trained in pediatric first aid and CPR?

• What is the teacher turnover rate?

• Is story time included in the schedule?

• What are the hours of operation?

• Do they have an emergency plan for natural and other disasters?

In conclusion...