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My Say On PreSchool

JPPMom led me to Mumsgather and I thought I’ll share my opinion on what I expect from a pre-school, to help an undergraduate student who is doing a research on this.

1. Do childcare and preschool sound different for parents?

Definitely and I’m sure most parents would know the difference too. Childcare is basically a minding service. Pre-school is a preparatory school for kids where they are taught basic skills and lessons.

2 Will parents choose childcare instead of preschool, or vice versa, by knowing that preschools offers more educational services, while childcares are more custodial and most of the time offer full-day service that benefit the working parents?

It depends on the need and as I understand it, childcare serve a different stage (3 years and below) and pre-schools are for kids who are 4 years and above. So it’s not really a choice. I don’t believe and agree in putting a 2 year old child in a pre-school instead of a childcare just because the parents want the child to start learning.

*For Question 3 and 4, Please sort out the options provided, from the most important to the least. In which, the inclusion of some justification and additional important points will be greatly appreciated.

3. What are the requirements that can make up a quality preschool?

- Well-managed curriculum
- Facilities (e.g Library, playground, teaching materials)
- Quality educators
- Learning environment
- Others ___________

a) Quality educator : an experienced and knowledgeable educators will have the know-how to ensure that curriculum are suitable and wide-ranging and the learning environment is fun and interesting - which is very important for kids at this age.

b) Well-Managed Curriculum : Properly paced without trying to teach too much too fast - putting unnecessary stress on kids.

c) Learning Environment : That is engaging and fun. Competitive but not to the point of being afraid of exams.

d) Facilities : No matter what facilities a school have, they have to be attractive, safe and regularly maintained.

e) Other : Parent’s-friendly in terms of facilities (proper car parks), reasonable fees and approachable school staffs.

4. How would parents define “quality educators”?
- A degree holder
- Training certified person
- Patience in dealing with the children
- Others ___________

a) Patience in dealing with the children : definitely!

b) Other : High EQ. I think teaching children at this age is more about understanding and dealing with their behaviours. The best educators are not only able to produce A+ students but also students who are responsible, eager to learn and enjoy school.

c) Training certified and degree holder : Qualification is good to ensure that educators have the necessary knowledge as a guide but highly qualified educator with no patience and no common sense is useless.

5. Would you, as parents, allow your children to be exposed to technology in their preschool age (3 to 5 years old) as supportive tools in their learning process? Such as: computer interactive game help in the building of creativity, letters introduction with the use of computers, access to internet, etc. (any example of any kind of technology that have helped your children to learn might be helpful)

Definitely. Technology is here to stay and the earlier they are exposed to it, the better. Besides most kids would have access to it at home too.

6. Finally, any opinions to point out and expectations to be expected from a preschool, please do clarify it further.

Aspects that are beyond teaching e.g. suitable teacher : students ratio, safety from intrusion, teachers must know what to do in cases of emergency and basic first aid facility.

Any other parents reading this, do give your opinion and link back to Mumsgather.

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