when we visit the kindergarten

when we visit the kindergarten: the list of key questions for parents to ask

Choosing a kindergarten is an important step in a child's development, and parents need to clarify some aspects to know that this educational environment and more is suitable for their child.

Regardless of whether they are with their first child or have already gone through the kindergarten experience as parents, there are still certain questions that are essential and make the difference in choosing a kindergarten.

What program does the kindergarten have?

There are parents who have the opportunity (either they have a flexible work schedule, or they are helped by grandparents or other people) to enroll their child in kindergarten with a gradual program so that first the child stays for one hour, then two and so on until it reaches a program suitable for the little one. More than that, there are kindergartens that allow, during the accommodation phase, the parent to stay at the kindergarten with the child.

Also regarding the schedule, it can be important if the kindergarten also operates during the summer.

Taxes and other costs.

Budget can be a limitation from the start, knowing the related fees and costs can be a guiding factor.

Kindergarten location.

Is it easy for you to get to kindergarten with your child every day? Most parents choose a kindergarten either close to home or easily accessible on the way to work.

Kindergarten authorizations and accreditations, as well as programs.

There are parents who want to go to a kindergarten with a specific educational program for children, such as Montessori. It is also very important for the parent to check under which authorizations/accreditations the kindergarten operates.

Is there video surveillance in the facility?

Nowadays, many kindergartens offer video recording. You can also ask under what conditions you can watch the recordings or have access to what is happening in the kindergarten.

Medical supervision.

Is there medical supervision that covers the entire time the child spends in kindergarten?

And also here: is there triage in the morning for children, when they arrive at kindergarten? Under what conditions is it recommended for the parent to go home with the child?

How is the communication between the kindergarten and the parent?

It is very important that the parent is periodically informed about the child's activities at the kindergarten. In general, communication is done through a weekly report sent by e-mail. Also, there are situations where the parent can communicate directly with the educator.

From what age do they receive children?

Parents wishing to enroll younger children will need such information.

What is the schedule and menu at the kindergarten?

For children who have allergies or have a special diet, it is important for the parent to know if the child's diet will be supported in kindergarten.

Also, the schedule can be important for choosing the schedule (parents are guided between the short and medium schedule by several criteria, usually the sleep schedule makes the difference).

Transportation to kindergarten

For some parents, this information can be very important. There are kindergartens that offer included transportation of children to the facility.

Organization of groups

What is the number of children in a group and how many adults look after them?

Other questions:

• What does the yard look like, what toys do they have and how much time do the children spend outside each day?

• What books are in the classroom? The messages conveyed by these books speak for themselves about the directions of the kindergarten.

• How do you soothe your baby when he cries?

• In what situations is the parent contacted?

• How is the quarrel between the 2 children settled?

• What do they think about punishments or rewards?

• What happens when a child does not want to participate in an activity (meal, play, sleep)?

• What if the child has a tantrum? Did it happen before? As a side note: children generally throw tantrums in spaces where they feel safe. Kindergartens, where children do not have such manifestations, are often those spaces where the child does not feel at ease. Our advice is to ask if the children have tantrums at the nursery.

• What options does the kindergarten present (if they are not already displayed on the presentation site)?

• How many trips are made with children?

• What happens when the child is absent for a day or a longer period of time, from the point of view of the recovery of the materials, but also of the costs?