1. The meals (and/or snacks) offered
Brown rice served with spinach and steam fish v Crabstick fried rice
It's pretty obvious which one is better for your child.
2. Naptime
What time is the nap and whether it's compatible to my child's current naptime. And also asking questions like what happens when some children wake up early/do not want to nap? What would the teachers do and how would they handle the children.
3. Location
Of course, the more convenient it is, the better. If not, whether there is a school bus.
4. Communication channel
What is the mode of communication between teacher and parent? Mostly have a communication booklet or email address of the teacher.
5. Progress report
Whether they will have a report of my child on a termly basis and if not, how else can they monitor / measure the progress of the child whether in terms of intellectual or social or physical skills.
6. Are there any outdoor play?
In my opinion, waterplay, sandplay, playground, field trips etc are as important if not more important than classroom teaching.
7. Will TV or computer be accessible at all?
I am a strong advocate of no TV and no computer at their tender age.
8. School fees
Price of fees, whether affordable and within budget.
9. Cleanliness level
Whether the school is reasonably clean. Is it a conducive environment for children? Do they wash their hands often?
10. Happiness level
Whether the existing children look happy and lively. How does the teachers handle misbehaved children? Are they gentle and patient? What is the language pattern used and how do they teach manners if teachers themselves are rough/ill-mannered?
11. Others
Other small stuff on my mind would be:
a) Feedback of other parents (online or offline)
b) Teaching curriculum
c) Preferbly a Christian school
d) Timely response of email and phone queries
e) Am I on a long wait list?
And so, I have already decided on the childcare for my girl next year 2014 :)
Have made an appointment to pay next week (1 month deposit + registration fees + uniform etc)
Oh, anyway I have to praise my girl here. (She is going 20 months old now)
She just started the Montessori school last Friday. It was her first day at school after close to 2 months of staying at home with me.
She didn't cry at all. Not when we were on the way to school. Not when I picked her up from school. And the teacher told me that she is very good. She didn't cry in class at all either.
I used 3 methods mentioned in this book (they have lots more methods) and it worked for us. So so so glad. I hope I read this much earlier.
The no-cry separation anxiety solution by Elizabeth Pantley.
Another book for the mummy is Keeping Your Child In Mind. In summary it talks NOT about what to do but how to be with your child. How to maintain your state and to be calm in difficult times with your child. Holding them in thoughts and be mindful of your being because children absorbs certain energy from you.
Well, before starting school, we read lots of toddler books on the SCHOOL topic. I made it sound like it's so fun to go to school. Papa even called it a PLAYSCHOOL instead of just SCHOOL.
Everytime we see another child goes to school, I will point that out to say that it's such a nice and grown-up thing to do and that school is really fun and a place to learn new things.
The night before school, I prepared her school bag together with her. Telling her the things inside her bag. Water bottle, diaper, a family photo, her favourite bunny and wet wipes.
I told her that Mummy and Daddy are in the bag with her. If she misses us or she wants to look at us, she can look at the photo. I told her that Bunny will be scared but wants to accompany her to school. Reminded her that she is a big girl, so she can protect Bunny.
Then on the way to school, there were 2 cats and she stopped to look at them. I told G that the cats were welcoming her to school and to cheer her on.
Standing at the door of the school, she was hesitant to enter for one minute. Thankfully, the teacher is patient. G was paid more attention to because it was her first day. I stood inside for 5 minutes to watch her. She already started to work with the Montessori materials. Then I saw she was okay, I bid her goodbye, gave her a hug and told her that I will be back to fetch her.
I was 5 minutes early and I peeped through the window. She was all good and when she saw me, gave me a big smile and waved.
