Nursery School

From LoveToKnow Baby

Choosing a nursery school for your child is one of the most important decisions you'll make as the parent of a baby or toddler. LoveToKnowBaby wants to help! We've compiled a list of tips on choosing a nursery school as well as hints for how to make those first few days of school easier for your baby and you. Have a suggestion you'd like to share with our readers? Please do!

Choosing a Nursery School

As you begin checking out the various nursery schools in your area, there are several points you need to keep in mind. Because the curriculum and staff of a nursery school can differ quite a bit, you'll need to decide what aspects of a nursery school are most important to you and your child.

Licensing-Before you go any further in your investigation of a nursery school, it is very important to find out about the school's license. Is it current, and does it meet all of the standards set by your state? If not, keep looking.
Curriculum-What type of curriculum does the school offer? Are you searching for a place for your child to have fun? Are you looking for a nursery school that will help your child develop her social skills, or do you want a school that focuses much more on instruction? Maybe you want a school that incorporates both of these areas. The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your nursery school choices.
Full-time or Part-time-Most nursery schools cater to a certain age of children, such as three to five year olds. Nursery schools can typically accommodate children on a full or part time basis. Some parents prefer sending their children every day but only for two or three hours, while others may send their children all day for two or three days a week. You'll need to inquire about the schedules that each school offers.
Costs-Nursery school costs can be expensive, so it's always a good idea to create a budget and stick to it when searching for the perfect nursery school for your baby.
Staff-The employees at your child's nursery school will be his primary caregivers for a few hours each day. Find out what type of training and/or degrees they have. What type of medical training or certification do they hold, and how long have the employees been at the nursery school? Don't be afraid to ask for references, and be sure you check them out!
Emergencies-Nobody likes to think about emergencies when it comes to the health of a child. However, it's extremely important that you find out how emergencies are handled at the nursery school you are considering.
Teacher/Student Ratios-What is the teacher/student ratio for the nursery school? Are there plenty of teachers to handle all of the children and provide individual attention during the day as well?
Facilities-Are the facilities clean and well-taken care of? Are there plenty of toys, games, and activities for the children to use? Are outside facilities and play areas secure?
Security-What is the security policy of the facility? What is the procedure for picking up and dropping off your child?
Daily Schedule-Children thrive on routine, so be sure you ask to see a schedule for your child's day. When is naptime? What activities are planned? What kind of snacks and/or food will be served?

The First Few Days

Although your child may be excited about starting a new nursery school, that excitement may fly right out the door with you as you wave goodbye. There are some steps you can take to ease those first day jitters.

Talk It Up-Take your child on a couple of visits to the school to meet her teachers. Spend some time touring the nursery school, and let her watch the kids participate in the activities. When you get home, talk about all the fun things you and your child saw during your visit.
Go Shopping-Let your child go shopping with you for school supplies, including crayons, a new backpack, and a nap mat.
No Surprises-Be sure and let your child know that she will be going to school in advance of the actual day. Now is not the time to surprise her.
Get Up Early-Avoid the workday rush by letting her help you pick out her clothes the day before. Get up early and make her a good breakfast. Spend some time with her before you take her to nursery school.
Tearful Goodbyes-Understand that your child may shed a few tears on her first few days. More than likely, she will be fine a few minutes after you leave. Try to leave your emotions at the door. Speak calmly and lovingly toward her, but don't prolong the inevitable. Enlist her teacher's help if possible.
Prompt Hellos-Be sure you are on time to pick her up. Ask her to show you some of the things she did during the day. She'll be proud and happy to do so.
Time Helps-Finally, time and routine do help. Eventually, your little one will be skipping up the sidewalk to her nursery school.