The sight of your little angel crossing the gates of a school for sure is a bittersweet moment for every parent. You are all excited to see them begin their learning phase, at the same time worried thinking if everything is going to be fine there. One cannot get rid of this emotional moment, but then proper research and parent talks can help you find a school that can provide your child wholesome development addressing a child's emotional, social, physical and mental needs.

 Why you must be vigilant in selecting an apt Preschool

 Research says that early childhood care and education in general increases a child’s cognitive development and improve his communication skills. Some studies even find that when these students grow up, they stay away from criminal activities and are more likely to have a highly paid job​. (Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5779101/).  Evidence-based study reveals that good kindergarten training has a direct implication on future school performance​.

Spotting the right preschool education center among many around you might look like a daunting task, but not once you understand what you need to look for. Here are a few tips which will help you in choosing the best preschool for your little angel.

 Teaching Methodology

 This is not the age of rote learning. Look for a preschool which imparts learning through activities, games, singing, stories and role-plays. Music, arts and crafts, lots of practice books, language experiences, sensory play etc must be part of the course material. Do a thorough check on the study material. Understand how each concept is imparted to children. Check whether the study material provides scope for concept reinforcement through stories, rhymes,  interactive activities, and worksheets. The major drawback of new age education is that it is not real life-based. Hence ensure whether the preschool is adopting a methodology which allows children to relate the knowledge they received with real-life scenarios. Knowledge is power, but knowledge without action is useless.  As Albert Einstein rightly said, "Any fool can know. The point is to understand".

 Technology adoption

 Digital classrooms are a modern-day pedagogy method that makes imparting knowledge much easier. This technology has transformed the way teachers teach and students learn in schools. Most schools boast of having digital classrooms. But then parents need to get deep into the way in which these digital platforms work. They should not just serve as a concept demonstrator with visually appealing content but should be able to engage effectively with kids and make them think deeper. Online interactive games and activities, and other digital resources such as e-books, stories, and songs can motivate learning, improve critical thinking and stimulate curiosity in children from an early age. The ideal school is the one which can bring together the best of the Conventional teaching methodologies and Smart class resources.

 Teaching Faculty

 “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” —Brad Henry. It is the teaching faculty that's going to matter the most. It is of importance for parents to understand from school management, what kind of training processes these teachers undergo in addition to their regular kindergarten course. Ensure that school gives teachers the opportunity to improvise themselves continuously by making them meet the professional coach and attend high-quality training.

 Safety and Security

 Like all parents, the child's safety at preschool is the one thing that matters the most. Building security plays a big role, hence ensure that the infrastructure has all things included to ensure a safe environment where children can learn, play and grow. Understand from the management school's check-in and check-out policies and classroom safety procedures. Do check out whether the school has its emergency plans in place.

 Think through these points, we are sure these would help you in choosing the right  preschool for your little angel.  Finally ask questions, check social media reviews, speak to parents and follow up, most importantly listen to your child’s observations about school.