There comes a time in every parent’s life when they need to make a big decision. Yes, we are talking about choosing the right preschool for your child. This is probably one of the most important decisions you need to make for your child. But what factors do you consider? Sure, it needs to be close to home, but what else?
When I was choosing a preschool/daycare for my child earlier this year, I spent nights researching for the perfect one. After all, this was the first time my baby was going to be away from me for hours every day and I knew I had to choose the perfect place for him — a home away from home. I finally narrowed it down to Footprints.
So, why Footprints?
It’s because there are certain factors every parent should keep in mind while choosing a preschool/ daycare and Footprints ticked all those for us and put our minds at ease.
Here are the three factors which helped us zero in on Footprints:
- Safety: We have all read and heard of horror stories of children being ill-treated in playschools and daycares by attendants and those who aren’t trained to take care of children. Sure, you can’t control every factor but safety is paramount and foremost on every parent’s mind. I chose a school with a biometric system integrated with access codes that was given to the parents and fingerprint enabled access for the teaching staff and kids. This way only those with access would enter and exit the premises. Strict background checks need to be done on all those working in close quarters with the kids.
- Technology-led innovation: How can we make technology work for us? Can it put a parent’s worried mind at ease? Is there a way for me to see my child during the day? A school that ensures my child is safe and secure through technological innovation is definitely high on my list. Through CCTV cameras I can see my child at school whenever I want. Another huge plus for me was the way I could communicate with teachers and staff through a smartphone app. This ensured drop off and pick up time was not filled with queries.
- Meal time: Food is another concern for most parents of kids this age. These early years are very important when it comes to establishing good eating habits for children. My school provides quality, nutritious meals that my child seems to love. The school even communicates mealtime routines or preferences to the parent!
Preschools may mushroom in every neighbourhood but every parent needs to first figure out what factors are important enough for them as a family. Here is how you choose the perfect school:
- Make a list of contenders
- Take a tour of the school during school hours. Observe the way sthe taff behaves with children. Look around to ensure the place is clean and spotless. Try and see whether the equipment they use is well maintained.
- Ask questions. Do not be shy of asking the administration anything and everything. No doubt or question is too silly to be asked.
- Read online reviews and talk to parents whose kids are already there.
- Footprints Daycare takes children in as young as 9 months.
Click here to check locations of Footprints centres
Website: Footprints
This post is written in association with Footprints Preschool and Daycare.
Mansi Zaveri
Parul Gupta
KSP Team
Kanishka Pariani
