Checklist: How to choose the right kindergarten?
Which kindergarten suits the child best and meets the parents’ expectations? Mothers and fathers looking for a suitable daycare center are finding more and more first-class offers. But which daycare center is the best fit? We collected some tips for you to follow and focus on.
How do I choose the right daycare center?
Parents need not worry about harming their child by setting limits. On the contrary, children need boundaries for their development, to get their bearings, to feel safe and to learn patience.
How is the first impression?
The feeling you have as soon as you enter a new kindergarten should be an important criterion for the ultimate choice of a facility. Often, the first impression reveals a lot about whether parents and child will later feel comfortable at the facility.
Where is the kindergarten located?
Of course, the location of the kindergarten is an important selection criterion. Is it close to home or the workplace? What are the surroundings of the kindergarten like?
What are the opening hours of the kindergarten?
The opening hours play a significant role for working parents. Urban kindergartens usually have the same opening hours. Some kindergartens offer special hours. It should also be clarified whether the kindergarten is open during the vacations in case there is a need for care during this time. It also makes sense to ask whether it is possible to change the hours of care later.
What costs will I incur?
The costs for kindergarten can vary. Of course, it also makes a difference whether you choose a municipal or a private facility and whether you want to take advantage of special educational offers. In some cases, a subsidy is possible for the kindergarten fee.
Which provider does the kindergarten have?
For the registration it is necessary to know whether the institution has a public or private sponsor. This in turn also influences costs, opening hours, focus, etc.
Do I attach importance to a certain pedagogical concept?
The educational concept should be in line with your own values and ideas. From Montessori to Waldorf to toy-free kindergarten – there are now many facilities with different educational focuses, so it is important to get an overview of the wide range on offer.
Do the rooms and equipment meet my expectations?
What does kindergarten look like inside and out? Are there enough opportunities to play? Also, outside? Does the kindergarten offer enough space for romping, for example in a gym or on a playground? Are there retreat possibilities (cuddle or reading corner)? Where do the children take their afternoon nap? Are the rooms bright and friendly and is there a pleasant atmosphere? The state of hygiene should also be considered (toilets and washrooms are particularly important here).
How large are the children’s groups?
The size of the group should always fit your child. Does my child get along well in large groups or is he or she overwhelmed? If a child needs more intensive care, it is better to choose a kindergarten with smaller groups. What is the age composition in the groups?
What are the teachers like?
How many educators are there? How often does the staff change? Are there any male educators? What training do they have? Discussions with staff are essential before deciding.
How do the educators treat the children? How do they treat each other?
Educators should be friendly and supportive with the children. How they treat each other also says a lot about the atmosphere in the kindergarten.
Do the children spend enough time outside?
Especially for children growing up in the city, it is important to also play outside and explore life outside the home and kindergarten. Ask how often field trips are made and how much the children play outdoors.
What meals do the children get?
Since the child’s later eating habits are laid down in kindergarten, it is important to also look at what the child eats in kindergarten. How and where is the food eaten? What is the quality of the food? Is attention paid to healthy, balanced nutrition? Is food, cooking and proper nutrition discussed with the children? Also, to be considered is whether meals are prepared directly at the facility or delivered from outside.
How involved are the parents?
Parental involvement varies from kindergarten to kindergarten. So does the desire of parents to participate. In some kindergartens, parental involvement is a prerequisite; having a say is part of the process. Some parents find this too much. Look for an institution that meets your expectations.
Does the kindergarten offer additional services such as language courses or musical support?
Some kindergartens offer various additional activities for the children, such as language courses, art workshops, gardening, or music groups. Find out about the different offerings at the kindergartens.
Is integration or inclusion a concern of the kindergarten?
Do kindergarten teachers cater to children with a lack of language skills? What about children with disabilities? Are they also included in the activities?
Is the children’s creativity encouraged?
Is there a lot of handicrafts, painting, and self-made products in kindergarten? Are the children’s works sufficiently appreciated, i.e., exhibited or hung up? Encouraging children’s creativity helps in their development. Read more about it here.
Are there special activities for children in their last year? How are they prepared for school?
In some facilities, there are special activities for children in their last year of kindergarten, such as field trips or an overnight stay at the kindergarten, to give them a nice kindergarten graduation. Ask how children are prepared for school and if there may be preschool opportunities.
How is the settling-in process handled?
When a child enters kindergarten, it marks the beginning of a new phase in their life and is always a big adjustment. Therefore, it is important to accustom the child slowly and gently to its unique environment. It is advisable to talk to the educators about the acclimatization process in the respective kindergarten.
Conclusion
- The well-being of the child is the priority when choosing a suitable daycare center.
- The quality of the daycare depends on numerous factors that are not necessarily apparent at first glance.
- Parents should visit the daycare center of their choice before admitting their child. Trial days” offered by the daycare centers are particularly suitable for this purpose.
