Finding the ideal preschool for your child is a crucial decision that can shape their early years of development.

Preschool education is important for young children since it gives them the right environment to explore, acquire a sense of self, play and establish friendships with their peers, and build their self-confidence.

Moreover, it will prepare your child for their future education since they will start learning more about reading, writing, maths and other subjects that will be part of their yearly curriculum.

Because of these reasons, it is important to plan this phase of your child’s life.

As such, when looking for a preschool for your young learner in the United Arab Emirates, it’s important to avoid taking shortcuts and spend as much time as possible selecting the best one for them.

Although it can be challenging to create a list of schools in the UAE suitable for your little one, researching each one thoroughly can help you make the right decision and choose the best school that will pave the way for their development.

A Guide for Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child

If you want to ensure you choose the ideal preschool for your little one, follow these tips:

1.    Consider the school location.

Location is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a school for your child.

Ideally, the school should be near your home or workplace since you will likely drop off and pick up your child on a regular basis.

A preschool near your home or workplace can offer you a world of convenience you will surely appreciate. Additionally, it can make it easier for you to be more involved in your child’s education and attend school events.

Remember to factor in the availability of parking, proximity of public transportation and the traffic in the area as well.

2.    Familiarise yourself with the school curriculum.

Schools in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, including preschools, offer a variety of curricula, like the British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Montessori and Reggio Emilia.

Take the time to read about each curriculum to know which one aligns with your values and beliefs about education.

Consider a curriculum that emphasises play-based and child-centred learning methodologies since these can be beneficial for your little one’s overall development.

Once you have an idea of the different curricula and know which ones you prefer, put the schools offering these on top of your list for your child’s potential preschools.

3.    Find out if the preschool has a balanced approach to learning.

Although choosing a school with a curriculum that aligns with your values and beliefs is essential, it is also important to know beforehand if they have a balanced approach to learning.

Look for a preschool that provides students with a range of activities, which should include art, music, and physical play.

The school should provide these activities in addition to academic learning.

A balanced approach to learning can help foster creativity and promote social and emotional development in children. As such, look for a preschool that offers a variety of classroom-based and extracurricular activities.

4.    Check the school’s reputation.

The ideal preschool for your child has a good reputation and a track record of providing students with quality education and care.

To know if a school is reputable, check their website and social media pages for reviews and feedback from other parents.

Also, ensure the school is accredited or recognised by the local government and educational bodies since these are great indicators of quality.

Lastly, reach out to your friends or acquaintances whose children are studying or have studied in your shortlisted schools and ask them for their opinions and experiences and if they recommend the preschool for your little one.

5.    Read about the school policies.

Knowing about the policies regarding discipline, sick children and emergencies of the establishment you’re considering is also a crucial part of the preschool selection process.

Call, chat with or email the staff of your shortlisted schools and ask about their policies regarding student absences and how they handle children who are doing poorly at school.

You should also ask about the preschool’s emergency procedures and how they handle any medical situations that may arise.

Additionally, ask about the preschool’s discipline policy and how they handle student behavioural problems.

Knowing these details can give you an assurance that your child will receive the best quality of care and help in case of emergency and other issues.

 6.    Visit the school to check the facilities and resources.

School tours are vital elements of choosing the right preschool for your child as well.

If you’re allowed to visit the school, schedule one as soon as possible.

During your visit, take a look at all the facilities and resources available at the school. Ensure the centre has safe and age-appropriate equipment, plenty of space for indoor and outdoor play and a wide range of educational resources such as books, toys and learning materials.

You should also make sure the school has adequate security measures in place to guarantee your child’s safety.

7.    Ask about the qualifications and experience of the teachers and staff.

The preschool teachers’ qualifications and experience can have a significant impact on the quality of education and care your child receives.

During your school visit, ask the teachers about their qualifications and teaching background. Ideally, they should be trained in early childhood education to ensure your little one is always in good hands.

You would also do well to ask about the student-to-teacher ratio.

If you want your child to receive individualised attention and support, look for preschools with a small number of students in each class.

8.    Search for schools with a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Look for preschools with a welcoming and inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of community.

Ask the staff about their approach to cultural and religious diversity and commitment to promoting equality and respect.

Additionally, find out if the school fosters strong parent-teacher relationships.

Ask the staff how often they hold parent-teacher conferences and provide updates and opportunities for parents to volunteer and get involved.

A preschool that encourages parent involvement and communication will help you stay informed about your child’s progress and make you feel more connected to the school community. This can create a positive and beneficial learning environment for your child.

You can ask all relevant questions and assess these during your school visit.

Whether you’re enrolling your child in one of the Montessori or IB schools in Dubai, you can ensure they have the best learning foundation and experiences by following these tips.