Choosing the right early learning environment is one of the most crucial decisions you will face as a parent. So, how to pick the right nursery for your child in the UAE? This blog will provide tips for selecting the ideal nursery, including what to observe during visits and how to recognize high-quality services. By taking these factors into account, you can identify a nursery that will foster your child's learning, growth, and development during these critical years.
It is essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing a nursery. The most effective way to gather the information you need is by visiting the nursery in person and not relying solely on social media or school affiliations. By touring the nursery and talking to the manager, you can determine if it is the right fit for your family.
Let us explore how to find the best nursery that can serve as a second home for your child!
1. Nursery Environment
The first thing you notice when you enter a space is whether it is warm and welcoming or simply uncomfortable or overstimulating. Considering your child’s early memories of school will be associated with their time at nursery, it is essential that parents have a good look at the infrastructure, facilities, and the general feel of each nursery they visit. Also, if there are children present when you visit, notice how they behave in the unit. Observe interactions between children and educators. Noticing these subtleties and how you feel after you interaction with school staff can help you make a better decision.
2. Engaged Educators
Educators are the face of a nursery. They are the ones interacting with your child every day, and a child’s learning is directly dependent on the capabilities of the educators. Check to see if the nursery has qualified educators who are trained to teach children of that age group. If possible, attend a class-in-session to understand the instructional methods and approaches that educators at different nurseries adopt. Ask if the nursery has regular parent-teacher meetings, if teachers undergo regular upskilling programs, and the method and regularity of updating parents about a child’s progress. Also, speak to the unit manager or principal to get an understanding of how the school is managed and if your expectations align with those of the nursery.
3. Safety Measures
Whether indoors or outdoors, young children need to be in a safe and secure environment while at nursery. During your visit, check what safety measures they have in place. Ask about CCTV cameras, who can access the nursery, fire safety measures, if staff and educators have basic first aid training, accident response practices, and general cleanliness measures.
4. Pedagogy
Early childhood education heavily relies on solid pedagogy and curriculum delivery methods that include teaching, guidance, support, and collaboration. Understand the philosophy of the nursery to see if you agree with their methods, check how days are structured, and what a child is expected to learn through different classes. In the early years, learning is closely related to play. Ask if children get plenty of time and space to explore and play. You may also want to enquire about small and large group learning, if children learn other languages, extracurricular activities, if there is a focus on holistic development, and any other engaging activities for children.
5. Infant Care
Nursery selection tips for your infant or toddler can look different, depending on your needs. You must visit the infant room, check if each child gets his or her own crib, sanitation measures in the baby room, diaper changing facilities, and ask if care, meals, and nap times can be personalized for your child.
6. Nursery Operations
Different families have diverse needs. Remember not to hold back and ask all your questions while visiting a nursery. You may want to know about daycare options, after-school activities, if there is a setting-in period for you child, if meals are provided, if children are taken on field trips, fee structure and methods of payment, support for working parents and single parents, etc. The more you understand the workings of a nursery, the better you will know if they are equipped to meet your and your child’s unique needs.
While these are the best practices for selecting a nursery, parents know what is best for their children. At times, deciding comes down to trusting your instincts when faced with a challenge. Personally visiting nurseries allows you to assess your feelings, pick up on the atmosphere, and determine if your child would thrive in that environment, helping you make the best choice.
With over 20 years of experience in the early education space and a world-renowned Scandinavian curriculum, we at Dibber International Nurseries are committed to providing the best early learning experience for your child. Visit our units in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to learn more about our philosophy, facilities, and our love for cultivating joyful, lifelong learners.
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