Choosing the right pre-school

Advice given by outsiders is nice, but you are the only one who can responsibly pick a pre-school for your child.


Your child is unique, and as their parent you have to decide what will be the best preschool for them. It is always good to a hear recommendations from friends and acquaintances, but, in the end it is you who knows best your child's personality, strengths and weaknesses. You know those things that light up your child's eyes as well as the values you want him or her to learn at preschool. Choosing your child's preschool is both a head and a heart decision, so make your own judgment and trust in your intuition. .
Here in Budapest preschools come in all shapes and sizes. Most of the Hungarian language preschools are state run, with Bölcsőde (nursery) for children up to the age of three followed by Óvoda (kindergarten) until the age of seven. Most of the international preschools are privately owned and cater for children from the age of two to seven. Already here is the one of the first choices: what language would you like your child to learn in?

language matters
Whether you want your child to learn in their first language or in a second language, the same rules still apply. Your child will develop their language skills not only from their teachers but from the other children in their class. If you want your child to learn English, for example, if all the other children in the class speak Hungarian then the chances are that they will pick up more Hungarian than English. So when you are visiting a preschool listen to the language that is used by both the staff and the children.

environment matters
The preschool environment is important in terms of safety, effective learning and development. A range of secure and inviting indoor and outdoor spaces should be available to help give your child the confidence to explore and learn. Displays and equipment should show that this place offers a challenging and stimulating environment for your child. As their parent you should see that the preschool has thought about what your child can and, perhaps more importantly, cannot touch!

size matters
Your child needs encouragement at each step of their development; smaller class sizes tend to enable a teacher to implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum, allowing for more personalized instruction something that is much harder in a larger class. An overcrowded class means that your child will have to spend waiting time for teacher assistance if they have difficulties. Try to note how many children are in the whole preschool and what facilities they will be sharing.

education matters
Preschool is the time to develop your child’s love of learning. A preschool may develop its own curriculum or use an internationally recognized one. A curriculum which aims to give your child a broad and rounded experience should develop your child’s self-esteem, independence and individual strength. A good curriculum generally requires the right resources e.g. books, educational games, art materials, sports equipment, musical instruments. How the curriculum is implemented should be visible through the teacher’s plans and the work on the walls. What are the children currently learning about? A good preschool shouldn't need to have to tell you, you’ll be able to see it!

routine matters
The routine at the preschool is important. Children benefit from consistent routines and structures. Routines are especially important for young children or those mastering a second language within the preschool. The routine will include events like snack-time, playtime individual and group activities. The preschool structure should enable your child to know who their teachers are, what the different spaces in the preschools are used for and what are the fundamental rules of the preschool. Your child will feel more secure and much happier if things are consistent. Same teachers, same children, same rooms, same times, though this shouldn't mean always the same activity!

play matters
Play is a particularly valuable way for children to learn, it is one of the ways in which they make sense of the world. It gives your child a chance to communicate, problem solve, use their imagination, and build confidence. A good preschool supports children in their play by encouraging creative play and by providing a wide variety of activities and materials e.g. role play areas, building blocks, lego, puzzles, peg boards, play dough, fuzzy felts. Think of what your child loves to play and you should see it in the preschool.

happiness matters
Of course there are many other things that will matter to your child, and probably even more things that will matter to you as their parent. So remember when you choose a preschool find one where you feel confident that your child’s needs are going to be met. And if you don't find that your child’s needs are being met, don't be afraid to talk with the teachers. If you still feel that your child is not having a wonderful preschool experience do not be afraid to change preschools. A preschool is a place of play, as well as a place of learning and all children should be able to find one in which they can be happy.


Ten Questions to help you choose:
1. Do the facilities look safe and clean?
2.What is the main language being used in the preschool?
3. Where are the other children in the class from?
4. What qualifications and experience do the teachers have?
5. What is the teacher to child ratio?
6. What are the activities included in the fees?
7. Can you see recent work by the children on display?
8. What is the preschools discipline policy?
9. Which schools do children go on to?
10. Do the children in the preschool look happy?

Sam Cartwright is a mother of three children and Headteacher of the English Garden Pre-School in Budapest.

Sam Cartwright

12.12.2008