MumCentre Essentials

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General Questions | Schools Visits | Assess Child's Readiness

Is there such a thing as the perfect preschool? Will you ever be able to find the right childcare centre? What if you’re happy with the arrangements but your child isn’t?

Whether you’re new to preschool-hunting or a seasoned parent considering new day-care services, it’s wise not to rush through the search. Do invest effort into finding the right place. After all, you’ll be entrusting your child’s most formative years to people you don’t quite know very well.

When you visit or call a centre or school, ensure that you’re able to pose targeted questions to someone who knows the centre and its philosophies well. Expect at least two weeks to narrow down your choices. Once you’ve short-listed a few schools, ask each principal if you may observe a class in progress.

The questions below may be used to evaluate any childcare service, preschool or kindergarten:

Want more answers and information on this topic?
Click HERE to ask Mrs. Lim your questions.

First, the general location and operations questions:

1. Is the location suitable? What are the drop-off and pick-up hours?
Always consider your commute. If you’re a working mum, a centre next to your home might seem ideal. Until you realise that it will be impossible to pick up your child on time.

2. What are the fees? Will I be able to claim the government’s childcare subsidy?
Childcare and preschool fees can range anywhere from RM180 to RM900 for half-day programmes and a starting fee of at least RM450 for full-day programmes. These fees usually exclude food. Government kindergartens cost about RM100 to RM200 for civil servants who qualify. For private kindergartens, you can expect to fork out anything between RM800 and RM2,000 a month.

The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry of Malaysia recently extended the RM180 monthly childcare subsidy to mothers working in the private sector. To qualify, your monthly household income must be below RM2,000 and your child must be enrolled in a community childcare centre. (Mothers in rural areas qualify if their monthly household income falls under RM1,200).

3. Can I take advantage of a trial period?
Be sure to check if there’s a grace period to test the school. Ask how many days’/ weeks’ notice is needed to withdraw your child.

Next, important licensing, safety and hygiene-related questions:

4. Does the centre have a valid license?
You may think that no one dares flout rules, but it always pays to check. Childcare centres have to be registered with the Malaysian Social Welfare Department. Kindergartens, meanwhile, are governed by the Ministry of Education. The centre/ school should also have a valid license from a local council to show that it complies with fire safety/ health and building safety requirements.

5. How safe are the premises and its surroundings?
Is it too close to a main road? Are playground equipment inspected often for loose fixtures? Are the furniture and sanitary equipment age-appropriate in size and features? Are cleaning chemicals kept under lock and key? Even small details like exposed wires and sharp table corners are red flags indicating poor attention to student safety.

6. Will my child be safe at all times?
Placing a child in someone else’s care can make our worst nightmares come true. Caregivers should preferably have had their backgrounds checked. If possible, your child should never be alone with one particular caregiver or teacher all the time. Check that children are properly supervised, even when they’re sleeping. Field trips should have an adequate number of adult chaperones to ensure that no child goes missing.

7. How clean are the premises and its surroundings?
How often are toys and other play equipment sanitized? Are the kitchen and other food preparation areas clean and tidy? Are the sandbox and water-play areas acceptable? Pay special attention to the emphasis on hand-washing—for both teachers and students. Caregivers should wash, rinse and dry their hands properly especially after diapering or after helping a child to use the toilet. Diaper-changing areas (if any) should be sanitized after each use.

8. Are the teachers trained to handle emergencies?
Many schools employ ex-nurses as caregivers. However, even if a school has no medically-trained personnel, all staff should know what to do in case of a fire. Good schools conduct regular fire-drills. Preferably, a few teachers should be first-aid trained. Infant caregivers should ideally, be knowledgeable about preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or crib death.

9. What is the school’s sick-child policy?
The school should be strict about keeping a very sick child at home. If your child is ill but well enough to attend school ask if teachers will administer the medication. Ensure that you are able to record dosage instructions clearly and that the medicines are always kept out of reach of students. A good school will ensure that every parent has provided updated immunization records and emergency contact information during the registration process.

10. What will my child eat?
Ask if you may inspect the menu. Ensure that there are clear nutritional guidelines with emphasis on protein, carbohydrates and fibre. Snacks should preferably include fresh fruits. Ask how accommodating the school is towards kids with food allergies.

You should receive satisfactory answers to the questions above before you evaluate the school in greater detail.

Next, essential questions on the curriculum and teachers.

11. What is the teaching method?
Different preschools adopt different educational methods.

For example, the Montessori method subscribes to hands-on learning—the child is allowed to progress at his or her own pace. Says Mrs ST Lam Holloway, a preschool director, “Preschools that use Montessori allow children to be more creative and learn on many levels.”

Other methods include the Waldorf method (also known as Steiner-Waldorf) that emphasises the role of imagination in teaching and learning, and accelerated-learning methods that enable children to learn at a quicker rate.

Consider the school’s teaching method carefully. You and your child must both be comfortable with the pace or your child will not be happy.

12. What does the curriculum really cover?
The aim of every school is quite similar: to help students achieve mastery of the 3Rs (Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic) before entering primary school. You should ask about the specific curriculum used to reach this. For example, are the students exposed to only age-appropriate materials? Or are they allowed creative freedom to fully explore and discover new concepts?

Most important, the curriculum should cultivate a child’s latent love of learning. To gain an in-depth understanding, don’t hesitate to ask for a demonstration. If the curriculum includes musical activities or art appreciation, ask how these activities are used to reinforce phonics, math, second-language learning or other concepts.

13. What are some of the teaching tools available?
Look around the classrooms. Are the students exposed to computers? Are musical instruments introduced during music and movement sessions? Are there sufficient toys, books and other educational gadgets to go around the whole classroom? Are the teachers well-qualified to use these tools?

Cautions Mrs Lam, “Some schools say they use Montessori methods but the equipment is there for show and kids are not allowed to touch them.” She advises parents to visit the school often to see what actually goes on.

14. What are the teachers’/ administrators’ qualifications?
A Diploma related specifically to early childhood education is usually the minimum qualification required for supervisors and teachers.

Taska teachers (who teach ages 0 to 4 years), need to take a compulsory course conducted by the Welfare Department. The course covers basic infant and childcare topics. Tadika teachers (who teach kindergarteners aged 4 to 6 years), need to attend the Ministry of Education’s compulsory course on the national preschool curriculum.

However, qualifications alone don’t produce a good teacher. If you have the chance, observe how the teacher conducts a class. Is he/ she passionate about imparting knowledge? Does he/ she listen carefully to every child’s questions? Also, ask if the teachers receive continued training from time to time.

15. What is the teacher/student ratio?
It will be difficult for your child to receive sufficient attention if there’re too many students to one teacher. A recommended staff-student ratio is:

Age group	Staff: Student Ratio
From 2 to 18 months	1:5
Above 18 to 30 months	1:8
Above 30 months to 3 years	1:12
Above 3 to 4 years	1:15
Above 4 to below 7 years	1:25

Five teachers to 25 children and two teachers to 10 children both fit the 1:5 ratio for infants and toddlers. However, the latter distribution is clearly more conducive to learning.

Preferably, teachers should be able to calmly respond to each child. The general rule here is that everyone should be relaxed and happy. Signs of stress or frustration among teachers indicate an inefficient ratio.

[Note: If you’re choosing a home-based babysitting or childcare service, one caregiver shouldn’t be in charge of more than two babies.]

16. How are disciplinary issues handled?
Disciplinary action should always be fair and consistent. The child should be able to understand why he/ she is being disciplined. Action should always be positive to encourage good behaviour, not more rebellion. A child should never feel belittled as a result of disciplinary action. If you notice any teachers yelling or spanking, stay clear of that school.

17. How will I be able to track my child’s progress?
Ask if the school has clear-cut guidelines to track a child’s milestones and readiness for the next stage, be it nursery, kindergarten or primary school education. Ask if you may request impromptu parent-teacher meetings for a quick update on your child’s progress. See section on Preschool/ Kindergarten Readiness to judge your child’s progress for yourself.

18. What do other parents and kids think?
Observe the students. Are they happily playing with each other? Are they confident with the environment? Interview other parents. Ask them how much the school has changed over the years. A school that has not progressed or has poor staff turnover indicates weak management. However, don’t base your decision completely on their comments because each parent has different needs.

19. How does the school encourage strong parent-teacher partnership?
Does the school encourage open communication? Are administrators readily available or at least willing to set up appointments for discussion? Are your worries and anxieties properly and sympathetically handled? Is your feedback welcomed? Clearly, a school that warmly welcomes parental participation has your child’s best interests at heart.

20. How does my child feel about this school?
Last but definitely not the least is your child’s own opinion of the school. Is he/ she comfortable with the environment? Is he/ she eager to participate in a class?

Be prepared for some separation anxiety in the first few weeks before your child is able to adapt to his/ her new routine. Look closely at the cues your child gives you. If he/ she is still miserable after a few months, you should probably look for a better fit.

These questions should equip you with enough information to make a sound decision. Schedule at least an hour-long appointment with the school’s administrator so that you have enough time to settle other doubts.

To make your search easier, we’ve prepared The Right Preschool checklist. Print and bring it along on your visits. The checklist allows an at-a-glance comparison of up to three preschools!

Remember, finding the right centre or school for your child also requires one other criterion: an excellent gut feeling. After you have your answers, spend some time soaking up the ambience and “aura” of the school. If you feel excited about its teachers and the general environment, you may have found the perfect place after all.

Happy hunting!

MumCentre used gratefully acknowledges
Mrs ST Lam Holloway of:

Taska Montessori Saya – (603) 2287 0837
Tadika Saya – (603) 4143 5598
Tadika Cahaya Hati – (603) 4105 9652

How do you know if your child is ready to begin preschool or kindergarten? Some children develop and learn at a quicker pace than others. These kids tend to be more prepared for school when the time comes, possibly even relishing independence from their parents. Others simply take their time to learn, progressing only when they have completely grasped a new idea.

Reaching an age-appropriate milestone gives your child an advantage in school. But don’t be overly worried if your child still isn’t ready. Your patient guidance can help your child to quickly overcome each area of concern.

The following chart suggests key developmental milestones a child should have reached by the time he/ she starts preschool and kindergarten.

Preschool readiness (Approx. 3 years old)

What’s going on in your child’s world	How you can help
Communication and cognitive skills Speaks in short but coherent sentences Recognises a few letters of the alphabet Counts to 5 Sorts toys by similar size, shape and colour.	• Read to your child every day • Talk to your child often • Make up silly songs and rhymes • Play with alphabet or number flash cards e.g. while waiting for the train or bus.
Emotional development and control Pays attention for short spans of time Listens to short stories without interrupting Controls feelings Is comfortable when you’re not present.	• Praise your child often when he/she manages to sit still or control emotional outbursts • Allow your child to socialise with other adults to minimise separation anxiety.
Social development Begins to share and take turns Raises hand to ask questions (if taught to do so) Follows a grown-up’s instructions.	• Be a good role model in the way you interact with other people • Using role play, show your child how other kids feel when he/she doesn’t take turns.
Finger dexterity Holds pencil to scribble (develops the proper pencil grasp at about 3½ years old) May be able to write own name Traces or draws basic shapes Cuts straight lines with scissors.	• Allow your child to paint and draw more often • Keep large sheets of paper handy for your child to scribble or doodle • Buy a pair of child-safe scissors and let your child cut up old newspapers.
Physical/self-help skills Potty trained or at least indicates that he/she needs to use the toilet Wears shoes with minimal help Plays actively but may show some nervousness with playground equipment.	• Potty-training takes time. Always proceed patiently so that your child learns to view it as a fun, “big child” activity • Buy easily removable clothes (e.g. shoes with Velcro fasteners, pants with snap-on buttons) • Familiarise your child with the neighbourhood playground.

Kindergarten readiness (Approx. 5 years old)
What’s going on in your child’s world	How you can help
Literacy and communication skills: Speaks with clear pronunciation Says own first and last names clearly and possibly parents’ first names Relates stories he/she has read or heard Recognises rhyming words Recites the alphabet confidently Counts easily up to 20 or more Reads (at least simple phrases) Recites home address and telephone number.	Read to your child a few times a week even if he/she already reads independently Visit the library often to promote a love of reading Teach your child to use the dictionary Invest in vocabulary and literacy-building computer software Play word games with your child Introduce your child to different written styles such as rhymes, jokes and riddles.
Emotional development and control Pays attention for longer periods of time Sits in one place for at least half an hour at a time Is confident without a parent’s presence.	Help your child get enough sleep so that he/she is not restless the next day Monitor your child’s TV time. Cut out any programmes that you think may encourage improper behaviour Teach your child good discipline Teach your child to respect both grown-ups and peers Praise your child when he/she is polite, respectful and well-behaved.
Social development Interacts easily with others Handles responsibilities e.g. picking up toys after playtime.
Finger dexterity Writes short sentences Capitalises words and uses punctuation if taught to Draws more complete pictures e.g. fingers and toes on hands and feet Cuts curved lines with scissors Applies glue in a straight line.	Give your child plenty of opportunities to experiment with writing, drawing and handicraft projects If possible, do not criticise your child’s handwriting. Instead teach him/her to use writing grids to keep lower and upper case letters in line.
Physical/self-help skills Takes care of all toileting needs without help Washes and dries hands Opens drink and snack containers easily and eats without help Dresses independently e.g. knows how to button a shirt, tie shoe laces etc. Climbs and plays easily with playground equipment Asks for help when needed. Understands different times of the day (e.g. morning, afternoon, evening) and knows how to say he/she is hungry, sleepy etc.	Give your child as much independence as possible to increase self-confidence Praise your child sincerely when he/she completes a task on his/her own Allow your child plenty of outdoor time everyday to increase physical fitness.