Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best age for my child to start preschool?
A: Our school takes toddlers from the age of 2 until 5 years of age. There are both pros and cons at any given age. Generally, the younger a child is the easier they will adapt to a new environment. By the age of 2, most children will need the stimulation of a preschool environment that they will not be able to get at home. A preschool is also a more reliable option for working parents as often a nanny or domestic worker might not report for work, especially after a weekend or holiday. Also a nanny or domestic worker is unlikely to have the necessary training and experience in stimulating your child appropriately since they often have added duties in maintaining household chores. All children should attend preschool by the age of 4 at the very latest in order to be ready for Gr. R.
Q: What if my child cries and doesn’t enjoy being at preschool?
A: Children do not like change and from very early on will form a bond with their primary caregiver. A new school means a new environment, new routine and teachers caring for your child that he/she deems to be a stranger. Most children will cry for the first few days when they start school until they are used to their new environment. If your child has a comfort item (such as a dummy, blanket or special teddy bear) please send this along with them as often this will help them to feel secure. As a school we pay particular attention to new children to help them to settle in and we will never leave a child to cry. If we feel that your child is not coping we will notify you. Until they have settled we will also send you messages and photos to let you know how your child is managing and parents are welcome to call us at any time if they are concerned. By the end of the first two weeks we have found that all children will have settled in quite happily.
Q: What can I do to help my child settle in?
A: As a parent it is always best to bring your child into school personally until they have settled. Make your drop-off brief as a prolonged goodbye will only cause your child further distress. ALWAYS say goodbye and let them know that you will come back to fetch them later on, do not try and sneak off without your child seeing you as this will cause them to be insecure. Try to bring your child to school every day, most parents feel that if they only take their child to school for a few days first to let them get used to it will be easier on their child, in fact the opposite is true. The more your child is at school, the quicker they will settle and get used to their new routine. One day on, one day off will only confuse your child and make them insecure as their routine will be completely unpredictable and children feel safe and secure when they are able to predict their daily routine. Do not make too many changes in their routine at the same time (for example, don’t stop breast feeding and make them start school the next day) as this will also cause distress and they will take longer to settle. Let us know what routine your child is used to at home so that we can slowly transition him/her to their new environment.
Q: Won’t my child get sick if he/ she is around other children?
A: Most children of preschool going age do not yet have a mature immune system and will, on average get sick 13 times a year. Being around other children means that they are exposed to many common viruses that are spread through touch, sneezing or are simply in the air. As a school we take all necessary precautions to stop the spread of any illnesses or viruses, however, especially with small children, many preventative measures are not always possible (for example covering their mouths if they sneeze) and because of this some children will get sick quite often. While no parent wants their child to get sick, it is also the only way for a child to build his/her immune system to fight these infections on their own. Regardless of what age they begin preschool, they need the exposure to these viruses in order to build immunity to them. As a parent please ensure that their vaccinations are up to date, taking your child for the flu vaccine on an annual basis will also offer them protection, particularly during the Winter months. Ensure that they are eating well by providing healthy, well-balanced meals and lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Although not proven, some parents have reported that a Zinc and Vitamin C supplement has been useful in boosting their child’s immune system.
Q: Will my child get enough stimulation?
A: All our teachers and assistants have been trained by tertiary institutions in baby and child care and stimulation. Our school equipment both in the classroom and outside has been carefully selected and placed for the appropriate age level of all children. Our toddler area is kept separate as well. Every week our teachers prepare “lesson plans” for the week that are in line with our weekly theme and daily programme that encompasses the following: Language, literacy, numeracy, art/ creative activities, fine motor activities, gross motor activities, music, story time, fantasy or pretend play and free play.
Q: My child doesn’t eat at home and fights with other children, how will you manage this at school?
A: We often hear parents saying “my child doesn’t want to do….. at home”, we can put your mind at ease by letting you know that children almost always will follow what they see other children doing. We never experience picky eaters or tantrums simply because the children all follow each others activities. Children who are aggressive with other children soon learn boundaries in a school environment and as teachers we guide them as to how they can and cannot behave at school and around other children.
Q: How does the school manage discipline?
A: As a school we believe that manners and discipline remain the responsibility of parents and not of the school, however we also know that children will almost always push the boundary and they do need constant reminding regarding how to behave appropriately. At our school, discipline is always age appropriate and reasonable (for example, we can not expect a 2 year old to sit and concentrate for as long as a 5 year old; it is reasonable for a 2 year old to try and bite another child, but not for a 5 year old to behave in that manner). When a child misbehaves (depending on how severe their action has been) they will be warned and if they continue to behave negatively they are put in “time out” to calm down and think about why their behaviour was not appropriate. In the case of severe and continuous negative behaviour the school will contact parents and expect them to deal with their child as they deem necessary. If behaviour does not improve and affects the behaviour of other children at the school, we reserve the right to ask you to remove your child from the school.
Q: At what age should I potty train my toddler and will the school assist with this?
A: All children are different regarding potty training readiness. Generally girls potty train earlier than boys at about 2 and a half years of age and boys around 3 years of age. We have found that children potty train with the most success at these ages, but all children differ. Potty training in the Summer months is best as the cold and layers of clothing in Winter make little ones more reluctant to use a potty or toilet. We know what the signs of readiness are and will advise you when we think your child is ready to begin potty training. In the meantime you can make them familiar with the toilet or potty at home so that they get used to the idea.
Q: I can’t take time off work if my child is sick, so can I bring them to school anyway?
A: Please view our Health and Safety Policy for specific information. Keep in mind that we do not have the facilities to care for a sickly child who needs the rest, relaxation and quiet of a home environment in order to recover. Also as a parent, you would not want your otherwise healthy child getting sick from a child at school who is sick and so we expect consideration from all parents for not only their child, but all others who are at school and who could potentially be infected by your child who is sick.
Q: What should my child wear to school?
A: While designer jeans, dresses and shoes all look very cute on your little one, they are none the wiser. Children need freedom of movement to be able to play, run, jump, go to the toilet and occasionally get messy. In Summer – shorts, t-shirts and sandals are most suitable (for girls and boys) and in Winter – tracksuits and boots or sneakers are best.
Please be aware of the following:
Q: What time should my child go to bed to get a good night’s rest?
A: Children of preschool age should go to bed no later than 8pm (7pm for children under 3) in order to get enough rest to enable them to benefit fully from the school program for the day. Remember that sleep is just as important as eating well and receiving a good education!
Q: Will the school teach my child everything he/she needs to know and get them ready for Gr. R?
A: The foundation years are a time of great learning and wonderment for little children and while they benefit greatly from attending preschool, it is only through a joint effort of both the parent/s and teachers that a child can develop to his or her full ability. Children need exposure to their environment and the world around them on a continuous basis and therefore their time at preschool is not nearly enough to teach them everything they need to know. “Being ready” is determined by the child themselves – how much they have learnt, how much they are capable of learning and the amount of time and effort that has been spent with them by their parents and teachers. How can you as a parent do this? By spending time, rather than money with your children – do things together, talk to them about what you are doing and about the world around them, teach them about colours, shapes, animals, history, count things out with them, let them do things on their own and encourage them to be independent. Instead of buying them expensive toys, rather buy puzzles, books, play dough, crayons, bats and balls and limit their time in front of the television. If they do watch TV try to make sure they are watching something educational such as a documentary and not mindless cartoons. As a school we will inform parents if we feel that their child could benefit from extra therapy to assist them with school readiness and we strongly recommend that therapy be followed earlier rather than later – this does not mean that your child is “slow/ stupid”, but merely that they need additional support to catch up to their peers in order to excel throughout their school-going years.