5 Things to Look for in a Preschool Before Enrolling Your Child

Introduction

Choosing the right preschool or play school is one of the most important decisions parents make during their child’s early years. A good preschool does more than introduce academics — it shapes a child’s confidence, social skills, emotional development, and readiness for kindergarten.

With many preschools and play schools available, knowing what to look for can help parents make informed and stress-free choices.

1. A Strong Play-Based Curriculum

The best preschools focus on play-based learning, especially during early childhood.

Look for a curriculum that includes:

• Learning through play, storytelling, music, and movement
• Activities that support language development and motor skills
• Age-appropriate tasks rather than early pressure on academics

Play-based learning encourages curiosity and builds a natural love for learning — essential in early childhood education.

2. Qualified Teachers & Healthy Teacher-Student Ratio

Teachers play a crucial role in a child’s preschool experience.

Check if the preschool:

• Employs trained early childhood educators
• Maintains a low teacher-student ratio for personal attention
• Uses positive reinforcement and gentle guidance

Smaller class sizes ensure children feel supported and confident as they adapt to group learning.

3. Safe, Clean & Child-Friendly Infrastructure

Safety and hygiene are non-negotiable when choosing a preschool.

A good preschool should have:

• Clean classrooms and washrooms
• Secure entry and exit points
• CCTV monitoring and trained support staff
• Safe indoor and outdoor play areas

A secure environment allows children to explore freely while giving parents peace of mind.

4. Focus on Holistic & 360-Degree Development

The right preschool supports a child’s overall growth, not just academics.

Look for schools that nurture:

• Emotional and social development
• Communication and language skills
• Creativity through art, music, and play
• Confidence, independence, and teamwork

A holistic development approach prepares children for kindergarten and formal schooling with ease.

5. Transparent Communication & Parent Involvement

Strong parent-school communication is a key sign of a quality preschool.

Choose a preschool that offers:

• Regular parent-teacher interactions
• Clear updates on learning progress
• Events and activities involving parents
• Transparent admission and fee structures

Parent engagement strengthens the learning journey and builds trust.

Bonus Tip: Location & Convenience Matter

While quality comes first, choosing a preschool close to home reduces daily stress and helps children adjust better to routines.

Parents searching for preschools near me often find neighbourhood schools more practical and comfortable for young children.

Why the Right Preschool Makes a Difference

Early childhood education sets the foundation for:

• Academic readiness
• Emotional resilience
• Social adaptability
• Lifelong learning habits

A preschool that balances play-based learning, safety, and nurturing care creates confident learners ready for kindergarten.

Explore First School Near You

If you’re searching for a trusted preschool or play school, First School offers programmes built on:

• Play-based early learning
• Holistic development and 360-degree learning approach
• Safe, child-friendly environments
• Experienced teachers and structured kindergarten readiness

Explore our locations:
First School – Madipakkam
First School – Nanganallur
First School – Manapakkam

Conclusion

Choosing the right preschool isn’t about rushing — it’s about finding a place where your child feels safe, happy, and encouraged to grow. By focusing on curriculum quality, teacher support, safety, holistic development, and communication, parents can confidently select a preschool that supports their child’s early learning journey.