3 Things to Remember When You Choose a Kindergarten
If you've started looking at kindergartens for your child, then you want to find a facility with a good quality rating. You also need to feel that your child will be happy and cared for in the school.
However, getting a place for your child won't always be easy. To improve your chances, you need to know the following information.
1. You Should Apply Early
Popular kindergartens with a good child care reputation book up fast. If you don't have many pre-school options in your neighbourhood or really want to put your child in a popular school, then you might struggle to find a place.
You won't necessarily get a place in your chosen school if you apply close to the time your child will start attending. You're more likely to be successful if you apply early and secure a place for the future. Check with your shortlisted kindergartens to see when they accept applications relative to a child's age.
2. You Might Need to Go on a Waiting List
Even if you apply ahead of time, you don't have any guarantees that you'll get the kindergarten place you want when you want it. You might need to go on a waiting list.
If the kindergarten you've chosen is full at the time that your child would join the school, then ask if they operate a waiting list. You could secure a place in the future even if the waiting list is long. Some families move out of the area before their child starts school; others change their minds and get a place at a different kindergarten.
Bear in mind that some kindergartens charge a fee to go on their waiting list. This ensures that people only go on the list if they are serious about wanting their child to join the school.
3. You Might Need to Be Flexible
You will have an idea of how much time you want your child to be in kindergarten. For example, you might want them to do full days five days a week so that you can go back to work. Or, you might want them to do a few morning or afternoon sessions a few days a week.
Kindergartens can't always exactly match your day/hour preferences. They'll do their best to accommodate you; however, they have a limited number of places available at any given time. To secure a place in your chosen kindergarten, you might need to be flexible about the days and times your child attends the school. The more flexible you are, the more likely you are to get a place.
To find out more, contact local kindergarten schools.