School Daze

By SavvyMom Today

Choosing a Nursery School

“It’s just nursery school,” said the savvy grandma to the savvy mom. “Why are you agonizing over this decision?”

‘Just’ nursery school (or preschool or playschool), that may be, but after all it’s the first time little Jack or Jill is going to be away from the domestic nest all alone without you…and we know it can be a tough call.

We also know now’s the time to be making that decision, so we checked in with the Savvy Scouts to see how they had handled this important parenting moment—and very sage advice we received, indeed:

The Location (Location, Location) – kids are too young for long commutes (and moms don’t need the stress either), so look for a school close by. Makes organizing playdates easier too. (from Julia, Calgary)

Also check out the drop-off/pick-up routine. If you’re in a hard-to-park location, curb-side drop-off and pick-up is key. (from Alison, San Francisco)

The Volunteer Schedule – for some parents, participation in the school is something they’re keen on; for others, it’s the last thing they want. Figure out where you are on the parental involvement requirement scale (fundraising, helping in the classroom, and serving on the parents’ association are all areas where parents may be asked to get involved, and with parent co-op schools there may be more) and make sure there is a good match between the requirements and your desires. (from Heather, New York)

The Sunny Room – well, it doesn’t have to be sunny, but a bright, warm and welcoming physical environment definitely contributes to a happy experience. Look for outdoor space for gross motor skill development and a place to burn off some energy too. (from Andrea, Vancouver and Tori, London)

The Happy Staff – look for a low turnover rate of staff and teachers as a good indication of their contentment with the school and how it is run. This will trickle down into the classroom one way or the other. (from Denise, who used to be a teacher herself, Toronto)

The Word of Mom – check in with other parents to find out what they have to say about the school. Reputation can be very important and we know that moms will share what they know. (from Andrea, Vancouver and Alex, Melbourne)

The Fun, Fun, Fun – Savvy Scouts all agreed that an environment that provides a focus on social and emotional development and nurtures the discovery process (learning can be fun!) is much more important at this stage than the “what” they will be learning. Think of the environment you are trying to create at home and how it measures up with the environment in the nursery. (from Tori, London)

The Mom Scene – having a network at the school (even one or two moms you already know) can make a big difference when it comes to helping each other out e.g. ‘grab Jack for me, I am stuck in traffic’ situations. (from Denise, Toronto)

The Little Extras – all other things being equal, look into some of the ‘extras’ that might be offered and the flexibility in the school schedule. From the possibility of emergency after-school care and an extended day program, if needed, to snacks being provided, it’s the extras that can make the difference. (from Vanessa, Dublin and Jane, Los Angeles)

Keep some of this tried-and-tested counsel in mind and you can be cool about school too (and you just might yourself enjoying those mornings alone).

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