The nursery school is the first step for many Hong Kong families in their beginning education before formal schooling commences. Nursery schools, in addition to casual playgroups, are one of the earliest places that parents and moms take their children to assist in developing social, cognitive and fine and gross motor skills. What can you do to determine if a nursery is right for your child’s level of development? How do you choose the best nursery program for your child? Sometime, educational centers or schools bank on parents’ ignorance and information to convince them to join, however, since this is your child’s first introduction to preschool, it’s crucial to be as informed as possible.
What is nursery school?
Schools, both private and public, along with education centers are all nursery schools that are available located in Hong Kong. Nurseries accept ages 2 to 4 depending upon the school’s policies, though some schools accept infants who are as young as six weeks old. (This smaller age group is more appropriately referred to as pre-nursery.) Nurseries are usually open for all of the time unlike afternoon and morning sessions which preschools provide. Therefore, they typically provide three meals per day. Essentially, nurseries are meant to care for the kids during the day when parents work an active job.
Another important aspect for nurseries lies in the fact that instead strict curricula, they provide informal environments and a vast selection of enjoyable activities. While playgroups provide informal and non-structured play Nurseries differ because they are supervised by early years teachers who provide a nurturing hand to ensure that children are able to safely and happily develop their early learning skills.
International or local
The nurseries of both local and international schools mainly differ in the teaching style and community culture including the expectations and curriculum varying based on if you choose a Canadian, American, British or other. International school.
International schools usually focus on English speaking, in addition to Chinese learning.
Parents should also consider the next school they’d like their baby to attend. Your toddler will be at an advantage when they’re enrolled at the same place for nursery , the same school you’d prefer them to attend for kindergarten and beyond as current students.
Language mode(s)
Are you and your partner been chatting with your child in different languages at home? It’s important to carry on this conversation throughout the nursery years. Some offer bilingual English-Mandarin immersion with a native instructor of each language in their nursery classes. Visit the educational institution you’re thinking of visiting to determine whether they provide English, Cantonese, or Mandarin teaching or a mix of both.
Nursery programmes
While nursery educators aren’t required to hold specific certifications however, it is recommended that they have a degree related to early child education. When you visit a nursery (which is something you should absolutely do learn more about below), don’t hesitate to ask the director of the branch and staff about their qualifications, experience and programs.
Be sure to look for indicators like if the program is varied designed to meet the children’s needs as they develop, and if the children at the nursery seem to be involved and content.
Nursery school amenities
When you’ve narrowed down a list of potential nurseries, you can schedule your visit. You may even bring your child to see how they interact with the surroundings. Because your child will be in nursery for most of the time, if perhaps throughout the day, it’s vital to make sure that the school’s amenities and resources are well-maintained and engaging.
Are there areas for outdoor play or rooms specifically for art or music?
Are the playgrounds safe?
Are you able to see the possibilities in your child’s development to become both active and content?
Ratio of children to teachers
The ratio of teacher to child in nurseries can be between 1:12 and 1:15. Some schools offer lower ratios so that every child gets the care they need.
FAQs about nursery school
What is the difference between preschool and nursery?
Nursery and preschool differ in the main in that preschools offer segments of afternoon and morning programs and nurseries provide all-day programs. Nursery is also generally less structured, whereas preschool programs focus on preparation in preparation for formal learning.
The difference is what’s the main distinction between nursery and pre-nursery?
The children of Hong Kong, pre-nursery is for ages 2 to 3, and nursery is for children ages 3 to 4.
What is the relationship between kindergarten and nursery?
Nursery is among the primary steps towards preparing for children who will attend kindergarten. At the nursery schools the children are able to make progress in intellectual, fine motor, social, and emotional skills.