Nursery school is the first step for a lot of Hong Kong families in their preschool years before formal education commences. Nurseries, along with casual playgroups, is among the first places where parents and moms take their kids to help with developing social, cognitive as well as gross and fine motor abilities. How do you know which nursery is appropriate for your child’s age and development? What is the best way to select the right nursery program? Sometime, educational centers or schools depend on parents’ lack of understanding to convince them to enroll, but as it is your child’s first introduction to the world of preschool, it is important to be as well-informed as possible.
What is a nursery school?
Private and public schools, as well as education centres, offer nursery schools within Hong Kong. Nurseries accept ages between 2 and 4 based upon the school’s policies, though some will accept children as young as six weeks old. (This younger age group is more appropriate to call pre-nursery.) Nurseries are typically open for all hours of the day and are not limited to morning and afternoon sessions which preschools provide. Therefore, they typically provide three meals daily. The purpose of nurseries is to look after the children for the entire day, even if parents have a full-time job.
Another benefit in nurseries is the fact that instead strict educational programs, they provide an environment that is relaxed and offers a wide variety of activities. Playgroups can also offer casual activities that are not structured Nurseries differ because they are led by teachers in the early years who offer a caring hand to ensure that children are able to be safe and enjoy developing their early learning skills.
International or local
Nurseries at local and international schools mostly differ in way of learning and the community culture, with education and expectations differing based on which one you choose. Canadian, American, British, etc. International school.
International schools usually emphasize English speaking in addition to Chinese learning.
Parents must also think about the schools they’d like their children to attend. Your child will be at an advantage when they’re registered at the same location for nursery , the same school you’d like them to attend for kindergarten and beyond, like current students.
Language mode(s)
Are you and your partner already had conversations with your child in a variety of languages at home? It’s crucial to continue this learning to the point of nursery school. Some offer bilingual English-Mandarin immersion with a native teacher from each language within their nursery programs. 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 have specific qualifications however, it is recommended that they have a degree associated with early child education. When you visit a nursery (which you absolutely should learn more about below) do not hesitate to ask the branch manager and staff about their experience, qualifications as well as the programmes they run.
See if there are any signs that indicate the programs are diverse and adapted to child’s development needs, and if the children at the nursery appear to be engaged and happy.
Facilities for nursery school
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential nurseries and you’re ready to schedule a visit. It’s also possible to bring your toddler along to see how they interact with the surroundings. Because children are at nursery for most of the time, if perhaps throughout the day, it’s vital to check that the school facilities and facilities are maintained and engaging:
Are there outdoor play areas and dedicated rooms for art or music?
Are the playgrounds safe?
Are you able to see the possibilities in your child’s development to become stimulated and content?
Ratio of children to their teachers
The minimum ratio of a teacher to children in nurseries could be between 1:12 and 1:15. Some schools provide less ratios to ensure each child receives the attention they require.
FAQ about nursery school
What is the difference between nursery and preschool?
Nurseries and preschool differ mainly in that preschools run segmented morning and afternoon sessions, while nurseries offer whole-day programs. The nursery is generally less structured, whereas preschool focuses on preparing students towards formal training.
How can you tell the differences between nursery and pre-nursery?
It is a popular choice in Hong Kong, pre-nursery is designed for children between the ages of 2 and 3. Nursery is for children aged 3 to 4.
What is the relation between nursery and kindergarten?
Nursery is one of the initial steps of preparation for children to attend kindergarten. In the nursery school, children begin to develop in their fine motor, cognitive emotional, social, and social abilities.
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