Lilian: There are a few things that I would look out for. For me, my objective to send my child to playgroup is to socialise and play. ( Thru play tots can learn a lot of things)
Things that I will ask and observe
1) Environment – I must like the environment when I walk in . It must be bright and cheerful. Need to be partial air-con and non. Air-con whole day to me means get sick very easily
2) What is their curriculum and for each term what is their focus on and how to achieve it. Like what activities will be involves… etc… Will there be outdoor activities. Like water play, sand play etc….
3) For my ger milk routine, how will they accommodate with their schedule. How will diaper changing be like, drinking water routine be like since my ger drinks water a lot, my ger sweat a lot and get rashes easily (will the caretaker change her clothing and apply cream for her), feeding ( how can the teacher assist if my ger still cannot eat by herself and she take very long time). Toilet training will they train if parent is ready.
4) During the visit, I will request if my ger can participate in one of their lesson, so that I can see the actual no of children and how is the age difference in the group and how the teacher conduct the lesson. Usually, I will not inform them before hand; it will be on the spot. Cos 18 mths to less 3 , is a lot of difference. If all the students in the class can talk and walk steady and my ger cannot talk and walk properly, how are they going to handle the situation?
5) Next, I will look at the kitchen, toilet and the menu. ( See if the food is appealing to my ger… if not can I pack food for my ger. Is it ok for them)
6) Flexibility- If I pay for full day childcare and I only want my child to attend certain days half day if is it possible.
7) Transportation- Since my ger is petite in size, seat belt is not possible. How are they going to handle?? ( The answer that I expect is “ parent should provide car booster to the CC and the teacher will inform driver auntie about it )
8) Communication –There is one CC that is very personalise, they will take pictures of the child during activities and write feedback on it. This is a plus point, not only catering to the child needs but also the parents. Parent will be trill to see pictures of their child involvements in activities. Rather than parent always asking our child what did they do or learn today.. and their answer “ Dun Know”. Or by the booklet stating : Ger Ger enjoy music lesson. My mind will be thinking why she enjoy music lesson and starting asking open ended questions but by the pictures it tell a lot of words and you can communicate with the child based on the picture.