Has the thought of your little one entering kindergarten been keeping you up at night? Don’t fret! We’re here to help you navigate through this exciting – and admittedly daunting – journey, from the moment you start searching to the day your child runs through the kindergarten doors. Join us on our quest for a smooth school admission experience.
Start the conversation early
Starting the conversation about kindergarten early gives you and your child a better chance of having a smooth admission journey. While research can be undertaken at any time, it is best to begin looking for schools when your child is between 3-4 years old.
At least one year prior to your child starting at this institution is recommended, as this gives you plenty of time to visit and research the schools in your area. Visiting each one or attending an open day can help you determine the educational philosophy and corresponding environment that best suits your child’s needs.
Do your research
Doing research is one of the most important steps in the International kindergarten admission process because it provides vital information about the schools available in your area.
Researching can be done through word-of-mouth, asking neighbors and family members for recommendations, reading reviews from reliable websites, or visiting kindergartens in person to get a sense of their program and learning environment.
Additionally, you can explore the website of each school and look for explanations about their curriculum and policies.
Consider your child’s temperament
Some children may thrive in smaller, cozier settings where they can quickly build connections with teachers and students, while others may prefer a larger institution with more activity and stimulation.
Think about what kind of environment would be the most beneficial for your child’s social and academic development – this will help to ensure that your family transitions into kindergarten successfully.
Be prepared for the interview
Before attending your interview, prepare answers for a variety of topics such as why you’re interested in a particular school, what makes your child stand out from others, or any special skills or qualities that make him or her unique.
You can also expect to discuss any extracurricular activities that he/she enjoys performing. It’s also important to research the school’s background and development policies so that you are familiar with their approach and values.
You might also be interested into this article: Choosing The School Holiday Activities for Your Kids.
Be honest
Be transparent about all information regarding your child and their educational, personal, and health background.
Failure to disclose any relevant information can lead to unpleasant consequences for both parents and the kindergarten. The staff is required by state law to ask for truthful and accurate information when a student registers or applies for admission.
Have a backup plan
No matter how much planning and preparation goes into an application process, there is always a chance of not being accepted to the desired preschool. This is why it is important to have a backup plan in place.
Look for other schools with similar values and teaching philosophies that can be considered in case of rejection. Set aside the time to visit alternative choices and make sure that your child’s best interests remain at the forefront.
Having alternative options will reduce stress and make the process easier if you find yourself having to adjust plans suddenly.
Celebrate your decision
After you’ve made your decision and signed the forms, it’s time to celebrate! Whether you’re opting for public or private schooling, long days or short days, this decision is an important one for your family.
Don’t be afraid to give yourselves a pat on the back and bask in the glory of having accomplished another big step. Admission into kindergarten is a crucial step in your child’s educational journey and it’s something that should be celebrated.
We hope that our tips have helped you figure out how to make the kindergarten school admission process smoother for both you and your child. With a little preparation, the whole experience can be much more enjoyable. Do you have any other tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
