Choosing the best preschool in Bali for your little one can be a challenge, with so many things to consider. Whether its curriculum, location or the teachers, here are our 5 top criteria to consider.
Choosing a preschool is a big moment in a parent’s life. You have watched this little person day in and day out for months, nurturing their every move – watching them eat, sleep, play, tumble, laugh and cry. And now you are supposed to drop them off for the day and wait. [Of course, you have stuff to do, but it’s a big deal!]. So, choosing who is going to be in charge of your little tyke is a decision not to be rushed, and as there are so many options on the island we thought we would help you wade through the long list and whittle down the criteria to 5 key points to consider. You’re welcome!
Curriculum
What your child will be learning has got to be one of the most important parts to consider when choosing a school, and as there are so many different teaching methods out there it is important to get all the information and to know the common terms, for example terms like the Montessori Method, the Reggio Emilia Approach and International Baccalaureate. For help with this, check out our guide on choosing the best curriculum. Also, make sure your kids will get their hands dirty and get to experience the holistic side of teaching, not just the academics. Best learning practice is not just about sitting and listening!
Extra-Curricular
Extra-curricular activities are key for a child’s development as it teaches them team work, people skills, and provides a good balance in school life. Make sure you check out the school’s facilities and the type of extra-curricular activities available.
Educators
You have got to trust and like the people that will be looking after your little ones, so ensure that the teachers at your chosen school are not only well qualified and experienced, but are also nurturing and passionate about their job. It’s not only your kids that need to develop good relationships with the teachers, you also need to be able to communicate with them easily and know them personally.
Environment
Your kids will be spending all day at the school so make sure you find somewhere that they love. The space needs to be safe, clean, stimulating and child friendly. Are the classrooms big enough? Is there a good space ratio of indoor and outdoor settings? Is there a good community feel? The size of the school is important in establishing what kind of atmosphere your kids will be in, for instance a smaller school will feel more like a family, where everyone knows everyone.
Location
It might seem like a no-brainer, but being close to all the important amenities is a key part of the decision-making process. There are plenty of lovely areas in Bali to base your family, including Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and Sanur. Plus, don’t forget to make sure the preschool is close to home or work, and VERY importantly, within easy reach in case of an emergency.
Making sure you have all of these points covered is going to help you choose the best preschool in Bali, as this parent from international school, Bali Island School, in Sanur found. “For me the most important factor in choosing a school is choosing the curriculum that it teaches. I choose BIS because it offers the IB curriculum all the way through the school, so I know my kids will be able to easily transition back to school in Europe. The level of communication at BIS is good. The teachers are available to meet on request, but much of the communication happens informally across the school campus, as a large proportion of parents, particularly in primary, come personally. I have a personal preference for small schools that are better at developing a community atmosphere. I am also pleased the school is Sanur-based as I think Sanur offers great quality of life for families.” Tick, tick and tick! Use our guide above, and don’t forget to include your child in the decisions too!