Nursery Selection Tips

I will share more about my nursery hunt and tips to select the ideal nursery.

In my previous entry Choosing the Perfect Nursery, I talked about our family priorities when it came to choosing a nursery. Surely, my inquiries were not limited to these priorities. During my nursery selection process, I asked a ton of other questions to ensure a smooth transition, to prepare myself for what is coming my way and to avoid any surprises once D. begins the term. Here's a comprehensive list of queries to inquire and tips you could use when choosing a nursery:

1. Age Group in Classes

It's essential to find out if the nursery dedicates specific classes to certain age groups. D. falls in the 2-3 years age range, so I would expect her to have peers of a similar age.

2. Teaching Assistant (TA) Profile

I checked if the teaching assistants have received the necessary training in handling toddlers and managing emotions. While TAs often play the role of caregivers, their role in education is equally significant. In reality, I know my kid will spend a good amount of time with the TAs during her time in the nursery. I had ensure that the nursery invests in training TAs to assist both the children and the teachers effectively.

3. Daily Schedule

I strongly suggest to examine the nursery's daily schedule to ensure a balance between free playtime and structured activities. Exposure to activities such as music, language, sports, and art is crucial for a child's holistic development. Paying attention to the schedule helped me avoid any surprises or unexpected elements. In one of the nurseries, just by looking at a sample schedule, I realized that there is a slot for French language, which was irrelevant and unnecessary considering our objective and priorities. And no, it was not mentioned during the tour.

4. Number of Days / Hours

Understanding the nursery's policies regarding the number of days a child can attend will help you plan your own schedule in advance. Some nurseries offer flexible options, while others may have fixed schedules. For instance, you may want to choose the 3-day option to begin with. It is useful to know which 3 days (e.g., Mon-Tue-Wed or Wed-Thu-Fri) nursery assigned as most nurseries do not give you the option to choose the days. We started off with a half day (8 am-12 pm), 5-day (Monday through Friday) option. For me it was vital to know exactly which hours half day meant. I planned her nap and schedule for the rest of the day accordingly.

5. Languages Offered

I considered the language options available at the nursery. Some nurseries in Dubai dedicate hourly/weekly slots in multiple languages such as Arabic, French and English, while others focus on a single language such as English. I preferred the latter. This alone was not a deciding factor, yet, I kept it in mind during my selection journey.

6. Screen Time Policy

I inquired about the nursery's screen time policy. Screen time in a nursery is a no go for me. I can tolerate minimal screen time for purposeful education, however, showing a cartoon to have a 10-minute break does not work for me and my family. If you are on the same page, I would ensure that the nursery's approach aligns with your preferences regarding screen time for your child.

7. Class Size

Class sizes can vary, with some accommodating up to 16 children and others limiting the number to 12. Understand the teacher-to-child ratio, as it significantly impacts the quality of care and attention your child will receive. Each adult (teacher and TAs) will be taking care of 4-5 children at a time, which emphasizes the importance of TA’s backgrounds once again.)

8. Sleep Room / Space

If your child's schedule includes naptime, assess the sleep area. Some nurseries provide proper toddler-sized beds, while others may only have mats. The sleep environment can affect your child's comfort and overall experience. Napping in the nursery was not initially in our agenda. I still checked to see the sleep room to have an understanding the nursery’s approach towards sleep time. (Do not be surprised if some nurseries do not have a dedicated sleep room)

9. Meal Policies

Check whether the nursery requires children to eat the provided meals or allows parents to bring their own food. We have a good routine going on with the food we eat as a family and I invested a great amount of time and energy into creating a healthy eating style for D. I wanted to keep the same routine going as much as I could. If you have specific dietary preferences for your child or any allergies, this information becomes vital.

10. Uniforms

I personally am not a fan of uniforms for nursery kids. However, the school I picked made the uniforms mandatory. In her first week, D. went to school with her own clothes until we purchased the uniforms. In a few days, she requested herself to put on uniforms like her friends did. Uniforms can foster a sense of belonging and unity among children. At least, that is what I observed in the first week. So I was like..whatever😊

11. Transportation

I never checked it, as I would handle pickups myself. If you require transportation services, inquire about the nursery's options. Keep in mind that most nurseries do not provide bus services, so you may need to make alternative arrangements.

12. Temperature Checks

Understand the nursery's policies regarding daily temperature checks for children. This information can be important in case your child develops a fever while at the nursery and you are expected to pick her up right away.

13. Nursery Type

Consider whether you prefer a dedicated early-year education facility or a nursery located within a larger school. Each option offers a unique experience, so choose the one that aligns with your long-term educational goals for your child. I am aware that smaller, cozier environment would be easier to transition to. On the other hand, picking a nursery in a school setting would help me assess the school’s performance and decide for the upcoming academic year (FS1 or pre-KG) Eventually I picked a school where they have a separate, smaller section for the nursery.

14. Fees and Payment Policy

It all comes down to price vs performance. Budget considerations are essential. Understand the nursery's fees and payment policies, including any options for monthly installments. Always worth checking even if it is not mentioned or written anywhere. This knowledge will help you plan your finances accordingly. 15. Surveillance

If you have concerns about safety and security, inquire about the presence of CCTV cameras accessible to parents. While many nurseries have CCTV systems for security reasons, they do not provide viewing access to parents. Some nurseries offer alternative means of keeping parents informed, such as daily photo uploads and reports, which helps you stay connect to your child’s journey.

16. Safety Measures

Even though, inquiring about safety sounds like micromanaging, I find it very important. Ensuring the nursery follows safety regulations such as safety measure, entrance and exit protocols, security personnel, fire exits, is crucial for your child's well-being.

In addition to these questions, consider seeking input from parents who have firsthand experience with the nursery. Online parent groups, such as WhatsApp or email communities, can be valuable resources for gathering insights especially if you live in a foreign country like myself.

In conclusion, asking these questions and engaging with nursery management can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the nursery's approach, policies, and overall suitability for your child. Even seemingly irrelevant questions can lead to valuable insights and help you make an informed decision that prioritizes your child's well-being and development.

Click to read our experience during the Settling-In Period in the Nursery