A parent’s guide to choosing a preschool in Dubai

Let’s start by asking ourselves a crucial question. What do small children need the most, on a daily basis, to thrive? They need daily social engagement with children their age, sensory stimulation, Vitamin D, physical activity to grow their little muscles and release that adorable energy, a dose of creativity to fuel their imagination, nutritious food and healthy eating habits, with lots of love, attentive care, comfort, and praise from adults and caregivers.

According to modern neurological research, critical skills are learned during the first 5 years of life and children rely on experiences to shape their learning as many of the skills developed are not strictly academic. Empathy, reasoning and language are just a few foundational skills learned during these first few years of brain development. The brain itself is also undergoing rapid chemical changes in the neurons as well as developing mature connections and pathways. It is especially important during these formative years for children to maintain overall physiological, emotional and social well being. 

We’re here to offer some tips on where to start with your search, including questions to ask yourself and research you should do before booking your nursery tours. 

Reflect on your family values

Think of your family values, daily rituals and routine, and what you like to do for fun. If you consider yourself to be a creative family that appreciates art and nature, then choose a teaching approach that shares the same value. If you’re quite structured and are keen on encouraging independence from a young age, then go for the Montessori method of learning.

Also, think about what your child might be missing in their daily life, and if you could fill that gap with the nursery you choose. For example, if you live in an apartment and don’t have a well-equipped outdoor playground available for them, then choose a nursery that does! If you tend to spend your summers in Dubai when it’s really hot, then make sure to check for indoor gyms, play areas and common spaces so your child isn’t cooped up in a classroom all the time.

At Redwood Center of Excellence for example, there are several specialized indoor departments such as a botanical garden, sensory room, Reggio Atelier, a piazza where different ages come together to play and learn from one another, and a library.

Consult a parenting coach

The better you know your child, the more suitable care and support you can find for them, and it’s always best to work hand-in-hand with educators to ensure they’re catering to your child’s needs. We recommend speaking to a parenting coach to see how your child has responded to your family lifestyle and parenting methods so far and what else they could benefit from for further development. This can help you choose the right early learning environment that suits their individual character and temperament. We have always admired the work done by gentle parenting coaches Sara and Karen from The Wise Parent, as well as Kavita from Conscious Parent. 

Do some research on different curriculums and teaching approaches

Montessori for example focuses on independent learning whereas the Reggio Emilia approach focuses on collaborative learning. In Montessori classrooms, children use tools that are self-corrective. In other words, if a child attempts a puzzle but fails, they’re able to try again and correct the mistake. These tools are designed specifically for Montessori schools and cannot be found elsewhere. Montessori is a child-led approach which allows children to use their imagination, follow their interests, express individuality and be empowered as leaders in their learning journeys. Montessori features open learning areas where children are encouraged to learn from each other, rather than being sat at desks for the majority of the day as in most traditional education settings. 

In contrast, because Reggio Emilia children learn from their environment, the classroom is built to be an extension of their world. Children are encouraged to learn from their mistakes, through trial and error, and problem-solving. Little steps are celebrated, meaning the focus is on the process of learning rather than just the end result. This also deepens learning as children are able to delve into the meaning behind their activities. For example, children will plant seeds in the garden and learn about plant life cycles, weather, seasons, nutrition and so much more. 

The Redwood Center of Excellence Curriculum is unique, in that it not only offers an emergent curriculum but it carefully blends and weaves the curricula together for optimal results. It brings Montessori, Reggio and Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) under the modern educational approach of the Early Years Foundation Stages Framework (EYFS). As a result, children develop and grow a multitude of skills including communication, language, critical thinking, emotional literacy, physical wellbeing & health, life skills and creativity.

Read reviews and speak to other parents

When you’re seeking for genuine feedback, you will find it in closed community groups such as The Mum Folk group. Run and operated by mothers, they create a safe space for advice to be shared, questions to be answered and recommendations to be made, based on genuine first-hand experiences. Hannah, who runs and manages The Mum Folk group which currently has over 700 active members on Whatsapp, has her son enrolled at Redwood Center of Excellence and recently took us through his settling-in period, commending the staff for their patience and support.

Make a check-list before your visits

Put together a list of things to look out for when you visit and note your pros and cons when making a final decision. For example, how did you feel about the space and facilities? Children spend a lot of time at nursery, and at this young age, they are sensitive to their surroundings. A child’s mood and mental health is governed by their environment. Throughout Redwood CoE for example, you will notice the use of organic materials, natural light and the colour green. These elements have significant psychological roles in learning. In colour therapy, green is viewed as a neutral healing colour. It is known for enhancing qualities such as harmony, calm, helpfulness, endurance and tolerance.

Another question to ask yourself is, how were you welcomed? Did you get a good vibe from the staff, teachers, and the manager? How clean and hygienic were the toilets? How diverse were their learning tools? How do you think your child would feel about the space? 

Whilst your child is the priority, a parent’s instinct matters a lot! Now, are you ready to book your tour? 

This blog article was published with the support of Redwood Center of Excellence