10 things to look for in a nursery

Choosing the right learning environment can be a challenge as parents are spoilt for choice

Education lays down the foundation for future endeavours. A young mind is like a sponge that soaks up information and picks up behaviour based on surroundings. This is why it is necessary to see that children are placed in a loving and safe environment and receive proper care to equip them with basic skills to get through the early stages of life.
Early development plays a massive role in an individual, however, the busy career-oriented lifestyles of parents leave no choice but to handover this essential phase to nannies, due to lack of time and energy.
An ideal choice to build the child's character and behaviour would be to send him or her to a nursery school by the age of three. Here they can interact with those around their age and pick up characteristics that will play an important role in shaping their personalities.
The UAE is home to many international nurseries and early learning centres, each with distinct features but one shared goal - to help mould little ones with the right skills to grow into confident and productive adults. As all establishments must be licensed to operate as per UAE laws, parents can rest assured that their children are enrolled in a reliable institution.
Keep in mind that a day nursery is like a childcare centre for children aged three months to five years, while a nursery school prepares those between three to five years with basics needed to enrol into primary school.
Here's what to look for when selecting a daycare or nursery that is best suited for your child and you:
1-Learning environment: Visit the nursery yourself and take your child with you. This will give a good idea of the environment your child will be spending most of his/her time in. You can always ask staff if they could let you view a session in progress. Watch how teachers interact with the children, and how the children react. This can be a good indicator to evaluate the environment.
2-Play area: Ask what kind of activities children are encouraged to participate in. In case of toys or a mini indoor playground, find out if they are child-friendly and hazard-free. If outdoors, find out if the area is clean and well maintained. Are there grassy spots or soft sand?  Is it properly fenced and safeguarded from foreign objects? Hygiene is an important but often overlooked factor, so investigate well.
3-Classroom size: The student to teacher/assistant ratio is essential in understanding just how much attention your child would possibly get. Keep in mind some children tend to be intimidated by big spaces or if they are surrounded by too many children in one room. Speak to your child and figure out what he or she is comfortable with to help you narrow down your options.
4-Attendees in the room: You do need to know who exactly would be present in a room during class sessions. Is it solely the teacher and students, or would there be an assistant to help young ones with activities and/or toilet breaks. You also need to know if young children are put in the presence of older children. There are pros and cons of having children of different ages in a learning environment, so evaluate accordingly. 
5-Facilities: Find out if the room(s) are well equipped with tables, chairs, stationery and supplementary equipment that would assist your child in his/her learning or artistic endeavours. Does the nursery offer creative and open spaces for them to explore, share and interact with teachers and other children?
6-Meals: Does the staff offer meals to children? If yes, what kind of dishes do they offer and at what times? Parents can be assured that all meals served in public and private institutions in the UAE are Halal, but notify the staff in advance in case your child has allergies, is vegetarian, or follows a strict eating routine. Additionally, you can pin a note to their bags so teachers are always reminded.
7-Nap sessions: As children are constantly growing and undergoing development, it is a given that they should get some snooze time, especially in the afternoon. This improves concentration and energises them. Check out the nap room conditions in the daycare centre or nursery. Ideally you would want to have comfortable cots in a quiet and well-monitored room, away from the play area and older children to avoid disturbance and accidents.
8-Safety: Young ones are curious creatures and easily distracted, so it is important to know if the children are kept in an environment free from sharp objects. Are they also properly guided when going outdoors to play? Do teachers keep an eye on what children are doing at all times? Qualified staff needs to ensure that they are always under a watchful eye.
9-Security: While the UAE is an exceptionally safe country, there's no harm in staying alert for the safety of your young ones. You can ask the staff or security personnel to find out who are allowed to enter and exit the premises and how are they monitored. Are there CCTV cameras present in the establishment? Do ask for the procedures to follow in case you'd like to assign a relative or friend to collect your child on your behalf. 
10-Additional services: Find out if they have any after-school services such as baby-sitting options in case you work late hours or have other responsibilities to take care of. This will help your child stay surrounded in warm company until you're available to take them home. Some nurseries also offer transportation to and from home to help ease the stress on parents.
 farhana@khaleejtimes.com