Check if peer interaction
is encouraged in schooi

From pare 46

ties will be child-initiated. “Ulere
should abo be a balance ef indoor
and onldoor activities.

Does the staff work well
together? Do they understand how
young children grow and learn?

A parent's best was to) check

into this ts te ask about the train
ing of the staff and director. Uf
they have a oimaster’s depree or
have taken a number of courses in
child development, that's a good
indication of their knowledge.
Willar points out that experience
alone does not necessarily
translate into good practice,
— Are the children invotved in
active endeavors, such us playing
with blacks or doing science ex-
periments, cather than passive
ones?

Children like to “play school”
with activi: sheets, but it’s a
matter of bow these activities are
structured, suggests Willar. ‘‘If
the bulk of their time is spent on
worksheets, that’s a problem.
That should be one choice among
many.”

— Are children grouped effective-
ly?

Two-vear-olds

should be in
groups of no more than 12
children, and to and three-
year-olds together should be in

‘Your Chil

were than 14
children, with at least ovo adult
supervisors in cach instance.
Three, four and five-year-olds can
be in groups of up to 20.

— Is the children’s progress and
development: observed and re-
corded?

The stalf should tithe brief
notes on the children to help them
individualize their planning.

Are the needs of the family
supported?

“You want

yroups of no

to make sure the
Program you choose works for
you, the parent,”” notes Willar,
not only in terms of the hours of
operation, but also in terms of
responsiveness to your needs.

Most programs deal with
children from different cultures or
ethnic groups. Are the teachers
responsive to their special needs?
Are meals and snacks
nutritious?

— Is the physical plant satisfac-
tory?

is the facility clean and safe? i-
the outdoor play area equipped
with a large, safe climbing struc-
ture? Are medical records and
emergency information maintain-
ed?

Finally, but of most impor-
tance, look for a program where
you think your child will be com-
fortable. Look for not only age

rc Chest

Wednesday. August 21, 1991 ~ North Shore News - 47

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