1Q: What is a preschool? What's the difference between a kindergarten and a preschool?
A: A preschool is an early learning institution for young children prior to formal schooling. Children as young as 2.5 years can begin their learning journey at TotalChild Preschool until they turn 6. At the preschool, children learn through play based and hands-on activities along with the mastery of early literacy and mathematic skills. More importantly, preschool furthers children’s physical, intellectual, social and emotional development, their knowledge and understanding of the world and enhances their transition to school. There are four levels of TotalChild Preschool: Pre-Kindy 1, Pre-Kindy 2, Kindy 1 and Kindy 2.
2Q:How do I know whether my child is ready for preschool?
A: Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Is your child emotionally independent?
2. Is he toilet-trained?
3. Is he aware of personal safety and hygiene?
4. Is he curious about things around him and keeps asking questions?
5. Does he respond to all adults and is willing to cooperate most of the time?
6. Is he willing to attempt new experiences?
7. Does he interact positively with other children?
8. Can he focus on one activity for an extended period?
9. Is he willing to be disciplined?
10. Does he look after his belongings?
3Q: How is TotalChild Preschool different from other kindergartens or preschools?
A: TotalChild Preschool offers a wholesome curriculum that not only sets high academic expectations, but also fosters outstanding characters, as well as maximising children’s potential.. Children are learning in a conducive environment of which love, connection, respect and teamwork are the highlights of daily interaction. Children at TotalChild Preschool are independent and motivated learners, they are functional and sociable, they welcome challenges and find ways to solve problems within their capability.
4Q: What happens on the first day of school?
A: Be early on the first day! Don't panic your child or yourself by having to rush. As your child leaves home for his first day of kindergarten, let him know how proud you are. Go to school with your child - but don't stay too long - and be patient. Many young children are overwhelmed at first, because they haven't had much experience in dealing with new situations. They may not like school immediately. Your child may cry or cling to you when you say goodbye each morning but with support from you and their teacher this can change rapidly. Be prepared for your own feelings - it can be a very emotional time for you as well. Consider volunteering at your school - the teachers might appreciate having an extra adult to help do everything from passing out paper and pencils to supervising children on the playground.
5Q: What are the qualifications of the teachers?
A: The teachers are trained in early childhood education. Majority of them are university degree holders. Meanwhile they receive constant in house training in order to perform teaching effectively. Beside this, the teachers are passionate about educating children.
6Q: Can children with special needs attend TotalChild Preschool?
A: We practise inclusive curriculum that children can learn at their own pace. Children who are diagnosed with learning difficulties (i.e. Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD) can enrol in TotalChild Preschool with prior evaluation with our specialist. Children with more severe disabilities (I.e. autism, blindness, hearing impairment) might not be eligible due to the complication of disabilities.
7Q: What will my child be learning at the preschool?
A: Please refer to “TotalChild Preschool” and “ The Curriculum” section.
8Q: Does TotalChild Preschool apply “Multiple Intelligence” (MI) approach in teaching?
A: Definitely. We understand that children vary in development and subject of interests. Application of MI approach in the preschool is going to benefit individual children in their search of knowledge and personal development.
9Q: Is English the medium in teaching?
A: Yes. However the national language, Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) and Chinese are also being emphasised in the curriculum. Children learn how to converse, read and write in these three languages.
10Q: How do I go about enrolling my child at TotalChild Preschool?
A: TotalChild Preschool is open for registration for the next school year from September onwards. However interested parents can make an appointment to meet the principal for more information on the curriculum and school fees, as well as to view the preschool environment. It is advisable to visit the preschool yourself for the first time and bring along your child during the second visit.
11Q: Are trial lessons available before I make my decision?
A: It is absolutely possible for your child to resist attending preschool in the beginning. If this is your worry, for children younger than 4-years-old, we advise you allow at least a month for your child to get adjusted to the school environment and settle down. Meanwhile our staff will work closely with you to monitor your child’s progress. You are most welcome to bring your child to try out one or two days in the classroom before you decide to enrol..
12Q: What is the teacher-student ratio?
A: The teacher-student ratio at TotalChild Preschool is relatively low in order to deliver the curriculum effectively. 1 : 6-8 for 3-year-olds or younger, 1 : 15 for 4-year-olds, 1 : 18 for 5- and 6-year-olds.
13Q: How do you handle children with behaviour problems?
A: We believe that behaviour problems can be minimised under a spacious, cheerful and organised learning environment. The teachers use positive reinforcement in discipline and they follow “Behaviour Management Policy” when handling challenging children. There are three steps of behaviour management ranging from giving reminders to calling the parent for a conference in order to resolve the issue. |
