Linda visited my blog sometimes last week and drop me a comment but not regarding my post. She was asking me about my opinion on children early education and invited me to visits Mumsgather if I wanted to contribute any opinion.

Of course, out of curiosity, I dropped by the blog (to check if this Linda is serious or it was just another spam) and I got hooked at this blog. In the end, I decided to participate and hope this will help Linda

Now, let’s see if I can answer her questions..here it goes..

1. Do childcare and preschool sound different for parents?
It is to me. Childcare for me is a place where we send our child for day care just like nursery whereby preschool is a place where we send our child for their first encounter with education formally.

2. Will parents choose childcare instead of preschool, or vice versa, by knowing that preschools offers more educational services, while childcares are more custodial and most of the time offer full-day service that benefit the working parents?
In my case, I will choose preschool as currently I have a nanny to take my children while I am working.

(Especially, for Question 3 and 4, Please sort out the options provided, from the most important to the least. In which, the inclusion of some justification and additional important points will be greatly appreciated.)

3. What are the requirements that can make up a quality preschool?
– Well-managed curriculum
- Facilities (e.g Library, playground, teaching materials)
- Quality educators
- Learning environment
- Others ___________

Hmm, this is quite tough to answer…but since my son is going to start school soon, I will consider the following as my priority:-

Quality educator – Teachers are considered as the parent in school as they are the one who will be teaching our children. A well qualified teacher will know how to handle our child behavior and understanding them better. Teacher and parents have to work hand in hand and I personally prefer if the teacher can report my son progress without even being asked.

I wanted a preschool that provide an easy learning process or a method that is easy for the children to follow because I come across parents who are complaining that the way or the method use is too complicated for their children to understand. I know practice makes perfect but please be reasonable in giving homework to the preschooler not to overload them.

Learning environment –.A safe place to be with a clean environment.

Facilities – Well equip with educational materials, a library for the children to do some reference, a computer room for the children to exposed to computer, books and other related teaching materials.

Well managed curriculum – Something to make the children looks forward to go to school and in the same time to keep their interest in learning new things.

Others – Fees not too expensive, at least food with good nutrient given and if possible, not junk food allowed.

4. How would parents define “quality educators”?
- A degree holder
- Training certified person
- Patience in dealing with the children
- Others ___________

1. Patience in dealing with the children – This is my top priority as my son is not an easy child.

2. Training certified person –At least I know she is qualified.

3. A degree holder – Not really my priority as a certificate holder some times performs better.

4. Others – Loves children and not shy to show their affection.

5. Would you, as parents, allow your children to be exposed to technology in their preschool age (3 to 5 years old) as supportive tools in their learning process? Such as: computer interactive game help in the building of creativity, letters introduction with the use of computers, access to internet, etc. (any example of any kind of technology that have helped your children to learn might be helpful)

No objection at all as now we have started our son into computer and Internet. He loves playing online. Normally we let him play at these sites such as Barney, Nick Jr, Playhouse Disney

6. Finally, any opinions to point out and expectations to be expected from a preschool, please do clarify it further.

A joyful place to be where education and plays come equally. And of course, a safe place for them.

So, any mommies (or daddies) out there would like to add or give their opinion on this? Please, be my guest