How to Choose a Kindergarten?

Choosing the right kindergarten is one of the most important decisions faced by parents raising young children. A kindergarten is not just a place where a child spends a large part of the day, but also a social and educational environment that encourages motivation to learn, creates emotional security, develops social skills, and shapes the child’s relationship with the world. How can you navigate the wide range of options? Here are some key aspects that can help you make a decision.

Educational Values and Approach

Each kindergarten has its own approach to educating children: some focus on academic achievement, others on encouraging creativity or fostering emotional maturity. So, first decide what values and educational direction you are looking for: are you more interested in an academically oriented programme that emphasizes school readiness, or is your priority education that takes into account the individual needs of your child? At Saulės Gojus, the educational process is focused on the comprehensive development of the child, with particular attention paid to the promotion of independence, creativity, and emotional maturity.

Environment and Daily Routine

Are the kindergarten premises safe, well-lit, and ergonomic? Is the furniture adapted to the height of the children, and is there enough space for movement and play? Ask about outdoor spaces: it is recommended that children spend at least 2 hours a day playing outside, as being outdoors improves physical health and emotional well-being. Assess whether the daily routine aims to strike a balance between play, rest, and structured activities.

Committed and Caring Teachers

During their preschool years, children form close bonds with their kindergarten teachers: their relationship lays an important foundation for the child’s self-confidence and trust in the world. It is therefore very important that kindergarten teachers are empathetic, patient, and attentive to each child. It is also worth inquiring about the stability of the teaching staff: a stable team of teachers is better able to address the children’s needs, create a safer emotional environment, and contribute to a stronger kindergarten community.

An Individual Approach to Each Child

Your child is unique. Consider whether the kindergarten’s educational approach is tailored to the different needs of children, taking into account their interests, personality traits, and pace of development. Also, find out if there are additional activities (music, sports, art clubs) that help develop your child’s individual abilities (however, these activities should not interfere with the main daily routine at the kindergarten). The teams of two teachers working in the Saulės Gojus kindergarten groups are able to give more individual attention to each child, identify any difficulties they may be experiencing, and communicate this to their parents. Here, tasks are personalised and educational support is provided, taking into account children’s age as well as their different needs and abilities.

Sense of Community and Parental Involvement

The kindergarten community is not only about kids, teachers, and other kindergarten staff, but also about parents. The cooperation between parents and teachers is very important, therefore it is worth finding out whether parents are regularly informed about educational activities, if meetings, joint events, and celebrations are organised. Parental involvement strengthens trust between the family and the kindergarten, encourages closer communication, and often helps to establish friendships not only between children but also between parents.

Your Child’s Impression

If you are visiting the kindergarten with your child, ask them (if they are old enough to express their opinion) how they felt during the visit. Did they feel comfortable? Did they enjoy playing with others? Would they like to go back? A child’s impression often says more than a dozen recommendations.