Your child and you are now ready to start kindergarten. It’s a big first step that can be daunting. It’s your child’s first introduction to the world of education and sets the groundwork for future success.
For Hong Kong, kindergartens cater to children aged between 3 and 6 years old. children younger than 3 years access to in a child care centre (CCC). Kindergarten teachers are required to be a qualified Kindergarten Teacher (QKT) qualification or equivalent. There are many possibilities for parents to select from. The curriculum, the length of the school hours or class size are among the top factors parents must consider. Because of the large international population as well as the fact that Hong Kong is a global city, Hong Kong is a popular choice for parents. Hong Kong schooling system offers different kindergartens.
It is a daunting task to navigate through this maze of information. may seem like a daunting task to take in, which is why we have put together tips to help you find the best school for your child in Hong Kong for your little one(s).
Public or private kindergartens
The most important considerations are your budget and the number of schools in your local area. This can inform you if you should consider the public or private kindergartens. Private kindergartens, although costlier, can have lower student-teacher ratios, as well as more flexibility and personalized content and teaching techniques.
The public kindergartens are located in Hong Kong are non-profit making (NPM). Even though they might be free but they are subsidized by the Hong Kong government offers a Kindergarten Education Scheme (KES) which is a fee reduction for parents who need financial aid. It is possible to check the eligibility requirements here. Kindergartens that are public usually have standardized curriculum, helping your child prepare for school by focusing on the fundamental subjects.
The reality is that in Hong Kong, most international kindergartens are private. So If you’re searching for English as the main language, you might have to pay a little more. A private school could provide an increased diversity of students, thereby increasing your child’s social sensitivity.
Kindergarten that is half-day or whole-day.
Another important aspect to think about is the length of time your child will have been in school for. Many kindergartens are in Hong Kong offer both whole-day (WD) as well as half-day programs (HD) as well as there are pros and cons of both.
Since most parents are employed all day and don’t have access to daycare facilities, a full-day 香港國際幼稚園 could be an opportunity to be a blessing in disguise. It also prepares children for”big” schools “big school” since they are used to long days.
But, not all children are ready to go full-time in school. Additionally, it may take time of other activities that enrich your home. In the end, there’s no one size that fits all and this is an individual decision that is based on you and your child’s requirements.
Kindergarten programs and other kinds of education
Kindergarten education has grown and expanded leaps and bounds in the past 100 years which makes finding the perfect school for your child not an difficult task. Curriculums at Hong Kong can vary widely in terms of academics as well as the way of teaching. This can affect not just the development of your child as well as the schools they’re accepted into.
If you’re looking for an educational program that is specific to your child it’s worth looking into which kindergartens have the same program, thus offering continuity to your child. There are some programs that comprise Montessori, International Baccalaureate, and of course , the local curriculum offered in your state and country. Make sure you do your research to know the various forms of education available and make a decision according to your child’s requirements.
Language used in teaching
In the multi-cultural and rich cultural environment in Hong Kong, kindergartens have different languages that they can operate in or offer classes that let your child to learn the language. “Bilingual” typically is a reference to writing Chinese as well as English as well as “trilingual” typically refers to the spoken English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Additionally, there are kindergartens which offer courses for children in French, Spanish, German, Japanese and much more! There are numerous advantages to the ability to learn languages at the earliest age, a multi-language preschool is an excellent opportunity to give your child an advantage at the very beginning.
School community and other services
Another important aspect to consider when choosing the kindergarten of your child is to learn more about the school’s community. The teachers and principals will spend the largest period of your child’s time therefore a thorough assessment of the school can be very beneficial. Are you a fan? Do they seem to share the same values as your family? Parents are a essential part of the community and they are able to provide valuable insights about the schools they attend. Parents are able to ask questions like “Is there anything I need to know as a newly-minted parent How are you feeling about school and the other teachers?’ Are your children happy at school Do you think they are happy at school?.
Ratio teacher-student
It is also important to take into consideration the size of your class and teacher-to-student ratio. Although more personal attention to your child is always beneficial for your child, if they require an extra level of care, it is an important aspect. There is evidence to suggest that having classes with smaller sizes of less than 20 children in a classroom can have an impact positive on students’ performance and learning. Additionally having a lower teacher-to student ratio, which is around 1:10 is one of the most crucial aspects of early childhood education environments to forecast future academic success. It is therefore crucial to take into account not only the teacher’s expertise or educational levels, but more importantly, examine the student to ratio of teachers.
Facilities for schools
A visit to the prospective kindergartens is an absolute must! It allows you to watch the children play, witness the teachers in action and, of course, look at the facilities. Classrooms that are outside, such as playgrounds, art and music rooms are great indicators.
You may also look into the type of equipment they are using, as well as the way they use them in the classroom. Does technology play a role in classroom, and in what way is it utilized to teach? The technology itself is only a tool. However, when a school is decorated with vibrant display of work by children It’s usually a good sign of a happy atmosphere!
