The Essentials Of A Good Nursery School
MANY PEOPLE are confused about what to look for when selecting a good nursery school in which to place their children. Too often any place where young children come together for play is called a “nursery school.”
Certain standards which every nursery school should maintain are necessary if it is to offer maximum opportunities for child development. Here are the things that should determine a good nursery school or day care. Consider the physical set-up, the staff members and the program.
I. THE PHYSICAL SET-UP
A. The Building
1. At least 35 square feet of floor space per child is essential, more is desirable.
2. The building must be: clean; light (window space should be 20% of floor space, and low enough for children to see outside).
3. Properly ventilated.
4. Provision must be made for:
a. rest and sleep
b. children’s coats and other possessions
c. safety: fences, hooks on gates, heating appliances safely enclosed, fire extinguishers, levers on doors (to prevent slamming and catching little fingers),
d. isolation: a small room or at least a screened corner in case of sudden illness of a child
5. A properly equipped kitchen, with adequate provisions for:
cooking, refrigeration, garbage disposal, storage.
6. The children’s bathroom should include:
a. low toilets
b. low wash basins (a minimum of one for every 8 or 10 children)
c. hot and cold running water.
B. The Playground
1. At least 100 square feet per child is desirable.
2. The fence must be high enough to keep children safely enclosed.
3. The lock or catch on gates must be high enough to be out of children’s reach.
4. The yard must be free from holes, ditches, rocks and other hazards.
5. A balance of sun and shade is desirable.
6. A hard surface is recommended for wheel toys.
7. Shrubs, flowers, and a grass plot will enhance the appearance of the playground.
C. The Equipment and Materials
1. Inside
a. Tables and chairs should be scaled to the size of the child.
b. There should be low open shelves for children’s toys.
2. Outside
a. Playground equipment should be strongly made, painted, and free from slivers, loose nails or other hazards. There should be a jungle gym, slide and sand box.
b. There must be waterproof storage place for equipment.
3. Both inside and outside
a. There should be a large variety of creative materials:
playhouse corner, dolls, blocks (both hollow blocks and floor blocks such as legs and lincoln logs), wheel toys, transportation toys, paints and easels, clay or playdoh, musical instruments, books, pictures, and nature materials.
II. THE STAFF MEMBERS
A. The Teachers
All teachers should like children and understand them. They should be warm and friendly towards both children and parents. They must have special training in nursery education and related fields such as: parent education, mental hygiene, nutrition. They should be neat in appearance and in good physical condition.
B. Other Staff Members
Other staff members should be chosen for their special abilities, and should meet high standards of health and appearance.
Most licensing agencies require health certificates for all adults who come in contact with children.
III. THE PROGRAM
The program of a good nursery school must include:
A. Provisions for Safeguarding a Child’s Health
1. A planned daily program of nutrition
a. hot balanced meals for all day programs, mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks
b. fruit juice and crackers in mid-morning for half-day programs
2. Provisions for rest and sleep
a. mid-morning rest and afternoon sleep
b. active play balanced by quiet activities
3. Play activities carried on out-of-doors unless weather is unfavorable
4. Preventive health measures
a. a certificate of health before admittance and after a long absence
b. daily inspection upon arrival
c. immunization and vaccination
d. observation of individual children to prevent over-stimulation and fatigue.
B. Provisions for Social and Intellectual Development of Children
1. Enough material for children’s constructive play.
2. Groups small and carefully supervised.
3. Age levels separated as much as possible.
4. Provisions for individual needs and differences.
5. Simple and childlike experiences with music, art and literature.
6. Experience with livng things (plants and pets) and mechanical things (such as transportation vehicles).
7. Opportunities for learning independence, sharing, and other essentials of democratic living.
C. Provisions for Good Contacts with the Child’s Home and Parents
1. Daily contacts with the mother, if possible.
2. Individual conferences with child’s parents to discuss his needs.
3. Group meetings of all parents and teachers.
4. Parent participation whenever possible.
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