by Sangeeta Deogawanka

Created on: August 22, 2009

One of the many changes this city has witnessed in the past year or two is the mushrooming of scores of pre - schools and play schools for toddlers. Around this time each year, newspaper advertisements, hand bills and signboards, announce the onset of admissions in existing and start - up preschools. Add peer pressure to this, and most parents of toddlers end up a confused lot.

In order to do justice to your child, and the money that goes into the preschooling, we should firstly demarcate between the Play school and Montessori or Kindergarten school. For working moms who find it convenient, or would like to have their child engaged or out of the way for a couple of hours every day, and do not mind dishing out that 'extra money', Play schools are ideal places for toddlers aged 2 years or so. The environment of a Play school offers a child space for growth and play, away from the confines of the home environment. So it is a boon to children who lack play space or play dates, and those 'shy' or 'reticent', or with developmental problems.

In selecting a Play school, most often the cost factor becomes the decisive factor, reason being the high investments in activities and dcor, and the 'snob value' tag attached to it. The charges of Play schools are nowhere proportional to the facilities offered, however upmarket or 5-star grade they maybe. They serve more as an aesthetic necessity and cater to a social niche. So ask around in the neighbourhood, and make sure to visit the play school and have a look around. There is really no need to seek opinion of other parents, as each family has its own set of priorities as well as budgetary norms

If cost is not a decisive factor, then you could find from parents of existing play schoolers whether the features mentioned in the promotional material is indeed adhered to. Hygiene, proper ventilation plus natural light, and attendant - child ratio should be the prime factors for considering a particular Play school in favour of others. Then comes a carefree and cheerful atmosphere, which includes the behaviour of attendants and teachers. Activities and toys need not be very important, they are more than often sops for us adults. Given the right atmosphere a child is happy with just crayons or playing games with other children. As it is, they get bored fast with the same toys, and few Play schools introduce new toys, in the speed with which we do the same at home.

In my opinion though, and that of most parenting experts, Play schools are really not necessary for a normal child, rather they pose the added risk of catching bad habits and increase the exposure to germs, to which toddlers of that age are very susceptible. It is okay for working parents who would prefer a Play school to a Creche, or have less options, and ideal for those who think their child will profit from the companionship and group-learning stimulation, and of course those who consider it a 'social necessity'.

Given the choice however, it is best to send a child to a Montessori or Kindergarten school, which introduces the child to group -learning and serves as a preparatory and transitional medium before a regular school. Skipping the option of a Play - school in no way puts the child at a disadvantage, as learning really begins at this level. Rather the child has the advantage of starting fresh and without insecurities of relocation.

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