Starting school can be daunting, not just for kids but for parents as well. It could especially be a cause of anxiety for parents who are doing it for the first time. I could attest to this as a mom to a two-year old daughter who’s growing up too fast. No matter how much I want time to slow down, the prospect of my toddler starting formal schooling is not too far in the future. As a first-time parent, I don’t really know where to start.
I would always be overcome by questions such as how much would school cost? How would my kid interact with other children or adults? Would she be able to follow instructions? Would she be able to be independent and fend for herself, eventually?
My husband and I still have a bit more time to figure stuff out before our little one really starts formal education. Thankfully, there are playschools that help parents like us who want to get a feel of how our children would fare in a similar environment. What’s even greater is the fact that there are playschools that offer short courses that last for just a few weeks or months, or classes that can be attended on a per session basis.
Here’s a roundup of some playschools that offer these in Metro Manila:
My family became familiar with playschools through Little Golden Stars, where my daughter would usually join. This playschool in Quezon City offers classes per session, so parents are free to choose how often or how frequent they want to sign up. Kids are expected to learn while having fun doing arts and crafts, sensorimotor activities, and playing games based on the different creative themes that are set per week.
Photo courtesy of @littlegoldenstarsplayschool on Instagram
Facebook: Little Golden Stars Playschool
This playschool in Makati follows a Reggio Emilia inspired approach. Through different activities that focus on creativity, music and movement, sensory, mindfulness and more, kids are encouraged to express themselves freely. Classes or playdates can be done per session or for a series of four up to 16 weeks, but they also offer long-term classes.
Photo courtesy of @starplayschool.ph on Instagram
Facebook: Star Playschool PH
KinderClub offers school readiness programs that are done in a series of sessions within a two-month cycle. What’s unique is that they partner with on-site learning stations, so their programs are made accessible to more locations. They occasionally also offer themed playdates that are not only fun for the kids, but also educational.
Photo courtesy of @kinderclub.ph on Instagram
Facebook: KinderClub Playschool
In this playschool, parents can opt for courses that run monthly or quarterly with classes happening thrice a week. Their program offerings aim to develop children’s independence, with activities focusing on arts and crafts, gross and fine motor skills, multi-sensory, music and movements, pretend play, and school readiness.
Photo courtesy of @sjcelph on Instagram
Facebook: St. Joseph’s Playschool
This playschool offers parents the option to enroll their little ones for a cycle (usually running for 9 weeks). They also offer discounts for those who would want to enroll for more than two cycles. What’s unique about this playschool is that they offer blended learning for their students. And because they follow a Charlotte Mason-inspired curriculum, one of their focus is the enjoyment and exploration of nature, hence their on-site sessions are held outdoors.
Photo courtesy of @hello.curiouscampers on Instagram
Facebook: Curious Campers Day Care
At this playschool, classes or playdates are adoringly called blocks. There are two types of classes: Tiny Blocks that cater to the younger toddlers and Playdate Cafe which is for children 2 years old until 6 years old. Sessions are usually scheduled on Saturdays, and parents have the option to enroll for a single block or for multiple blocks.
Photo courtesy of @littlelearnerblocks on Instagram
Did any of these playschools pique your interest to try and get the feels of big school? Do you know of playschools in your area? Share them with us in the comments below!