Did you visit your child's kindy before you enrolled him/her?

S will be going to kindergarten in 2011 and I rang the local primary school recently to find out how to put him on the list, and asked if they had an open day where we could come and observe a class and look at the school a bit. And the receptionist said, "Oh. I don't know. I'll check."

She came back a short while later and told me that they don't do that... after a bit of back and forth where I asked how I could find out more about the school she said if I rang up next year (to put his name down) I could surely find someone to show us round then.

But I found it odd that they don't have any kind of open day or anything... is it so weird that I would want to see where my child is going to spend two full days a week?!! The Montessori nearby (where we're also considering sending him - but not till he's five) has four open days a year; you just have to book in and they're happy for you to come and look around.

Did you go and see the school before your child went there or am I just strange?!! (You can be honest, really!)

No way are you strange.....the primary school we sent our child this year had 2 x orientations last last year, and a seperate meeting for the parents - so on 3 diff occasions we went and visited that school. Whilst seeing the school was all great, it wasnt until we got talking to the parents whom already had kids there, that you get a real feel for the school. So maybe...hang around the parking lot b4 drop off and pick up, and get chatting to some parents. YOu will find most will be more than honoured to give you the details....

Yes I went to check out my DD kindy and I turned up unannounced!! I wanted to to see how the centre really worked without them being on their best behaviour lol. Goodluck with your decision.

BTW - I agree with MBear get some oppinions from parents too

Hi Sasha,

My son is enrolled in a northern suburbs kindy for next year. I have put his name down and he has been accepted, they then have an open day and information session for the parents in November, so a few motnhs after acceptance, although i could of had a look through it before we put his name down, but as both my husband, sister in law and numerous friends went to the primary school I didnt.

My mother in law is a teacher and said that any public school in WA has to show you around if you turn up and request it.

Lisa

The primary school down the road here has open days, but these are on the weekend, so only somewhat helpful.
I figured I would wait until the year before because at the moment they have a temporary principal and I think it might change between now and 2yrs.
I rang another local one, which is quite popular, and the lady I talked to said, 'no, we don't do that... we don't need to'.

kindy here doesn't do open days but the primary does for prep

When i rang the local Kinder to enquire about DD going there ' maybe ' for 3year old Kinder the Kindergarten Director actually asked me would i like to come & witness a 3year old Kinder class & she was more than happy about it.

So i went & she answered any questions i had, she was very welcoming !!

... And about a month later i was also invited to an open day which was on a Saturday so DP could go too as it's not his working day ... we thought it was very reassurring to be able to do so :D

The childcares, prep and/or schools here have open days/times. Before putting Nina in kindy I went and checked it out. I think it's important to be able to view the place before enrolling your child. You and your son/daughter need to feel comfortable with the place and staff.

For actual school here in NSW we have orientation days and a Look at big school morning.
I am pretty sure the preschools have an orientation morning too.
I would insist on seeing it before you send your child there.

Thank you - I thought it was fairly "normal"! We'll go down first term next year to see what it's like.

Absoloutely!! Well I already knew the first school I enrolled DS at (I worked there :)) and this school although I didn't personally go there my bestie highly recommended it so that was enough for me.

It's not a strange request at all....I'd be wondering what they have to hide now lol

We did :D

I find that a random unnanounced visit to look at a daycare centre shows them in all their glory. But be sure not to go during the middle of the day, because chances are staff are on lunch breaks and children will be resting.
I once had my DD in a centre that seemed great on the surface, but due to other commitments began picking her up at totally random times during the day. It didn't matter what time I turned up the kids would be watching a DVD! WTF? For the cost of the daycare I could've been buying a new DVD everyday and sat her in front of the TV at home!

Good Luck!