1. What
is early childhood care and education?
Early childhood is the period from birth to eight years old, is a time of remarkable growth with brain development at its peak. During this stage, children are highly influenced by the environment and the people that surround them. Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and well being. ECCE has the possibility to nurture caring, capable and responsible future citizens.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCEd) is the most recent teaching philosophy which focuses on the child as the centre of the classroom. Teaching practices of ECCEd enables the children to move beyond their comfort zone, not by stressing them but to ensure their greater good. ECCEd also focuses on developing scientific curiosity among children at an early age.
2. When should a parent start looking for a pre-school?
A recommended age for parents to start looking for pre-schools is when their child is around 1.6 – 1.8 years. It is suggested to look for a pre-school in time, since it is a time consuming process that requires parents to check multiple factors. It is also crucial to send your child to a pre-school at the right age so that their foundation can be set before they enter regular schooling.
3. What is the age group of children attending a pre-school?
Usually the age group of a child attending pre-school is 1.6 years to 6 years. The cut off limit is generally below 6 years of age.
Playgroup caters to children of the age group 2-3 years, followed by Nursery for the age group 3-4 years, moving on to Jr. KG (4-5 years) and Sr. KG (5-6 years).
4. How does a pre-school monitor learning and growth of the child?
Generally, pre-schools use log books to record the daily activities of every classroom and child. These log books typically help monitor and track things like toilet training, social attachments, eating habits and independence levels. A teacher notes down observations and interesting anecdotes for each child in these logbooks to be used later in the final reports with parents.
5. Which is the parent company for UC Kindies?
UCIC Malaysia is the parent company for UC Kindies. Since 1993 UCIC is involved in mental development worldwide. UCIC has come up with a concept kindergarten ‘UC Kindies’.
6. Which countries is UC Kindies present in?
UC Kindies is present in 7 countries – India, Egypt, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Indonesia.
7. What is the education philosophy of UC Kindies?
The education philosophy of UC Kindies is child centric, where the child is given utmost importance and the teaching patterns are adjusted to the needs of the child. At UC Kindies, we believe that a safe, interactive and colourful environment is a good place for children to learn and develop with love and laughter. We offer well-maintained facilities that allow children to grow with a healthy body and mind. We emphasise on the fact that childhood is a journey, not a race.
8. What is the ideal maximum strength of each class at UC Kindies?
For the playgroup section, the maximum strength of each class is 15 students. While for Nursery, Jr. KG and Sr. KG it is 25 students.
9. Is there an open door policy for parents at UC Kindies?
We do not encourage parents to visit classes during school hours since it disturbs the children. However, in case of any disciplinary or behaviour issue where the child is hurt, then the parent is allowed to watch the video recording of the instance. On a usual day, parents just drop off their children at the gate where teachers receive them and take them inside.
10. What is the system of releasing children at the end of the day at school?
Parents have been issued ID cards of their respective children which have to be shown at the collection point at the end of the day at school. Only upon showing a valid ID card will the child be released. Only the holder of these valid cards (be it parents or helpers) are authorised to collect the children.
11. Does UC Kindies have a sick-child policy?
Yes, keeping in mind the safety of our children, we do not allow children with contagious diseases to come to school. We also recommend that parents give the child the suggested amount of rest before resuming school.
12. Is there a transfer policy at UC Kindies?
Yes, we do allow transfers within the UC Kindies network of school. For the transfer the school requires a no objection certification and a no dues certificate.
13. How do children at UC Kindies pursue their interests in different extra-curricular activities?
At UC Kindies we believe in providing our children with an all-round development program and therefore, we do encourage them to pursue their interests in different extra-curricular activities. In the counselling sessions we also talk about the importance of encouraging their children to do more than school activities. At the school, we have various gross motor activities, Zumba sessions, dance sessions, yoga sessions along with fun outdoor games.
14. Is there any age bracket for day care students at UC Kindies?
Yes, a day care child at UC Kindies must at least be 1.6 years and independently walking as currently the faculty is not trained to handle infants. Moreover, the infrastructure, space and facilities required to manage infants such as cribs and trained nannies are also unavailable.
15. What are MTMs?
At UC Kindies, we hold Mother Teachers Meet once a month where monthly updates are given to parents about topics and activities covered for their child. At these meetings, general feedback is also discussed between both parents and teachers. It is at the MTMs that parents are counselled on parenting tips along with dos and don’ts about young children.