How to Choose the Right Preschool: 10 Questions Indian Parents Should Ask

Introduction: The Preschool Puzzle

Every parent remembers that moment. Your two-and-a-half-year-old is finally ready to step out into the wider world. You’ve sung lullabies, stacked blocks, read bedtime stories, and now suddenly you’re being asked: Which preschool will you choose?

For Indian parents, the question carries unusual weight. Preschools here don’t just promise care; they promise a “head start.” Some boast of Montessori methods, others of phonics programs, still others of “international” labels. Relatives weigh in: “Montessori is best!” “No, start CBSE early!” “Just choose the one closest to home.” Choosing a nearby preschool can save समय, reduce fatigue for children, and allow more time for family and extracurricular activities. In many places, these early childhood education institutions are also called nurseries, and choosing the right nursery is crucial as it provides foundational learning, social development, and a safe, hygienic environment for young children.

It can feel overwhelming. But here’s the truth: the right preschool is not about the fanciest curriculum or glossy brochure. When selecting a school for your child, focus on what will best support your child’s future and overall development. It’s about fit — between your child’s developmental needs, your family’s values, and what the school actually delivers.

This article is a guide to the real questions Indian parents should ask before enrolling their child in preschool. Not the marketing questions schools want you to focus on, but the developmental, practical, and cultural questions that matter most.

Key Takeaways

• No one-size-fits-all preschool exists. The right choice depends on your child’s needs, your family’s values, and the school’s practices.

• Teacher–child ratio matters most. Look for 1:8–10 rather than crowded classrooms.

• Play is learning. Worksheets at age 3 are red flags; storytelling, puzzles, and outdoor play are green flags.

• Language foundation > English-only focus. Rich conversations in any language help children thrive later.

• Safety and environment are non-negotiable. स्कूल की सुरक्षा, साफ-सफाई और माहौल को जरूर चेक करें। Trust your senses during school visits.

• Reading programs should be gentle. Storytelling and phonemic play are better than early drilling.

• Trust your gut. आपको यह जरूर देखना चाहिए कि स्कूल आपके बच्चे की जरूरतों को पूरा करता है। If teachers are kind and your child feels comfortable, you’re on the right track.

Why Preschool Matters (and Why It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)

Research shows that high-quality preschool has long-term benefits. Children who attend nurturing, play-based early programs often show stronger language, social skills, and problem-solving abilities in primary school.

But research also shows that what matters most is quality, not brand. A “big name” preschool with 30 children packed in a class may do less for a child’s growth than a small neighborhood center with warm, attentive teachers.

As one Bengaluru parent put it: “We toured four schools. The fanciest one had CCTV screens in every classroom. But the one my daughter loved was a simple Montessori with teachers who actually sat on the floor with kids.”

In short: preschool matters — but don’t panic. You don’t need “the best.” You need “the right one for your child.”

Question 1: What Is the Teacher–Child Ratio?

The single most important factor in preschool is how much attention each child receives.

• A ratio of 1 teacher for every 8–10 children is generally considered healthy for 3–4-year-olds.

• If the ratio is 1:20 or worse, red flags should go up. In such settings, teachers spend more time controlling behavior than nurturing learning.

  
  

Why it matters: preschoolers learn through interaction. A teacher who notices when a child struggles with a puzzle or who patiently helps them put on shoes is doing as much “teaching” as any curriculum.

Ask: How many teachers and helpers are in each class? What happens when someone is absent?

Question 2: How Do Teachers Handle Discipline?

In India, many preschools still rely on old-fashioned methods: scolding, time-outs, or worse, thinly disguised shaming. But early childhood experts emphasize positive discipline.

Look for classrooms where teachers guide behavior gently, redirect attention, and model calm. A Mumbai mother recalled visiting a school where a child spilled water. “The teacher snapped, ‘See, always careless!’ My gut said no. At another school, the teacher knelt and said, ‘Let’s clean it up together.’ That’s the one we chose.”

Ask: How do you manage tantrums or conflict between children? The answer will tell you volumes about the school’s values.

Question 3: Is Play Central to the Day?

It sounds obvious, but in India, not all preschools honor play. Some introduce worksheets and rote learning at age three. Parents may feel reassured: Look, my child is writing already! But research is clear: formal academics too early can backfire.

The best preschools use structured play (puzzles, building blocks, pretend play, story circles) to build problem-solving and social skills. The aim is not to produce tiny scholars but curious, confident learners.

Ask: Can I see a typical daily schedule? If the day looks like worksheets and rote recitations, walk away.

Question 4: How Is Language Nurtured?

Language exposure is one of preschool’s greatest gifts. But “language” doesn’t mean drilling phonics. It means storytelling, rhymes, conversations, and exposure to multiple languages in multilingual communities.

For Indian families, a common question is: Should preschool be in English medium? The evidence suggests: not necessarily. Children thrive in their home language in early years. English comes quickly when the foundation of communication is strong.

A Hyderabad father said: “We chose a preschool where teachers spoke Telugu as well as English. Our son felt at home. Later, his English blossomed naturally.”

Ask: How do you support children’s language development? Do you use stories and songs?

Question 5: What Is the Environment Like?

The physical environment matters. Is it safe, clean, and inviting? Do classrooms have natural light? Are toys open-ended (blocks, art supplies) rather than just plastic gadgets?

Outdoor space is another key factor. Many Indian preschools are in apartment basements with no playground. While not always a dealbreaker, time outdoors is vital for gross motor development.

Walk through the school and trust your senses. If the place feels cluttered, unsafe, or joyless, children will feel the same.

Question 6: How Are Parents Involved?

Some schools treat parents as “clients” — drop your child at the gate, pay fees, and stay out of the way. Others invite parents into the process, sharing progress, challenges, and ways to support learning at home.

Look for schools where teachers view parents as partners, not obstacles. Regular feedback, parent-teacher meetings, and openness to questions are good signs.

Ask: How often do you communicate with parents? In what ways?

Question 7: What Curriculum Is Used?

In India, preschool curricula vary wildly:

• Montessori: child-led, hands-on learning.

• Play School: loosely structured, focused on socialization.

• International/IB early years: inquiry-based, often expensive.

• Homegrown hybrids: “Montessori-inspired” but heavily worksheet-based.

  
  

The truth: any curriculum can be good if teachers are trained and classrooms nurturing. And any curriculum can be harmful if misapplied.

Ask: How do you adapt your curriculum to different children’s needs?

Question 8: How Do Teachers Handle Transitions?

For many children, preschool is the first separation from parents. Gentle transitions make a difference. Some schools allow parents to stay in class at first. Others rush children into routines.

A Delhi parent described how her son wept for days at a rigid school. They switched to one that allowed a gradual entry. “Within a week, he skipped inside happily,” she said.

Ask: How do you support children adjusting to preschool?

Question 9: What Safety Measures Are in Place?

Indian parents are understandably concerned about safety. Check:

• Who has access to the campus?

• Are helpers vetted and trained?

• How are bathroom breaks handled?

• Is there CCTV — and is a live CCTV feed available for parents? A live feed allows real-time monitoring, giving parents peace of mind about their children's safety.

  
  

Safety is about more than locks. It’s about culture. Do children feel protected, respected, and cared for?

Question 10: How Do You Measure Learning?

Many preschools give “report cards” full of numbers. But young children’s growth can’t be captured by marks. Look for schools that emphasize observations, portfolios, and developmental milestones rather than scores.

Ask: How do you share a child’s progress with parents?

Question 11: What About Early Reading Programs?

In India, it’s common to see preschools advertising “phonics programs” or “learn to read in 100 days.” For anxious parents, these promises can sound irresistible. But here’s what research says:

• Reading is a developmental milestone, not a race. Most children are not ready to decode words before age 5 or 6.

• Phonemic awareness and oral language (songs, rhymes, conversations) matter far more than drilling sight words in preschool.

• Studies show that children pushed to “read” too early may end up decoding words without comprehension.

• Children who start with story-rich environments often surpass early readers by Grade 2.

So should you avoid preschools with reading programs altogether? Not necessarily. A gentle, play-based introduction to sounds and stories is wonderful. But beware of schools that equate “writing A to Z at age 3” with success.

Ask: How does your school introduce reading? Is it through stories and sounds, or worksheets and drills?

Beyond the Checklist: Trusting Your Gut

At the end of the tours and brochures, trust your instincts. Watch children in the classroom. Do they look engaged or restless? Are teachers speaking kindly or shouting? Does your child feel welcome?

Often, your gut will tell you more than any marketing brochure.

A Note on Costs

In urban India, preschool fees range from a few thousand rupees a month to lakhs per year. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. In fact, some of the most nurturing preschools are modest neighborhood centers.

Invest not in the “shiniest” option, but in the one where your child will be safe, happy, and curious.

Conclusion: Choosing with Confidence

Choosing a preschool feels like choosing your child’s future. But the truth is simpler: you are choosing a first step, not the final destination.

If you ask the right questions — about ratios, discipline, play, language, environment, safety, and parent involvement — you’ll see beyond the marketing. You’ll find a school where your child can grow with joy.

And remember: it’s not about the “perfect preschool.” It’s about the right preschool for your child, your family, your context.

FAQs: Choosing a Preschool

1. At what age should my child start preschool in India?

Most children start between 2.5 and 3 years old. Readiness matters more than age. If your child can separate for short periods, follow simple instructions, and show curiosity, they’re ready.

2. Is Montessori better than play school?

Not automatically. Montessori works well when implemented authentically, but many schools misuse the label. A warm, play-based environment matters more than the curriculum brand.

3. Should I choose an English-medium preschool?

Not necessarily. Research shows that a strong foundation in the mother tongue supports later English learning. What matters is rich conversation, stories, and vocabulary.

4. How do I know if the school is safe?

Look for trained staff, background checks, secure entry, and clear protocols for emergencies. Ask direct questions about safety and trust your observations.

5. What red flags should I watch for?

• Overemphasis on worksheets at age 3.

• Large teacher–child ratios (1:20 or more).

• Teachers shouting or shaming.

• No outdoor time or free play.

  
  

6. My child cries at drop-off. Should I worry?

Crying at first is normal. What matters is how the school supports the transition. Gentle separation strategies and warm teachers help children adjust.

7. Are expensive international preschools worth it?

Not always. Some offer excellent programs; others are branding exercises. Focus on quality of care, not just labels.