How to choose a preschool or daycare

Visit during school hours

Watch a real class for ten minutes. Are children busy and calm? Do teachers get down to the child's eye level?

Ask for the full fee card

Get one-time charges, monthly fees and extras (meals, transport, activities, uniform) in writing. Compare first-year totals.

Check safety yourself

Look for CCTV, a guarded gate, a visitor register, covered sockets, clean washrooms and a first-aid kit. Ask who can pick up your child.

Ask about the settling-in period

Good schools let a parent stay nearby for the first few days and increase hours slowly.

Do the commute at drop-off time

Drive or walk the route at the real time. A short distance can be a long ride in Gurugram traffic.

Talk to two current parents

Ask what they like and what they would change. Read recent Google reviews for patterns.

Meet the class teacher

The person who spends the day with your child matters more than the brand name.

Don't choose on the building alone

Bright walls and big lobbies are nice. Warm, steady caregivers matter more.

Don't pay under pressure

"Only two seats left" is a common line. Ask for the refund policy in writing before paying anything.

Don't ignore the staff ratio

For babies, look for about one adult for every three or four children. For 2 to 3 year olds, about one for every eight to ten, with a helper.

Don't push academics too early

Under five, play is the work. Be careful with schools that promise reading and writing at age two.

Don't skip the sick-child policy

Ask what happens when your child, or another child, is unwell. Keep a backup plan.

Don't assume daycare hours match preschool hours

They are often different, and holidays differ too. Ask for the yearly calendar.