Some preschools organize Moms and Tots programs for 1-2 year olds who are preparing to enter a preschool program. There are also many extracurricular activities, including physical play, music, art and other social opportunities for young children which are organized by community organizations or through commercial entities.
What's most important is to find the preschool experience that you feel is most appropriate for your child. If you are looking for a more Asian academic setting to prepare for elementary school or an open experience and creative play orientation, there is a school that will match your requirements.
Indonesian TK
Indonesian preschools and kindergartens (TK) are licensed by the Department of Education and Culture. They must follow a standard curriculum, set by the Department, which prepares children for entry into the Indonesian school system. These schools are attended primarily by Indonesian children and instruction is conducted in the Indonesian language. As the Indonesian school system emphasizes academic skills and pushes children to be able to write before they enter the first grade, TK instruction puts a great emphasis on the forming of letters and copying of words.
Due to the limited facilities available and the need to follow the official curriculum, there is not much time for or emphasis on creative play and freedom to explore for the children. Mobility of the children is limited.
With the high percentage of middle and upper class Indonesia children raised by nannies, TK is often seen as the place where children learn to feed and care for themselves and begin on the road to independence. If a large block of the school day is set aside for eating, it should be clear that teaching the children to feed themselves (even at age 4 or 5) is a priority at the school.
International School
There are a number of excellent preschools owned and run by professionals in early childhood education. While not all may have immediately recognizable 'franchise names', the curriculum, facilities and training are of international standard.
A number of internationally franchised preschools are also found in Indonesia following American, British, Australian or other international education philosophy. Their prices are generally higher than local schools as they must pay a foreign currency franchise fee.
While they have the advantage of a set curriculum and assistance in choosing educational toys, materials and facilities, these schools are only as good as the philosophy and training of their teachers and principal. Franchises can be purchased, but good teachers must be trained.
A major concern in preschool education will be the language of instruction. While the majority of international preschools profess to conduct their activities in English, the mixture of the children's nationalities may lead to some interesting scenarios.
If the children at the school are predominantly Korean, for example, the curriculum may be a mix of Korean and English. If the teachers in an English preschool are not truly fluent in English, you may also find your child learning Indonesian at preschool.
On a visit to a potential school, wander though the classrooms and listen not only to the teacher, but to the children and see what language or languages they are using.
Indonesian law does not allow the hiring of expatriate teachers in preschools that are not affiliated with international schools. However, many preschools have informal expatriate advisors who are experienced in early childhood education and have assisted the school in developing curriculum and training teachers.
If the school says they have expatriate teachers or leaders, ask how much time those persons actually spend at the school and how much interaction they have with the children. Inquire into their nationality, so that you could access the influences their background may have on curriculum and teaching styles.
While the formal education of the teachers is important, even more important is the experience they have had since completing their formal education. Ask what other preschools they have worked for, who they have trained under in their previous teaching jobs and how much time is spent on training the teachers in early childhood development at the present employer's.
Source: Choosing a Preschools
