What will you learn from this article?
- What should you pay attention to during a preschool open day?
- How can you assess the teachers' approach and the atmosphere at a preschool?
- What questions should you ask the management before enrolling your child?
- How can you evaluate the educational programme, safety measures and settling-in process?
- How can you compare preschools in Warsaw and make the right decision?
Choosing a preschool involves much more than finding one close to home. Your child will spend a significant part of their day there, make friends and develop independence. Before making a decision, it is worth visiting several preschools and taking a closer look at how they operate. A preschool open day gives you the opportunity to discover things that photos and website descriptions cannot show.
How to Choose a Preschool in Warsaw and What Should You Look For?
The most important factors include safety, the teachers' approach, group sizes, the settling-in process and the daily routine. During your visit, observe how staff communicate with children, whether the classrooms meet their needs and how the preschool handles challenging situations. You should also compare fees, opening hours and commuting times. A good preschool should meet your child's individual needs, rather than simply fulfilling parents' expectations.
What Can You Observe During a Preschool Open Day?
First impressions matter, but they should not determine your final decision. Modern classrooms and an extensive range of activities cannot replace positive relationships with teachers.
At Tequesta, we observe that children react differently when exploring a new environment. Some immediately head towards the toys, while others prefer to stay close to their parents and only begin exploring the classroom after a while. That is why giving children the space to become familiar with their surroundings at their own pace is more important than encouraging them to join activities straight away.
Practical tip: Ask whether you can also visit the preschool during a regular school day. This will give you a better understanding of the actual daily routine.
Teaching Staff and Group Sizes
Teachers have a direct influence on how children feel at preschool. During your visit, consider asking:
- How many children are there per teacher or caregiver?
- Does each group have permanent teachers?
- Who takes over when a teacher is absent?
- How are conflicts between children resolved?
- Is support from a psychologist or speech therapist available?
It is also worth asking for examples of how staff respond when a child cries, refuses to participate in an activity or struggles to communicate with other children.
Why Is the Settling-in Process So Important?
Settling into preschool does not happen in a single day. Some children quickly feel comfortable in a group, while others need several weeks to adjust.
From our experience at Tequesta, we know that morning drop-offs are particularly important. A child who initially refuses to enter the classroom may gradually become involved in play after a calm welcome and positive interaction with a teacher. That is why we pay attention not only to whether a child cries, but also to how they behave and participate in group activities afterwards.
During the open day, ask whether parents can stay with their children during the first few days, whether shorter sessions are possible and how the preschool communicates with parents about their child's progress during the settling-in period.
How Can You Evaluate a Preschool's Educational Programme?
A wide range of activities does not necessarily mean better education. What matters is maintaining a balance between learning, physical activity, rest and free play.
Check whether the preschool follows the Polish national preschool curriculum and how it supports children's social and language development.
In international preschools, it is worth asking whether English is taught only during dedicated lessons or is also used during meals, playtime and everyday conversations.
At Tequesta, we focus on exposing children to English in natural, everyday situations. Repeated routines, such as greetings, group games and tidying up the classroom, play an important role in our work with children. This allows language learning to become part of everyday life rather than a separate obligation.
What Should You Check in Classrooms, Bathrooms and Play Areas?
When touring the preschool, assess the accessibility of educational materials, the condition of the equipment and the way the space is organised.
Safety procedures are equally important. Ask about access control, authorised collection of children and emergency procedures in the event of an accident.
Find out how often children spend time outdoors and whether there is a quiet area where they can rest when they need some peace.
Does the Location of a Preschool in Warsaw Matter?
Absolutely! This is particularly important when the daily commute takes place during rush hour. A preschool just a few kilometres away could mean spending several dozen minutes in the car.
It is worth considering preschools located close to home or along your usual route to work.
Practical tip: Before enrolling your child, drive the planned route in the morning at the same time you would normally drop them off.
What Costs Should You Ask About Before Enrolling Your Child?
When comparing private preschools in Warsaw, look beyond the monthly tuition fee and check:
- Registration fees and meal costs.
- Activities included in the tuition fee.
- Additional charges for extended hours.
- Payment policies during a child's absence.
- The notice period required to terminate the contract.
Ask for a copy of the preschool's regulations and a sample contract. This will help you avoid misunderstandings once your child starts attending.
How Should You Make a Decision After the Open Day?
After visiting two or three preschools, it can be easy to mix up the details. That is why it is worth writing down what inspired confidence and what still needs clarification immediately after each visit.
Practical tip: Evaluate each preschool in five areas: teaching staff, safety, settling-in process, educational programme and logistics. You can give each category a score from 1 to 5, but remember that numbers cannot replace an understanding of your child's individual needs.
When choosing a preschool in Warsaw, do not look for a place that is perfect in every respect. Look for one where your child can develop, build relationships and feel safe.
Discover Tequesta During a Preschool Visit
At Tequesta International Preschool & Daycare, we combine early childhood education with intercultural learning and daily exposure to English. Our preschools are located in Mokotów, Żoliborz and Białołęka.
If you are wondering how to choose a preschool in Warsaw, we invite you to meet our teachers, explore our educational programme and discover the spaces we have created for children. Contact Tequesta to ask about our next open day, arrange a visit and check the availability of places.
FAQ
Should I Bring My Child to a Preschool Open Day?
It is worth bringing your child if the event's arrangements allow it. This gives you the opportunity to observe how they react to the environment, teachers and other children. Your child does not have to join activities immediately. Give them time to observe and become familiar with the surroundings. Before visiting, ask whether the preschool open day includes activities designed for young children.
How Long Does a Preschool Open Day Last?
The duration depends on the preschool and the event programme. A visit may include a tour of the classrooms, a meeting with the management, a presentation of the educational programme and activities for children. Allow enough time to ask questions without feeling rushed. Before arriving, check the schedule and find out whether advance registration is required.
Can I Enrol My Child in a Preschool in Warsaw During the School Year?
Yes, it is possible to enrol a child during the school year if the preschool has available places. In public preschools, additional recruitment and admissions follow the applicable regulations. Private preschools may accept applications throughout the year. The best approach is to contact your chosen preschool directly and ask about availability in your child's age group.
Can a Two-Year-Old Child Start Preschool?
As a general rule, preschool education in Poland is available to children from the beginning of the school year in the calendar year in which they turn three. In particularly justified cases, a child who has reached the age of two and a half may be admitted to preschool. Younger children may attend a nursery or daycare centre. The decision should take into account the child's developmental needs and the admission policies of the chosen institution.
Do Private Preschools Have to Follow the National Curriculum?
Yes. Private preschools operating within the Polish education system must follow the national preschool curriculum. However, they can expand their educational programmes to include foreign languages, arts education and their own teaching methods. Parents should check how the curriculum is implemented and how much time children have for play and rest.
Can Parents Observe Regular Preschool Activities During an Open Day?
This depends on how the preschool organises its visits. Some preschools invite parents to demonstration sessions, while others offer individual appointments. Observing regular classroom activities may be subject to restrictions related to children's safety and privacy. It is worth asking whether you can see the daily schedule, examples of activities and how teachers work with children.
How Can I Tell If a Preschool Is Not Right for My Child?
Warning signs may include vague answers about safety, a lack of clear settling-in procedures, frequent staff turnover or dismissive attitudes towards children's emotions. It is also important to check whether the preschool accommodates children's needs regarding rest, meals and communication. However, a child's behaviour during a single visit does not necessarily indicate whether the preschool will be suitable for them.
Is a Bilingual Preschool a Good Choice If My Child Does Not Speak English?
Yes, not knowing English does not have to be a barrier to starting education at a bilingual or international preschool. What matters is that teachers adapt their communication to the child's abilities and help them feel safe. During the open day, ask how the preschool supports children who are just beginning to learn English and how teachers help them understand instructions and everyday situations.
