Experts urge parents to choose pre-schools carefully
Fred Lutaaya, a retired headteacher and proprietor of God’s Will Nursery and Primary School in Matugga, Wakiso district, says early childhood education is not babysitting but the foundation of a child's lifelong learning and character development.
Teachers with learners in a garden, educating them about various plants. (Courtesy photo)
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Experts are urging parents to be more discerning when choosing pre-schools for their children, saying early childhood education is about far more than simply looking after playful toddlers.
Fred Lutaaya, a retired headteacher and proprietor of God’s Will Nursery and Primary School in Matugga, Wakiso district, says early childhood education is not babysitting but the foundation of a child's lifelong learning and character development.
"Those first teachers shape how a child thinks, feels and relates to others. They influence brain development, social skills and even a child's confidence in learning," he says.
Lutaaya cautions that many parents focus on a school's physical appearance or fees instead of assessing the quality, competence and temperament of its teachers.
He says selecting the right pre-school should involve careful observation and asking the right questions about the teachers and the learning environment.
"A good early childhood teacher must be patient, nurturing and creative - someone who genuinely understands child psychology. When you get that right, you set your child on the path to success long before they enter Primary One," he says.
What should parents pay attention to?
According to Lutaaya, teaching young children demands far more than supervision. It requires energy, patience, creativity, and a deep understanding of child development.
He says effective early childhood teaching goes beyond delivering lessons—it is about shaping young minds through love, consistency, and meaningful interactions.
"Working with toddlers is not routine work. A good teacher must go the extra mile to engage children in ways that stimulate both their minds and emotions. With the right guidance, children develop socially, emotionally, and intellectually," Lutaaya explains.
He notes that children's ability to think, communicate, and express themselves is nurtured through activities such as play, art, music, storytelling, and movement.
"These activities help children become confident, curious, and creative. They also lay the foundation for later skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics," he says.
Lutaaya advises parents to choose teachers who are passionate about nurturing every child's potential.
"A great teacher never gives up on a child. They see challenges as opportunities to help children grow," he says.
Creativity and flexibility
Nursery teacher Maishara Babirye says creativity and flexibility are essential qualities in an early childhood educator.
Babirye adds that learning should be exciting and meaningful.
"Art, play, and exploration help children discover the world around them. When a teacher can turn everyday moments into learning opportunities, you've found the right person for your child," she says.
Patience and a sense of humour
Primary school teacher Ronald Ainomugisha says working with young learners requires exceptional patience and a good sense of humour.
"Children at that age are energetic, easily distracted, and still learning to regulate their emotions. Every child is different, so teachers must remain calm and adapt to individual needs," he says.
He describes nursery and lower primary classrooms as places filled with surprises, tantrums, endless questions, and laughter.
"It can be exhausting, but good teachers learn to laugh through the chaos and turn every situation into a learning opportunity," he says.
According to Ainomugisha, patience and a cheerful attitude help children feel safe, loved, and eager to return to school each day.
Strong communication skills
Experts also advise parents to consider a teacher's communication skills when selecting a nursery school.
Shamus Nakato, a nursery teacher, says teachers should be able to communicate effectively with both children and their parents.
"Teachers should regularly update parents about their child's progress, strengths, challenges, and achievements. Good communication builds trust and reassures parents that their children are receiving the care and attention they need," Nakato says.
He adds that discussions with parents should be positive and constructive, helping families remain actively involved in their children's learning.
Professional training matters
Education experts say professional training is another important consideration when selecting a nursery school.
Others train as childcare teachers after completing the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), while community childcare centres may employ caregivers with basic literacy and specialised childcare training.
Regardless of the pathway, experts stress that teachers should possess recognised training in early childhood development and child-centred learning.
Respecting every child's uniqueness
Hadija Namatovu, a nursery teacher from Matugga in Wakiso District, believes effective teaching begins with recognising that every child is different.
"Each child has a unique personality, background, and learning style. A good teacher observes, listens, and adapts their teaching methods instead of expecting every child to learn in the same way," she says.
She notes that today's classrooms are increasingly diverse, making cultural sensitivity and inclusion essential.
"When children see their language, culture, abilities, and differences respected, they develop empathy, confidence, and a sense of belonging," she says.
Namatovu also believes teachers should lead by example.
"Children imitate what they see. Professional teachers dress appropriately, use respectful language, and treat every child with warmth, patience, and dignity," she says.
She emphasises that safety is equally important and encourages all early childhood teachers to acquire first-aid and child protection skills.
"Knowing how to respond to emergencies, recognise signs of illness or distress, and protect children can save lives," she says.
According to Namatovu, the best teachers combine empathy, discipline, professionalism, and subject knowledge.
"Children thrive in classrooms where they feel safe, respected, and valued. When teachers embrace every child's uniqueness, learning becomes a joyful and life-changing experience."
Positive discipline
Educationists also say parents should find out how schools manage children's behaviour. Rather than relying on harsh punishment, good nursery teachers establish simple classroom rules and use positive discipline techniques to guide behaviour.
Namatovu says effective teachers encourage good behaviour through praise, consistency, and age-appropriate consequences.
"Young children learn best when expectations are clear, and discipline is firm but caring. The goal is to teach self-control and responsibility, not to instil fear," she says.