HAIS

Choosing the Right Early Years Programme: 7 Key Factors to Consider

Author: Ms Charlotte Mills International Early Years Learning Lead Imagine a place where every day is an adventure, where finger painting isn’t just messy fun but a gateway to self-expression, and where building blocks become the first steps to understanding the wonders of physics. This is the world of Early Years education at HAIS, where we believe that the right start can truly make all the difference. One of the most impressive aspects of HAIS is its commitment to nature-based learning. The school’s nature garden is more than just a beautiful space—it’s an outdoor classroom where children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and engage with the world around them. “As I watch a group of excited toddlers discover our nature garden, guided by the ever-enthusiastic Ms. Stephanie, I’m reminded why HAIS is more than just a school—it’s a second home for our littlest learners.” 7 Key factors to consider As a parent of a young child, I understand the weight of choosing the right early education programme. It’s not just about finding a place for our little ones to spend their days; it’s about laying the foundation for their future. I am proud that HAIS is my little girl’s first experience of a school environment. Here are my go-to tips whe

Author: Ms Charlotte Mills

International Early Years Learning Lead

Imagine a place where every day is an adventure, where finger painting isn’t just messy fun but a gateway to self-expression, and where building blocks become the first steps to understanding the wonders of physics. This is the world of Early Years education at HAIS, where we believe that the right start can truly make all the difference.

One of the most impressive aspects of HAIS is its commitment to nature-based learning. The school’s nature garden is more than just a beautiful space—it’s an outdoor classroom where children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and engage with the world around them.

“As I watch a group of excited toddlers discover our nature garden, guided by the ever-enthusiastic Ms. Stephanie, I’m reminded why HAIS is more than just a school—it’s a second home for our littlest learners.”

7 Key factors to consider

As a parent of a young child, I understand the weight of choosing the right early education programme. It’s not just about finding a place for our little ones to spend their days; it’s about laying the foundation for their future. I am proud that HAIS is my little girl’s first experience of a school environment.

Here are my go-to tips when choosing an Early Years environment for your child;

Curriculum: Look for a programme that follows a recognised framework, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which we implement at HAIS.
Qualified Staff: Ensure the school has qualified, experienced teachers who can nurture your child’s potential. At HAIS, our commitment to quality education is reflected in the qualifications and experience of our teaching staff. For example, Ms Stephanie brings a Master’s degree in Early Years Education, ensuring a deep understanding of child development and pedagogical techniques. Similarly, teacher Jo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies and boasts over 10 years of experience in the field. Their expertise and dedication significantly enhance our educational programmes and contribute to a rich learning environment for our students.
Facilities: Check for age-appropriate facilities. HAIS offers an Early Years pool, gym, field, music & art room, library, IT room and even a nature garden for outdoor exploration!
Language Development: Consider programmes that offer bilingual exposure, like our collaborations between Bilingual and International students.
Parent Involvement: Choose a school that welcomes parent participation. At HAIS, we encourage families to be part of our community through shows, events, and cultural celebrations.
Safety and Health: Prioritise schools that teach important life skills, such as proper hand washing and independence, as we do at HAIS.
Extracurricular Activities: Look for a diverse range of activities. Our students enjoy a range of after school age appropriate activities.

Beyond the Classroom: The HAIS Community

What truly sets HAIS apart is the sense of community. As an expatriate family, finding a place where both children and parents feel welcome is invaluable. HAIS offers numerous opportunities for parent involvement, from cultural celebrations to community events.

The HAIS Early Years experience: Where every child shines

At HAIS, we don’t just teach; we nurture, challenge, and celebrate. Here’s a glimpse into our approach:

Communication and Language: Our play-based learning approach encourages children to learn language naturally from each other. Through activities like drama and “time to shine” sessions, every child gets a chance to express themselves.
Personal, Social, and Emotional Development: We foster independence by involving children in daily routines like cleaning up after lunchtime. Watching a shy child blossom into a confident learner is truly rewarding!
Physical Development: With dedicated PE lessons, outdoor play areas, and even swimming, we’re fostering healthy, active lifestyles.
Literacy and Mathematics: Through engaging themes and play-based learning, we’re laying strong foundations for future academic success.
Understanding the World: Field trips and nature-based learning bring the world into our classrooms and our classrooms into the world.
Expressive Arts and Design: With specialist lessons in PE, Music and Art, along with drama and play woven into every theme, creativity flourishes at HAIS.