A Parent's Guide
One of the most challenging tasks facing parents today is making sound decisions regarding their children. The number of alternatives is potentially staggering, the desire to have children involved in many activities is often very great and the pressure to raise well-rounded, healthy children is tremendous. In choosing activities for their children, parents must consider a large number of factors. Is the activity beneficial for my child? Is my child interested in, and enthusiastic about, the activity? Does the activity have value for the parent? Is the cost of the activity reasonable under current circumstances?
Parents are continually searching for quality activities where their children are happy and successful. A quality school is a product of warm, caring human relationships and promotes constructive attitudes toward individuals and society. Quality can always be improved upon and a quality organization is one that is alert for ways to improve what it does and how it does it. A quality school is one in which everyone in the organization, working both separately and together, seeks a common goal. Quality always feels good, and the greater the quality, the longer the good feeling lasts.
Here is a list to check if you feel a program is good for you.
1) Is the program structured and presented correctly?
2) Are the children busy or sitting still?
3) Do the students like the instructors and have fun?
4) Is there appropriate equipment for the age and development level of the students?
5) Are staff members USA Gymnastics Safety Certified?
6) Do the instructors approach the parents after class?
7) What's the reputation of the gymnastics school in the community?
8) How is the overall cleanliness and organization of the school?
9) Is there communication between the school, students and the parents i.e. newsletters calendar of events, web page?
10) Are students evaluated and how often, report cards?
11) Does the school have a statement of purpose and philosophy?
12) Is there an emergency plan for injuries or inclement weather?
13) Is the school's curriculum intended to produce competitive gymnasts?
14) Is there a sense of professionalism about the school?
15) Is the cost of the activity reasonable?
16) Is there a booster club and, if so, what are its demands?
17) What feedback do you get friends and family who have experienced the school?
18) How are customers treated?
19) Is there an observation area for parents?
20) How does the gym sound during class, happy or stressful?
21) Is there any plan for regular staff training?
22) Are there clearly stated rules for staff, students and visitors?
23) Most of all, is your child enthusiastic about the school?
24) Is the school active in the community?