Choosing the Right Pre-School in Singapore: A Parent’s Guide

Selecting the right pre-school in Singapore can feel overwhelming. With over 200,000 full-day preschool places available in the country, the choices are many. Still, the decision is crucial, as early childhood education lays the foundation for your child’s future learning journey.

In this article, we look at the key considerations you should make when choosing a pre-school for your child in Singapore.

Why Should You Choose the Right Preschool

Children’s brains are still growing, and how they learn in their early childhood brains can affect the way they experience and understand education for a lifetime. Studies have shown that quality early childhood education can lead to better academic performance, improved social skills, and a greater love for learning.

Also, with several options in Singapore, all of them have different philosophies, and different kinds of benefits and price points. You’ll have to ensure that the one you choose will optimize your child’s capability, and at the same time, result in less financial or other stresses in you as a parent.

What Things You Need to Check When Choosing a Pre-School

Here are the essential things to check when choosing a pre-school in Singapore:

1. Curriculum and Teaching Philosophy

Singapore offers a diverse range of curricula, from the structured approach of MOE Kindergartens to the child-centred philosophies of Reggio Emilia and Montessori schools. You have to understand the teaching philosophy and check if it fits your child’s learning style and your family’s values. Look if the school, as an approach for Nurturing Early Learners (NEL), provides play-based learning and inquiry-based learning.

2. Location and Accessibility

You should look to choose as school that is close to your home or workplace. Especially if you’re a new parent, you can see that doing so can significantly help with your daily routines. Choosing a pre-school within a convenient distance can provide peace of mind, and avoid giving your child stress due to continued movements.

3. Facilities and Resources

Another thing to check while choosing a preschool is if it has facilities like ECA, and resources that can help your child with more overall development. Look for schools that provide a stimulating environment conducive to exploration and creativity.

4. Teacher Qualifications and Staff-to-Child Ratio

Qualified and passionate educators are the most important thing when it comes to imparting quality education. You’ll also need to check the staff turnover; schools where teachers don’t leave their jobs often will be able to provide your child consistent education. Furthermore, a school with a low staff-to-child ratio can be able to provide your child with more love and care.

5. Cost and Financial Support

While some pre-schools are subsidised, others may have higher fees. It’s always important to consider your budget and explore available financial assistance options. While checking the costs, don’t forget to inquire about anything hidden like food, field trips, etc.

Choosing the Right Preschool: Questions to Ask During a Preschool Visit

Asking the right questions when visiting your child’s preschool is also important for you to ensure you get the right one. Here are some common questions to ask for:

• How does the school handle conflicts between children?
• What is a typical day like in each age group?
• How do teachers communicate with parents about progress or issues?
• What are the school’s policies for health, safety, and emergencies?
• How are milestones measured and reported to parents?

Extra Tip: Visit places like bathrooms, and other places where parents don’t generally go or that aren’t shown in open visits if possible. There, you’ll get a better idea of how the school is being managed.

Red Flags when Choosing a Preschool

Finally, here are some red flags that are seen in schools:

High staff turnover: This means that teachers are leaving the school too often. It might be due to not so good vibes and environment and can hamper your child’s learning.

Overcrowded classrooms: This can reduce attention for each child. Also, remember that the brand name isn’t always enough if your child doesn’t get personalized attention.

Lack of structured curriculum or learning objectives.

Hidden costs for activities or supplies, or the unwillingness for schools to share about all these beforehand.

Poor parent communication or transparency.

Conclusion

Given the importance of choosing the right pre-school, you should consider everything carefully. The main goal is to ensure your child can fulfil their full potential, so for that, you need to choose a school where they can enjoy and be happy in addition to truly learning.