The options of preschools in Singapore may be wide, but when it comes to your little one, you would pull all stops to ensure that you make the right choice.
Sifting through an overwhelming list might not be the easiest thing to do – but here are some key points to consider to help you along in making your decision.
What to Look Out for When Choosing a Preschool in Singapore
Convenience in location
For most parents, location is a major factor to look at when choosing a preschool for their children. The last thing you’d want to do is to make long, difficult journeys to and from school every day.
Before signing up, test the journey in the mode of transportation you are likely to use. If you plan to drive, try driving to the preschool’s location during the drop-off and pick-up timing to have a better gauge of the traffic condition and how long the journey will take.
At the end of the day, it is best to choose a childcare centre that is easily and safely accessible – with plus points if it’s near your home or workplace.
Marks of quality
A great way to assess a preschool’s offerings and services through awards and accreditation.
While some preschools are recognised for creating quality learning experiences through their curriculum and programmes, there are others that receive accolades from various entities in Singapore. A great example is the Superbrands Awards that recognises brands and organisations for maintaining the highest quality and standards in their offerings.
A Curriculum That Aligns with Your Beliefs and Values
Every parent has different preferences as to how their children should be educated, but some of the basics should be more or less the same.
Does the preschool encourage hands-on learning in children as a way to acquire new skills?
Do they look after their students’ socio-emotional needs as well as academics?
It is important to look for schools with a good balance of both play and school readiness to ensure that your child is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge for the years ahead.
At Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse, teachers use a guided inquiry approach that provides opportunities for children to be involved in the learning process through discovery.
A Happy and Safe Environment
From playgroup to the kindergarten years, your child will spend more waking hours at the preschool than at home. This is why it’s important to find a place where you know that they will be well taken care of and that they feel safe and happy.
Do look for smiling, cheerful faces on children when you visit the preschool. Most importantly, do observe how the teachers deal with sad faces, tears and tantrums.
Teachers Who Love and Care
This question may take parents by surprise, but a school that is vested in its teachers is a school that understands the importance of staff welfare.
Happy teachers will thoroughly enjoy their jobs caring for their students, who in turn will benefit from how invested teachers are. Low staff turnover also means much more stability and familiarity for the children.
Daily Food Menu
Childcare centres in Singapore will provide children with snacks and meals. Do you prefer an in-house cook, or meals prepared in a central kitchen?
Whatever the answer is, check to see that the food offered to children is balanced in terms of nutrition, and that they are healthy. If your child has any food allergies or intolerances, do ensure that the school is aware and prepared to cater to your child’s needs.
Preschool Updates and Communications
At such a tender age, our children are not always able to verbalise their thoughts and feelings about the school day. A good school will have clear, open channels of communication with parents to keep them up-to-date and in tune with how their children are doing in school.
Some examples of initiatives practiced at preschools include weekly updates from teachers and the school, as well as parent-teacher conferences and tea sessions for teachers to inform and update parents about the school’s programmes and lessons for the year.
Lastly, did you read the fine print?
Be sure to read the parent’s handbook before you enrol. Find out about the school's hours, fees, and policies on safety, discipline and holidays. If you are happy with everything you read, then perhaps it’s time to sign on the dotted line.
Book a School Tour
Have these pointers given you a better idea of what to look out for? Come and visit us at a centre near you and learn how your child can benefit from our curriculum!
Book a tour with your preferred Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse centre for a closer look at our learning environment and to meet our teachers.
For questions on our programmes, enrolment procedures and more, you may refer to our Frequently Asked Questions as well.
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