Early childhood education is critical to your child’s future academic and social development. That is why a competent institution should nurture your child’s intrinsic abilities, and support holistic development in a safe, serene environment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Preschool
• Teacher-Pupil Ratio
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) recommends a ratio of teachers to pupils at 1:20 for kindergarten one. While 1:25 for kindergarten two.
• Accreditation
Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework Mark (SPARK) should be a basic certification for your school of choice.
• Hidden Costs
Ask questions beyond the school fees structure. Will you pay more for learning materials, educational trips, extra language or food?
• Values
Do the morals promoted at the institution resonate with your family beliefs? If so, avoid institutions with conflicting values.
• Security
Is the school enclosed and the gate guarded? Is there CCTV surveillance in place? If so, check out the play areas to assess the safety of play equipment.
In addition to that, the number of teachers should be adequate to supervise children always.
• Parental Involvement
Identify a school that values your participation as a major stakeholder.
Find out what medium of communication they have in place. In fact, a school with an open door policy is preferable.
To find such a facility in Singapore for early childhood can be an overwhelming undertaking.
We have made the work easier for you. Because this guide will give you insights into some of the best preschools and kindergartens across Singapore.
Little Paddington Preschool
Little Paddington Preschool’s play, creativity, and the research-based system are one of a kind. Therefore their programs have been applauded as ‘Best Bilingual Immersion Programs’ and ‘Best Preschools in Singapore’.
The latest campus in little Paddington is in awe. In fact, the facilities at Bukit Timah make learning fun, and your kid will enjoy every moment at the Science Altier, Petting zoo, and sensory garden, among other facilities.
To assess their suitability for your child’s needs here.
Children’s Cove
One of the most reliable daycare and preschool facility in Singapore for early childhood is Children’s Cove is SPARK Certified.
T7\i4hey provide unique childcare for children as young as 2 months and meet every child’s needs and routine requirements.
You can choose to continue with their playgroup, nursery and Kindergarten facilities for older children up to 6 years of age.
Your involvement is greatly valued, and they view you as a major stakeholder.
Carpe Diem
An established institution with over 30 campuses across Singapore, Carpe Diem’s childcare, and daycare facilities run from Monday to Saturday.
Their operating will makes it easier for you to pick and drop your kiddie.
Carpe Diem was the winner of ‘Multiple Intelligence Learning Award’ in 2014. Their programs help children discover and nurture their inherent talents.
Find out more about them and their locations here.
Brighton Montessori
Founded out of a mother’s desire for a child-based system, Brighton Montessori’s curriculum is designed to meet the unique needs of every child.
This is an established institution with over 20 years’ experience.
Their preschool facilities will equip your young one with skills to help them thrive in life.
The Montessori curriculum nurtures talent and creates well-adjusted children.
Read more about them and find a centre near you.
Canadian International School (CIS)
Canadian International School admits children ages 2-5 years. Based on The Primary Years Programme (PYP) Framework their curriculum caters for an international community.
Their learning pods for early childhood education create an explorative environment for learning. Your children will enjoy these hands-on learning experiences.
If you are an expatriate looking for a kindergarten facility for your children, consider this institution.
Their campuses are Lakeside and Tanjong Katong.
Find out more about them and their locations here.
Kiddiewinkie
Kiddiewinkie’s multilingual system caters for an international community for early childhood education.
Their STEM play and multi-cultural awareness produces competent 21st-century leaders.
This childcare facility with eight campuses has the perfect facilities to develop your child’s motor, sensory and social skills.
Kiddiewinkie won the prestigious ‘Best in Inspiring Creativity’ prestigious award in 2014.
If you are keen on raising an all rounded individual, enrol your child at Kiddiewinkie. Check them out here to find a facility near you.
White Lodge
Famous for its child-oriented learning programs, White Lodge has seven locations across the island.
It’s ranked among the top international preschools and Kindergartens in Singapore.
The use of teaching aids make learning fun and cater to the unique needs of every child. Their quiet corners ensure that your child develops individuality as well.
It is an excellent facility if you want to raise multi-cultural competent children as White Lodge is home to children from over 25 different nationalities. Read more about them here.
Shaws Preschool
A leader in play and project-based approach to learning for early childhood education, Shaw’s Preschools Singapore is home to more than 400 families.
Their child-friendly environment and highly trained teachers. As a result, it is helpful to make learning engaging and productive.
The project-based approach to education develops children’s research and problem-solving skills.
This famous institution has six campuses spread across Singapore. Check out these locations.
Cambridge Preschool
Cambridge Preschool is a futuristic oriented institution that offers skills to prepare your child for future careers.
Their focus on iSTEAM (Innovation, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) equips your child with skills to thrive in the future.
Find their campuses here
Eton House International Education Group
A renown brand with 100 schools in over 11 countries, The Eton House Education Group is a leader in the education sector.
Their investment in EtonHouse Education Centre (EEC), an independent body to provide refresher courses for teachers, and conduct research to add value to the programs in the schools positions them way above many other schools.
They have bagged awards and accreditations from several Institutions. Find out about this school here.
Little Green House
An award-winning institution, Little Green House has a robust parent partnership program.
You will get an opportunity to participate in the school’s programs for your child’s development.
There is never a dull moment at Little Green House as they have adopted fun and hands-on activities for your child’s academic and social growth. Custom made, age-appropriate programmes are available.
Find out more about them here.
So there you have it! I hope this could help you make an informed decision.