How to choose the right preschool

It’s time for your child to be enrolled in a preschool, but there are so many preschools out there that you don’t know where to even begin. Choosing the right preschool may seem like a tedious process, but it all boils down to knowing what you want for your child. Here, we list down 7 simple steps that you can follow to find a suitable preschool for your little one.

Budget

The average cost of preschool in Singapore can range from $200 a month to over $2000, so pick a preschool that is within your means. The Singapore government offers two types of child care subsidies – (i) Basic Subsidy and (ii) Additional Subsidy. You can find out more about the subsidies you are eligible for here. The Baby Bonus Scheme also provides cash gifts and contributions to the Child Development Account (CDA), which is a special savings account for children to build up the savings that can be spent on approved uses.

What are the school’s values and beliefs?

You should ensure that the preschool’s values, beliefs and philosophy are in line with yours. What are the core values of the school and how do they promote these values through their programme? Find out how they resolve conflict between children and how they discipline the kids.

If you are looking for a preschool that promotes religious values or beliefs, you may look at preschools with religious affiliations.

Learning environment

Request for a visit to the preschool and check out the environment of the school. Are there educational posters pasted at the eye level of the children? Are there play things such as jigsaw puzzles, hopscotch or building blocks in the classroom? What about the cleanliness of the school?

If possible, sit in for one of the classes to observe how the teachers interact with the children. Are they patient with the children or do they lash out at them? You should observe positive teacher-student relationships that are built on encouragement, respect and care.

Teaching methods

In general, these are some of the common teaching methodologies adopted by preschools:

Montessori: A method of education that focuses on hands-on learning and collaborative play. Children learn through their own experience and at their own pace.
Reggio Emilia: A method of education that focuses on the child’s innate curiosity, and a sensory learning environment that stimulates and encourages the child to learn.
Waldorf education: A method of education that emphasizes hands-on and creative play to develop the a holistic development of children.

Pick a preschool that follows an approach that you find best for your child. Even if a preschool does not follow a specific educational approach, you may still look at their curriculum to see if it fits your child’s needs.

Location

Ideally, you should choose a preschool that is close to your home or your work place. This will make it convenient for you to fetch your child to and from school. Some preschools charge extra fees when you pick up your child late, so choosing a preschool that is convenient for you will prevent any extra fees from cumulating.

Safety and health

The safety of your child is of utmost importance, so you should find out what are the safety guidelines that the preschool has in place. For example, do they require ID checks for verification when caregivers pick up their children from school? Are there personnel that are trained in first aid and CPR?

You should visit the preschool to get an idea of how safe the school is, its level of cleanliness and how meals are prepared for the children.

Teacher-to-student ratio

The fewer children to adult, the more individual attention your child can receive. According to the National Association for Education of Young Children, for 2 to 3-year old’s, there should be at least 1 teacher to every 9 children, and for 4 to 5-year old’s, there should be 1 teacher to every 10 children.

We hope that with this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision on the best preschool for your child.

You may refer here for a list of child care centres in Singapore.

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