Choosing the right preschool in Singapore can feel overwhelming as a parent. You have to ensure that the school you choose is going to help your child grow academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Additionally, the existence of a lot of preschools in Singapore can make the process difficult further.
If you’re a parent looking for the right preschool in Singapore, this article is going to help you. We’ll discuss what to look for so you can make the right decision.
Why Choose the Right Preschool?
Before you ask how you can find the best daycare near me, you must know why your selection seriously matters. Research in early childhood development consistently shows that ages 0–6 are a period of rapid brain growth. Moreover, skills in language, motor control, and social behaviour responsive to good environments, stimulated interaction, and care. In simple words, the quality of education received during early childhood will have a lasting impact on how much the individual can achieve in the future.
What Are the Factors in Choosing the Right Preschool in Singapore?
Here are the things you should look for while choosing the right preschool in Singapore for Nurturing Early learners (NEL):
Licence & Accreditation
First thing to check is if the preschool is licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), and note whether it has a short or long licence tenure. A longer tenure and SPARK (or the upcoming SPARK 2.0) certification show that the centre meets the latest regulatory and program based standards.
Curriculum & Pedagogical Approach
Preschools in Singapore use different teaching philosophies like Montessori, play-based learning and inquiry-based learning approaches. Remember, all of these approaches can be different, so you have to research what each means and if they fit your child. Also make sure that the school has ECA to promote creativity and social-emotional learning.
Teacher Qualifications & Staff Stability
With you leaving your children in the care of teachers, you should ensure they can provide consistent care and love. You can talk about the teachers’ formal training, ongoing professional development, and also talk to past parents about their children’s experience with the teachers. Also, a good thing to check is how long teachers stay in school and how often they leave the job.
Child-to-Teacher Ratio & Class Size
Ask about class sizes and the ratio of children to teachers or assistants. Smaller groups will help your child get more individual attention and safety. This will also help educators quickly spot strengths or challenges in each child.
Location & Convenience
Consider how close the preschool is to your home or workplace, and what the daily drop-off and pick-up will look like. Long commutes can tire both you and the children. This might also increase stress in children. Nearby schools add flexibility and peace of mind.
Health, Safety & Hygiene
Check on cleanliness routines, safety protocols, and whether staff are trained to handle emergencies or illness. Nutritious meals and a hygienic environment protect developing immune systems and build good habits from an early age.
Cost & Subsidies
You also need to be clear on fees. There might be additional costs like field trips, ECAs and such. Also check if subsidies are available. Understanding the full picture helps you manage your budget and avoid surprises if fee adjustments occur.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing Preschool in Singapore
Here are other mistakes that you should avoid while choosing preschool:
- Choosing solely based on prestige or “name brand” without verifying teacher quality, ratios, daily practices.
- Overemphasising academics and neglecting social or emotional development.
- Underestimating hidden costs (transport, uniforms, enrichment, field trips, extras).
- Ignoring the importance of environment and culture: noise, teacher interaction, physical layout matter more than fancy decorations.
- Choosing a school far away just because it looks nice; the travel fatigue and logistics often erode other benefits.
Looking for the Right Preschool in Singapore?
Picking the best preschool is like choosing the foundation for a building: once the base is strong, the rest can rise well. You can consider contacting Pegasus International Preschool if you’re looking for the best preschool Singapore. The school offers the latest curriculums and personalised attention to each child.