If you are like most parents in Singapore, you may think that all preschools are the same. But that is not exactly true, as there are different types of preschools in Singapore.

In fact, if you do a little digging, you will learn that there are about 12 types of preschools in Singapore.

Each of them is different and has a unique teaching style and goals. If you want to learn more about the different types of preschool in Singapore, you will benefit from this article.

The following article by Singaporemotherhood discusses briefly on the 12 types of preschools in Singapore.

 12 Types of PreSchools in Singapore: The Ultimate Guide

As parents, we want to give our children nothing but the best. And in Singapore, we’re fortunate enough to be able to provide a world-class education for our kids. Moreover, preschool is the first-ever school experience our children will have, making it all the more important to choose the right one. While the IB curriculum is offered at a secondary and tertiary level in Singapore, it’s not often found in preschools. This curriculum is primarily based on promoting the development of kids’ IQ and EQ skills. Also emphasising a culture of respect among children and teachers. Read more here.

The above article has definitely broadened your perspective and given you a clear picture of what each of the 12 types of preschool in Singapore has to offer. The article has also unveiled the different locations of the preschool discussed in the article in Singapore. Read the next article to learn how to help your kid perform well in preschool.

The following article by Nirmala karuppiah sheds light on some important things parents planning to enroll their kid in a preschool should know.

Want your kids to have a high-quality preschool education? Here’s what it means

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in Budget 2020 that the Government will be doubling its annual spending on the early childhood sector from the current S$1 billion to S$2 billion within the next few years. The move is part of the Government’s efforts to improve the affordability, accessibility and quality of preschool services. This is indeed good news for parents, many of whom are concerned about whether their children are receiving high quality care and education in the preschools. But what is high quality in the context of a Singapore preschool? Read more here.

You definitely now have a clear picture of a few things you can do to help your child perform well in preschool. The above article clearly explained the role of parents in their kid’s development, especially in their early years. Do you want to know what your kids learn in preschool? If yes, the next article is for you.

The following article by Naeyc sheds light on what kids learn in preschool.

What Do Children Learn in a High-Quality Preschool Program?

Your child continues to develop in many ways—physically, socially, emotionally, in language and literacy, and in thinking (cognitive) skills. Teachers support her in all of these areas. Physical development is the way your child moves her arms and legs (large motor skills) and her fingers and hands (small motor skills). Teachers help children learn these skills by offering different physical activities and equipment. Read more here.

As you likely saw in the above article, the goal of most preschools in Singapore is to help kids develop physically, emotionally, socially, and academically. They also help little kids improve their cognitive skills and language development with the help of technology, creative arts, math, science, play, and so on.  

Final note

Before enrolling your child into a preschool, it is wise that you first learn as much as you can about the various types of preschools that are available in Singapore.

Doing this, will help you determine the right type of preschool for kids.

Bear in mind that private preschools are better than public ones, as they have a broader curriculum and can help kids develop confidence in themselves.

Truth be told, the tuition of many prestigious preschools in Singapore is very high. Because of this, only parents that are rolling in cash can send their kids to these schools.

If you are like most parents in Singapore, you likely may have made a few sacrifices to ensure that you send your child to a great preschool.

Even after enrolling your little one into a preschool, a part of you may wonder if your kid is learning something important or is playing around all day while he is in school. If you are looking for a preschool in Singapore, you can find more information here.

The following article by Krissy discusses what kids learn and do in preschool.

What Do Kids Learn in Preschool? + 24 Activities, Too!

Yes, we’re jumping backward, out of order, in our education series today. We’ve already shared what kids learn in Kindergarten and First Grade, but I was inspired by B-Inspired Mama sponsor Childtime to step back and share about preschool learning, too. Do you have a little one going off to preschool this school year?  Here’s what they might learn while they’re there. Read more here.

As you likely saw in the above article, kids don’t play all day in preschool; instead, they learn about counting, numbers, basic shapes, colors, and the alphabet. If you enroll your kid in a great preschool, they will help him develop his gross motor skill, fine motor skills, and social skill. Read the next article carefully if you are looking for a good preschool for your little one.

The following article by Kidmatters sheds light on 5 things parents should consider when choosing a preschool for their kid.

5 Things to Look For When Selecting A Preschool For Your Little One!

Where did all that time go? Suddenly, you were holding your little one in your arms. Now, he’s ready to walk, talk and LEARN! A quality early childhood education programme is important because it gives children a good head start to their primary school education. First-time parents might be overwrought about sending your beloved to only the best school ever! Thanks to recent announcements during the National Day Rally 2019, you’re now spoilt for choice and better options regardless of your background in view of enhancements and increased subsidies.  Read more here.

If you read the above article carefully, you likely came across factors like teachers to students ratio, curriculum, food, and safety that parents should pay attention to when choosing a preschool for their kid. If you want your child to get the best care and attention, you should consider sending him to a private school.

The following article by world-schools unveils some of the best private schools in Singapore.

 The Best Private Schools in Singapore

Parents generally choose private schools because they offer a strong academic program, create the perfect studying environment with smaller classes, outstanding campuses and offer a wide choice of extracurricular activities such as sports and arts. Private schools also put more emphasis on specialties like art, music and athletics and many focus on integrating important 21st century skills in their programs. Read more here.

As you probably saw in the above article, private schools are somewhat better than public schools, as they pay close attention to the need of each student and put more emphasis on specialties like athletics, art, and music that can stir up the creativity in kids and ultimately help them reach their full potential.

Final note

Enrolling your child in a preschool is one of the best ways to give him a head start in life.

Most preschools in Singapore can help kids improve their fine and gross motor skills and teach them how to identify shapes, color, numbers, and many more.

Of course, you have the freedom to enroll your kid either into a public preschool or a private one. But if you want him to develop faster, you should consider sending him to a private preschool.  

Do you know that the preschool you enroll your kid in his early years can affect his academic performance later on?

Enrolling your child into a prestigious preschool with high teaching standards and qualified teachers will not only help your child develop quicker but will also help him do better than his peers academically in later years.

As you likely know, Singapore is home to a lot of preschools, but not all of them can give your kid a bright future.

If you are looking for a preschool that can give your child a head start in life and ultimately help him reach his full potential, this article is for you.

 The following article by Michaela koh shed light on some 25 preschools that can give children a brighter future.

 THE 26 BEST PRESCHOOLS IN SINGAPORE FOR THE CHILDREN’S BRIGHTER FUTURE

Once the school season starts, parents will certainly be in search of excellent preschools where their children can learn and explore different lessons that will surely be applicable in the future. They also want to ensure that a creative and supportive environment will be provided. If you have recently moved into the country or just starting the life of parenthood, this list of best preschools in Singapore might help you give the brilliant education that your children deserve. Read more here.

You surely now know some 26 top-notch preschools in Singapore like Brighton Montessori, Blue House International, MindChamps, Early years Montessori, and many more. These schools are highly rated because they are dedicated to excellence, have hard-working staff, and comfortable learning environment.

The following article by loanstreet unveils some of the best private preschool in Singapore.

List of Top Private Preschools in Singapore

At AIS, they have the vision to be known internationally as an institution, which represents educational excellence in all aspects of our operation. Their philosophy commits them fully to the notion of holistic, rounded education, which cherishes the arts and sports as well as other academics essential to each student’s education. Read more here.

The above article is a must-read for parents looking for good private preschools for their kids. The article explicitly discussed everything from the mission to the curriculum and the goals of some of the best private preschools in Singapore. If for some reason, you are having a hard time choosing among them, you are going to benefit from the next article.

The following article by Team Mom loves Best is a how-to guide to choosing a preschool in Singapore.

 How to Choose the Best Preschool for Your Kids

Should you enroll your child in preschool? This is a question many parents feel the pressure to respond to and act on as their kids get older. The choice to put kids in preschool or forego the whole thing is one that elicits heated debates. Each option has its merits and whichever one you choose, we know you have your child’s interests at heart. Picking a preschool isn’t easy. As parents, we have to give our choice careful consideration so we teach our children to love — not despise — school. Read more here.

The above article has certainly given you a clear picture of some things you should do and some factors you should consider before choosing a preschool for your little one in Singapore. The article also unveils everything from the tuition of most preschools in Singapore to the common types of preschools in Singapore.

Final note

Presently, there are scores of preschools scattered around Singapore.

While some of them are great and have high teaching standards, others don’t have what it takes to bring the best out of every kid.

Since all of them aren’t great, you must do some research before picking one for your kid. You can easily sieve out the best preschools in Singapore by taking a close look at their curriculum, the qualification of their teachers, and their online reviews.

The concept of a normal classroom is to engage students in a variety of topics which benefit them in knowledge acquisition. Enrichment classes do not use traditional education techniques which are used in almost all schools in Singapore. They practice an interactive learning methodology to help children become experts in other subjects like arts, sports, music, drama, speech and foreign languages.

Education system in Singapore:

The education system of Singapore is considered to be one of the best in the world, still schools are believed to be providing the most basic academic knowledge to the children. It can therefore, be said that enrichment courses are designed to cover loopholes in the Singapore education system and at the same time, prepare students to meet international educational standards. These are some of the reasons why the concept of enrichment classes are so popular in Singapore.

Enrichment classes are beneficial for small Children:

It can be safely said that enrichment classes are more beneficial for children than older students. Normally children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years are the greater beneficiaries of these enrichment programs in Singapore. During this prime age, kids learn to interact and play with other children, get over stranger anxiety, develop affinity towards outside world, learn to stay away from home environment and siblings and able to make new friends. Furthermore, young kids start to use both their cognitive abilities, hands, eyes and mind together, aiding in the development of physical, motor and analytical skills. These skills also help them towards dressing, eating and studying as well. The environment at enrichment classes is encouraging and supporting, where they don’t feel pushed or compelled to attend classes.

Enrichment classes in Singapore; A Challenge:

Sometimes, enrichment classes may not meet the expectations of parents and children. In order to deliver results, enrichment schools may feel pressurized to overload students with too much knowledge. Hence, encouraging children to take more additional programmes. Your kid may start to feel overloaded with this intense pressure, which may be doing more harm than good to their future. Knowledge overload can lead to mind blockage and development of stress and anxiety which could stunt your child’s natural growth. The role of enrichment centres and teachers in Singapore become even essential because they need to create balance between knowledge and development of children.

The role of parents is also essential as far as enrolling their children in enrichment programs is concerned. Parents may just enrol their children in these centres and take some slack off parenting responsibilities. However, parents need to create a balance between sending their children to school and giving them adequate time at home as well. You need to take your kids to different places and introduce them to the outside world as well.

Kids observe, communicate and make comparison. They learn what they see. The role of both parents and teachers is very important as far as learning of children is concerned. Both tend to give what is needed and expected of children at this tender age and emphasize should be making them good human being. Learn more about enrichment classes in Singapore at Wonder Years Parenting Community.

It is always beneficial to enroll young kids into different interactive enrichment activities. These days learning is not just about reading, writing; it is amalgamation of music, role plays, movement, art programs and athletic programs. The Idea is to develop cognitive, physical and emotional well-being of a child, helping him become a well-rounded individual. It is, thus essential to have different enrichment courses in preschool for children. Some benefits of enrichment classes are mentioned below:

Children learn through new Experience:

When kids are enrolled in pre-schools which offer enrichment courses, it helps in your child’s early development because they get a chance to experience a new environment. At this very young and tender age, a child’s brain is still in a growing age and development is at its peak. The concept of learning music at this age is very beneficial because it leads to development of brain activities at very start of their preschool learning. Similarly, when kids get a chance to engage in different sports activities, they learn concepts like communicating with others, working together, building confidence, decision making, patience thus their personal growth is enhanced. It also prepares them for kindergarten where interaction with other children is enforced.

Development of Social Skills:

When children as young as 8 months are enrolled into an enrichment centre, they start to acquire a sense of independence. They observe their teachers, fellow students, communicate with others and go beyond their comfort zones and boundaries. All these little interactions add on to their experience and thus help in their learning. Furthermore, when your child plays with other children, they socialize, imitate, repeat and thus become socially independent. When they interact with other children through play, your child will acquire skills like problem solving, team work, negotiation and patience which helps them in their future studies and work. When children are taught by different teachers and instructors, their fear and separation anxiety is gone and thus they feel comfortable when enrolled into a pre-school.

Let’s face the outside world with peace:

For young children, the outside world is a brand-new experience. It is indeed challenging for kids to meet and interact people who are neither their parents nor siblings. The responsibility lies on the teachers to strengthen the emotional wellbeing of these children. Although the environment of enrichment classes are new to your child, teachers and caregivers tend to make it warm and supportive. The effective use of encouraging languages and supportive jargon, like “it’s OK, try again, take your time” help children adopt to their new environment better.

Enrichment classes leads to overall development:

Many people don’t understand the true essence of enrichment courses, thus in Singapore many enrichment courses believe in interactive activities which aids in the development of cognitive, physical, emotional well-being of children belonging to all ages. As young as 8 months onwards, when children are very small and trying to get hold of their outside environment, enrichment classes make them socially strong, get control of language skills, motor skills and creativity.

Researchers are of the view that children who attend enrichment classes in pre-school are better equipped towards attending Kindergarten and their adaptability is many folds better. Thus, if you are living in Singapore, then look for preschools which are offering enrichment courses and make a better choice for your child. Learn more about the benefits of enrichment classes at Wonder Years Parenting.

For kids between the age of 6 months and 6 years, there are some enrichment classes offered in Singapore. Some are focused towards language learning while others offer various extracurricular activities such as drama, music, ballet or sports. This article will share some classes which are designed to offer enrichment courses for children. They are:

• Time to learn Chinese: If your child is not fond of learning Mandarin, then you have reached the right spot. Mandarin enrichment centres help children develop skill sets for learning Mandarin. This includes creative writing, different cultural programs and language assignments. To help kids fall in love with Mandarin, the program engages students and children through various activities. In addition, some enrichment centres conduct an Annual Cultural night to foster familiarity with Chinese heritage and mandarin language.
• Thinking skills enrichment: Some parents are too concerned with regards to the learning capabilities of their children. There are certain centres in Singapore designed to stimulate a higher level of learning for children. These centres adopt a student-centric approach which puts emphasis on maximum interaction and creative problem-solving techniques. Kids also get a chance to exercise their thinking patterns, evaluate and analyse situations rather just listening to teachers. Curriculum include using pictures, role plays, music and some tools of social media for learning purpose, which kids enjoy and love to learn with.
• Learning English centres: Some enrichment schools in Singapore specialise in helping children learn the English language. Through these enrichment classes, children can improve and develop an interest in the English language. From vocabulary to phonics and creative writing, your child will learn to understand and appreciate the beauty of literature from a young age. For younger children, learning the English language can be difficult. However, these centres make language learning easy and fun as well.
• Conceptual learning: Some enrichment programs focus on practical learning. If parents want their children to learn based on key concepts and central ideas rather than traditional focused learning, then these centres are will help you achieve your conceptual learning goals. Furthermore, these centres also engage in reading and writing activities and sessions, which helps your kids gain confident and enhance cognitive capabilities in them.
• Art learning centres: Some enrichment schools provide art, drama and speech lessons to children. Kids enhance their skills for English language, participate in drama and different role play activities where their spoken and language skills are enhanced.
• Reading and writing learning centres: For younger children, between the ages of 8 months to 6 years, reading and writing enrichment schools can help improve their speech, writing and reading skills. Under the supervision of subject specialist teachers, children participate in different activities which are creative and meaningful. Thus preparing them for future school requirements. Apart from this, children also participate in different singing, movement, reading and role playing activities.
• Learn French language: If you want, your child to become multilingual and learn different languages, then some enrichment classes offer such courses as well. French classes are one such example, in which kids as small as 1 year of age get the chance to dance, sing songs, share stories and engage in different role play, mainly in French.

It is pertinent to mention that lot of enrichment centres in Singapore are offering different courses, sessions and interactive classes for children for all age groups. Some foster language skills in kids, while others are focused on building confidence in children. Based upon the capabilities and learning skills of children, they should be enrolled in a particular enrichment centre to benefit most from them. If you wish to learn more about enrichment classes, do visit Wonder Years Singapore for more information.