Preschool can be a wonderful experience for your child as it allows them to learn more about the world and interact with other children. More than just learning how to read, write and count, it is also about developing the necessary cognitive, social and life skills. In short, your child’s preschool journey is the first step to preparing them for life.

However, preschool can be daunting for parents as it is their child’s first experience of independence away from home. It makes sense for parents to want to find a preschool that best fits their child, and finding the best childcare in Singapore requires research, time and effort.

Here is a guide to help you get started; consider these five things when choosing a preschool in Singapore for your child.

Do They Provide Experiential Learning?

Children at preschool age are deeply curious as they actively learn about themselves and the world around them through imitation, symbolism, and imagination. Based on their developmental stage, they are also starting to explore their independence and autonomy.

It is essential that the child’s environment supports their developing independence and teaches them in the way they learn. Experiential learning is one way that does that. It encourages discovery and allows children to exercise their independence and autonomy in learning.

Preschools that offer experiential learning, like Little Footprints Preschool, provide such learning opportunities for your child. They plan hands-on activities, go on field trips, and conduct age-appropriate research that nurtures independent learners. Not only does it strengthen your child’s love for learning, but it also helps them move towards becoming active constructors of knowledge.

Do They Work With the Community?

Preschools can be excellent places for children to learn about the community and the world around them. Helping children develop an awareness of community allows them to see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem and can help nurture their sense of belonging.

When choosing a preschool for your child, consider how the preschool includes and engages the community to provide meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom for your child.

For example, Little Footprints Preschool led their children in sustainable education with activities and events involving various groups of people in the community. The children made items for sale, raised funds for NParks’ Garden City Fund and even planted trees for the residents at Sengkang West Way to enjoy.

Beyond education, children had the opportunity to interact with different stakeholders. They even made a positive contribution towards sustainability in Singapore.

Are They Bilingual?

Learning a second language becomes more difficult as we age, and research shows that children between the ages of one and three are primed to learn a second language. Moreover, learning a second language improves the brain’s ability to plan and solve problems. Bilingual children can think more flexibly as they practice switching from one language to another.

Since learning a second language is a requirement in Singapore, look for preschools that conduct lessons in two languages. When children are exposed to and given opportunities to listen, speak, read, and write in both English and Mandarin during lessons, they can learn the fundamentals easily and quickly.

Are They Conveniently Located?

There is obvious convenience when your child’s preschool is near your home or work. Especially when you have to drop your child off early in the morning, proximity to home or work reduces travelling time. You might want to choose one that is easily accessible by public transport or with ample parking spaces. Or you can choose a preschool with centres around Singapore; this way, you have a wider choice of locations to plan your daily pick-up and drop-off routine.

Are They Affordable?

When choosing a preschool, expensive school fees do not equate to better quality. There are preschools like Little Footprints Preschool that offer quality programmes at affordable rates. Full-day childcare rates start from S$760, and full-day infant care starts from S$1,330 before government subsidies.

Singapore citizens enjoy childcare subsidies when they enrol their children in a licensed childcare centre. So, make sure to find out which subsidies you qualify for to enjoy additional savings. It is important to note that other expenses such as deposits, registration fees, enrichment fees, cost of excursions, and cost of year-end performances may also apply.

Why Choose Little Footprints Preschool?

If you are looking for a preschool that provides engaging learning experiences, supports your child’s transition to primary school and prepares your child for life, Little Footprints Preschool is the best preschool for your child.

Little Footprints takes a holistic, theme-led learning approach based on their I.D.E.A. approach that nurtures children through experiential and active learning. Their programmes are conducted in both English and Chinese, and the preschool centres collaborate closely with members of their community. With 42 centres conveniently located around Singapore, you can choose a Little Footprints Preschool near your home or work.

Their Infant care programme is available at 10 centres. You can find them at Admiralty, Ang Mo Kio, Boon Keng, Choa Chu Kang, Depot, Kent Ridge, Sengkang 205, Sengkang 275, Thomson, and Ubi.

We invite you to tour Little Footprints Preschool and learn more about how their curriculum nurtures independent thinkers. Enrol for 2023 now and save up to S$2,100*! Contact Little Footprints Preschool to find out more.

*Terms and conditions apply.

This post is brought to you by Little Footprints Preschool.

By Andrinna Loo.

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