You moved to Singapore, and you’re worried about your children. How can I find a good preschool? Choosing the right preschool is a daunting task for parents. There are many different variables to consider, such as location, curriculum, cost, and teaching philosophy.
Read this guide, and you will have all the knowledge you need to make a well-informed decision about your child’s education!
Location: The first thing most people think of when it comes time to choose their children’s school is where they want it located. Some people prefer being close to home, while others choose schools that are just outside of town because they offer more opportunities for sports or extracurricular activities in addition to academics.
One important factor to consider when looking at the location is safety; some parents may consider some areas unsafe despite having excellent schools nearby. Consider the neighbourhood, types of homes nearby and how many schools are in the area. This step is essential if you need to find a preschool in Singapore, be careful.
Curriculum: A few years ago, a parent’s main concern when choosing a school was whether or not it had an accredited curriculum or went by one specific learning plan. In today’s society, you can find curriculums that fit just about any preference from Montessori to independent thinking with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
You need to consider if your child will learn better in a structured environment or if he is more suited for hands-on learning. Some schools require parents to be involved throughout their children’s entire time there, while other places leave little room for parental involvement because they want students to learn independence early.
Cost: This one seems pretty straightforward – how much do you have to pay for a school? However, some other things can affect the cost of your child’s education, so you need to make sure it is worth what you’re paying.
Sometimes schools factor in transportation into their tuition, and other times they don’t, which could be thousands of dollars each year if you live far from the school. Also, ask about what the scholarship or grant application process entails and any financial aid options available because those can add up over time (and save your wallet).
Teaching philosophy: This element is essential because it dictates if a student learns best by memorization or needs hands-on activities to engage him. Some teachers are better at engaging children than others which can make a big difference in your child’s growth.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching, and you should look for a program that caters to the way your child learns best, so he gets the most out of his education.
Extracurricular activities: You want your child to be engaged and learn responsibility in the classroom, but you also want him to have fun! Your child should never feel like school is a place where he cannot express himself or have a good time, so look for activities that will allow him to flourish outside of the classroom too.
Sports programs, clubs and even music lessons are excellent ways for your child to learn how to get along with different types of people while having fun and learning something new at the same time.
Teaching staff: Even though many people may believe that the principal makes or breaks a school, the teachers make the biggest difference in your child’s education. Different teachers have different teaching styles, which could be great for one student.
At the same time, terrible for another, so it is important to look at each teacher specifically by visiting the classroom if possible or speaking with parents whose children are already enrolled there. You want to ensure that your child has someone who can mentor them throughout their academic career because they will likely be responsible for guiding them through their college applications.
