Looking for the best preschool in Singapore is a mixture of emotions for most parents. Some would feel the excitement that their little one is on their way to this journey of exploration and developing their intellectual capacities. On the other hand, some have anxieties because all they want is to provide the best, and they fear the possibility of not being able to experience results. Overall, this chapter of your life should not complicate things: The goal is to become knowledgeable.
You have no idea how questions reinvent your life and make you learn more things than you should. How? Imagine asking one of the teachers at a child care centre, and you were able to experience that light-bulb moment. In this article, let us explore some of the things you should probe:
#1: WHAT DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE?
Parents have varying goals when raising their children. Some are lax and chill, and they only want them to enjoy life as they please, while others are rigid and structured where they subscribe to traditions that shape society. Both of these approaches are correct, and the first step to finding the best preschool in Singapore that suits your child is examining what you want to achieve. You can either do this as a self-reflection activity or brainstorm with your spouse for feasible ideas.
#2: DO I HAVE ANY SPECIAL OR STRICT PREFERENCES?
One side of parenting is having particular or strict preferences when deciding for your child. An example would be looking for a kindergarten only in Punggol because of distance and proximity. It is necessary to recognise these preferences early on, so the quest for a child care centre becomes easy. You would no longer worry about trusting the wrong facility or not being able to provide for your child. (Tip: Search according to these preferences to make things easier.)
#3: ARE THERE ANY EDUCATIONAL METHODS TO TRY?
Some parents have their preferred educational method while others do not. In this case, everyone should ask themselves, especially the unfamiliar ones, because they might discover something that appeals to them. For instance, this kindergarten in Sengkang adopts a particular methodology, and you were enticed when you heard about it. In short, feel free to explore these things because you will never know the outcome, and something great is in store for you!
#4: WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE CENTRE?
Not all schools and care centres have the same environment, and you should remember that. When you ask about the type of atmosphere in the preschool in Jurong, for example, it lets you get an overview of how things work, and if anything seems amiss, trusting another one is always possible. Knowing what your child needs is also an advantage, so there is no reason for you to miss this question! (Tip: You can ask the teacher, look at the materials, follow their social media or website, and seek recommendations from friends.)
#5: WHAT WILL MY CHILD DO IN THE CLASSROOM?
Will my child engage in exciting games that will teach them to collaborate while having fun? Or does the educational centre put a premium on traditional methods of teaching? Asking these questions when looking for the best preschool in Singapore is necessary because it lets you understand what to expect, and of course, know what your child will go through. You will not witness their classes on most occasions, so never skip this one!
#6: WHAT IS THEIR STAND ON BRINGING TOYS?
This topic is one of the most controversial and well-loved by educational practitioners or anyone who fancies having a discourse about it. Why? The question of whether children should bring toys to the child care centre divides both parents and teachers, and you should be wise enough to know the facility’s stand on these things. For example, if you believe that toys can cause jealousy and competition, trust a school that bans them from their learning spaces.
#7: WHAT IS THE LEVEL OF MY INVOLVEMENT?
Some parents like to control their children and supervise everything they do, while others are fine with dropping them off at school, or a kindergarten in Punggol, and leaving everything to the teacher. Knowing the level of involvement is key because of many reasons. First, there should be a representative or someone the teacher can talk to about the child’s performance. Second, they are little children, of course, and having a guardian is a requirement for some schools.
#8: HOW DO THE TEACHERS DISCIPLINE THE CHILD?
Discipline methods are another divisive topic in childcare and education. Not only that, but it is not two extreme sides of the coin or total opposites. Some traditional parents prefer proven ways, others seek to revolutionise childcare by making things different to address the ineffectiveness of some things, and others are in the middle, where they recognise the strengths and weaknesses of two clashing ways. In short, ask how the kindergarten in Sengkang, for example, how the teachers discipline their students because you would not want to experience issues.
#9: WILL I BE ABLE TO INTERACT WITH FELLOW PARENTS?
Interacting with fellow parents when joining a child care centre may seem tedious for some because they only care about their personal lives. However, the educational institution might require parent-teacher association meetings to decide on some matters or a way for the learning space to have a harmonious relationship with the parents. With this, one aspect of looking for the best preschool in Singapore is knowing whether the school allows you to join meetings and interact with other parents. (Tip: If this is not your thing, feel free to stay away from social situations without looking disrespectful. Keep a smile, nod for respect, and never engage in hostile behaviour.)
Are you looking for a preschool in Jurong for your excited kid or a child care centre to start them early? Well, the great news is someone like My First Skool exists to cater to parents who want nothing but the best for their kids! Visit their website to learn more about their programmes.