Learning for Littlies
Choosing the Right Preschool
Tuesday, 24 Apr 2012
Waiting lists, fees, teaching methods, locations – deciding on a preschool is enough to give anyone a headache, so we’ve compiled a handy list for any parent out there!
White Lodge Kindergartens
With 8 locations across the island, this is a good place to start. White Lodge is well known for their warm, community-oriented learning environment that’s very hands-on. Music, movement, literacy, and visual arts play important roles. 90% of the children are expats.
We love: The staff. Friendly bunch who’s always willing to accommodate.
Ages: 18 months-6 (parent and child classes available for babies)
Hours: 8am-330pm
Fees: $864 per month for 5 mornings per week
Where: 8 locations across Singapore, p. 6255 4230
Blue House Nursery
A welcoming preschool in a green environment with a strong sense of community. The curriculum is led by the children and is based on their interests, with art as a major focus. Blue House is moving to bigger space, so there are lots of new things coming up.
We love: The strong connection between home and school – there’s a very cute rabbit that children can take home.
Ages: 18 months to 6
Hours: 9am-3pm
Fees: From $5,544 per term for 5 mornings per week (flexible programme)
Where: Blue House Nursery, 2 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287988, p. 6734 0824
Preschool By The Park
With 4 locations set in green surroundings, this preschool provides a positive and encouraging learning environment with hands-on and fun activities such as excursions, show & tell, messy art and hip-hop. The programme is in English and Mandarin.
We love: The school excursions around Singapore
Ages: 18 months to 6
Hours: 9am-5pm
Fees: $950 per month for 5 mornings per week (flexible programme)
Where: Preschool By The Park, 63 Shelford Road, Singapore 288453. Also at Dunearn, Carmichael and Li Hwan
Pibos Garden Preschool
The teachers are caring, learning is fun, and there’s plenty of outdoor space at both centres in Bukit Timah. The curriculum includes art, music awareness, reading and writing skills, as well as the fun stuff like water and sand play, field trips out and story time.
We love: Parents always feel welcome at the school
Ages: 18 months to 5
Hours: 730am-3pm
Fees: from $1176 per term for 5 mornings per week (flexible programme)
Where: Pibos Gardern Preschool, 1 Dunearn Close, Singapore 299574, p. 6466 2639/7 Hua Guan Crescent, Singapore 589034, p. 6465 0019
The Preparatory Place
A happy and caring second home to guide and nurture your child’s development. The outdoor environment is a central part of their philosophy (think gardening!) and educational visits are seen as a vital part of their overall development.
We love: Specialists come into the centre to talk to the children
Ages: 18 months to 6
Hours: From 830am-4pm
Fees: $835 per month for 5 mornings per week
Where: The Preparatory Place, 40/42 Fernhill Road, Singapore 259101, p. 6737 6427
Little Bunnies – The Outdoor Classroom
This little gem is based within Hort Park. It provides an exciting outdoor learning experience in a friendly and caring atmosphere, where children learn about nature and also enjoy cooking, music, singing and generally having fun whilst learning valuable social skills.
We love: Kids learn about recycling and take in cartons, plastic bottles and boxes for craft projects.
Ages: 2-3
Hours: 9am-12pm
Fees: $3780 per term (Tanglin term times) for 5 mornings per week. Flexible programme offered,
Where: Little Bunnies – The Outdoor Classroom, 33 Hyderabad Road, Alexandra Park, Singapore 119578 P: 9759 8990
Little Hands
A best-kept secret amongst parents (shh!) nestled in the heart of town. Their theme-based learning is a creative, fun-filled experience with lots of surprises to delight the children. Even snack time is exciting!
We love: Their high student-teacher ratio of 3.5:1
Ages: 18 months to 3 (6 from July 2012)
Hours: 8am-330pm
Fees: From $1700 per term for 5 mornings per week (Flexible programme)
Where: Little Hands, 30 One Tree Hill, Singapore 248688, p. 6835 2354
Swallows and Amazons
A friendly little school with a great outdoor play area filled with bikes, trucks, cars, scooters, all under sun-cover. Perfect for active kids, the playground even includes their very own tree house! The classes are small and the teachers are more than helpful for busy parents (early drop-off, late pick up, and no school holidays!)
We love: The kids are always at school – 50 weeks a year!
Ages: 2 to 5
Hours: 9am-4pm
Fees: $4414 per term for 5 mornings per week (flexible programme)
Where: Swallows and Amazons, 200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994, p. 6762 8158
Odyssey
A preschool with two huge green campuses, state-of-the-art facilities, dance and music studios, and even a dedicated cooking classroom. The curriculum is innovative and creative, and parent involvement is important.
We love: The Children’s Museum that showcases children’s artwork
Ages: 18 months to 6
Hours: 7am-7pm
Fees: $1500 per month for 5 mornings per week
Where: Odyssey, 20 Fourth Avenue, Singapore 268669; 101 Wilkinson Road, Singapore 436559, p. 6781 8800
http://theodyssey.sg/
