preschool questions

[corey]

I am moving to Sing. this summer. I have three children, two toddlers and a baby. I need some questions answered: Where can I find information on preschools for expat kids (ages requirements, fees, waiting lists?, locations). I can only find info on-line that pertains to elementary schools. I would like to choose a preschool first, and then lok for housing nearby. Does this sound right?

[beargirl]

Hi,
This address has some preschools listed: Http://singapore.angloinfo.com,
However, the list is very incomplete. I'm in the process of finding a preschool to my almost 3 yo daughter and since we are not in Singapore yet, it's difficult. Here are some other ones that have schools around the city:www.kinderland.com.sg, www.cambridgecdc.com, www.littletreehouse.com.sg, www.modern-montessori.com.sg, www.amazing-star.com Also Pat's schoolhouse, Happy Joy Schoolhouse, Pre school by the park (google with those names). And I know that there are lots of other small schools around but can't find them on internet (heard from friends). If anyone have info about preschools around Holland road- Jelita area, I would be happy to know, too! Good luck to both of us!

[pranam]

Hello.

We moved to Singapore about 6 months back and we have a daughter who is 18 months old. I am not sure if this is the right age for her to be put in preschool, but I wanted her to interact with kids of her age, so am planning on putting her in one. Have you found out anything about preschools in Singapore? I wanted to know about the "kinderland" one. Is it good? I am not at all aware about which would be good or better preschools here, so am going by what I find on the net and the Ads that I see. Any info on the same will be helpful. Can anybody pls help?

[jumping_gene]

The MOE has a list of local as well as foreign-system kindergartens here: http://www.moe.gov.sg/preschooleducatio ... garten.htm

If you already know the area where you'll likely be based, you can also use this to search for nearby preschools:

http://www.childcarelink.gov.sg/ccls/ho ... ccSrch.jsp

We're leaning towards Learning Vision (learningvision.com), which provide childcare for the staff of MOE and Singapore universities, but haven't made anything concrete.

We'll also be moving around summer, so would really appreciate if we could exchange notes!

[kirstyL]

I am staying in singapore....I am not sure of the correct age but i believe sending a child to kindergarten here is more important then preschool, as they require children to attend K1 and K2 before preschool....well its not officially a must but if your child have not attended then they will send them for all kinds of remedial classes and put them in a lower ranked class in primary one. Well that is my experience as my son just started primary one but coming from Australia he has only preschool experience. So I just enrolled my second son in K1 this year. he is turning 5. But i know they have nursery for younger children at all the kindergartens.

[nutriarat]

I am not sure of the age of you children but you should by all means consider the preschool at the Singapore American School. My three year old attends and I have been very impressed with the campus, teachers, learning environment etc. The preschool program consists of three hours a day five days a week.

[diana_eng]

Hi all,

There are many childcare centre and pre-schools catering to kids between the ages of 18mths onwards to 7yrs old.

Most of you are from the expatriate’s community, and I believe all of you will go through the many anguish and lengthy search for a good learning school for your little one in a foreign land.

I am been involved in childhood learning for the past 10 years, and I believe most of the pre-schools in Singapore, whether local or international are of the highest standard as compare to your native country.

For International School, there are limited spaces for each cohort of children, which is why you read about the long waiting lists in the few popular one.

If you prefer to give your child a chance to immense themselves in the local culture, with plenty of interaction and learning together with the local children, then you can feel free to check out the local childcare/pre-school with your child when you arrive. There are plenty in each estate, so you will definitely be spoilt for choice.

Most of them have very good and caring teachers. I have seen many local childcare/pre-school with expatriate’s children, and all of the kids seem to be mixing and learning well with the locals. These schools do not do much branding or proper marketing of themselves in the media, that is why most of you wouldn’t have heard or taken notice of them. Most of them don’t even have a website.

(Singapore is a multicultural society, a mix of mostly Chinese, Malay and Indian citizen, with many expatriate like yourself in this diverse country)

It is a good chance for your children, and even yourself to mix with the local and have fun while learning.

Hope this give you better options for your children childhood experiences.

Diana Eng

[shoppinmommy]

Most of the International Schools have a K1 or Pre-K (age 4) and K2 or Kindergarten (age 5) classes. The American School has a Preschool (age 3). The terminology varies A LOT by nationality, but the above holds true for the majority of International Schools. K1 and K2 are typically full-day.

Singaporian children start Primary 1 at age 6, or what Americans call grade 1. As a result, the "local preschools" cater to children from age 18 to 6. There are many, they are exceptional and are international in every way! Local schools are typically 1/2 day, though extended days are sometimes available. They almost always include Mandarin.

Many of the international schools are at or near capacity with waiting lists, so if prefer a large international campus, you should contact the school immedately. The local schools essentially run year-round, and you may well find a school of your choice on arrival or with a short wait (e.g., we waited 1 month).

Good Luck!

[shoppinmommy]

A more direct response is this list for "local preschools" follows.
These were on my "short list" and many are in my neighborhood (near American Club). I'm sure there are MANY more around the island, and hopefully more posts will follow.

Little Hands: 1 Tree Hill (D10) -- for ages 2 and 3 only
6 835 2354

The Preparatory Place Fernhill Road (D10)
6737 6427

Little Hands Montessori Kindergarten
http://www.littlehandsmontessori.com.sg

Pat's Schoolhouse 9 different locations (D10)
62386753

White Lodge Early Learning Center (D11)
6468 8846

Lock Road Kindergarten 10 Lock Road (D04)
6 474 6861

Julia Gabriel Centre (from 6 months)
Learning through educational drama

Montessori 43 Newton Road (D16)
6 256 3952

EtonHouse International School and Pre-School
http://www.etonhouse.com.sg

A few of these currently have waiting lists, but most will have openings in the Fall.

When you search online, don't use "preschool" as they are often called kindergarten.

Good Luck!

[Greta]

Jumping_gene- Where did you end up going? Did you go to Learning Vision? My husband's colleague (prof. from Canada) said he sent his child to the NUS one and they have loved it. Just got a glowing recommendation.

Diana- I appreciate your comments about local preschools--they made me re-think just applying to International Schools with long waiting lists. The educational system in Singapore sounds, well, extraordinary, and we'd like the girls to have a truly multicultural experience.

[kyshine]

hi all,

to get more information on private and international kindergarten / childcare, please visit...

www.childcarelink.gov.sg

[jumping_gene]

Jumping_gene- Where did you end up going? Did you go to Learning Vision? My husband's colleague (prof. from Canada) said he sent his child to the NUS one and they have loved it. Just got a glowing recommendation.

we haven't arrived in Singapore yet-- one month to go! i've emailed principal of the NUS center of learning vision, and she said they do have a place for my son, and suggested we just register when we arrive. i didn't make any formal reservations because i'd like to check and have a feel of the place first before we commit. your comment made me even more optimistic about the school! thanks! i hope my son will like it there as well.