THE CHILDREN'S PLACE - OPINIONS PLEASE

[Shez]

Hi ,
We are looking for preschool for our son around the River valley/Orchard area. I have already looked at Eton/Orchard (they have a waiting list), Brighton (not worth the money), Mind Champs- Pheonix Park (not very impressed) White Lodge (better on paper than practice!), Little Hands (nice but cramped & unclean)

Just visited The Children's Place in Kay Siang Rd. Anyone sending their kids here, would appreciate some feedback. So far the only thing coming up on the internet for this school is the case food poisoning last year which made headlines (not helpful!)

Thanks!
Shez

[ChixBiskit]

Hi Shez,

My son been with TCP since he was 18 months, going by the bus on his own. The set up is great - large playground and allocated playtime, no aircon, no computers, and nothing fancy, which is what we prefer. The teachers are great and nurturing, and the mainland chinese teachers interact with the children exclusively in chinese. The proprietor Juliet is around and actively engaged in the management of the school. It's not part of a chain, nor owned by some private equity company like many preschools here. My son loves going to school, so that's what is most important!

Do note that it is childcare so you'll be paying a premium for care all year round (only select public holidays and 2 weeks off in Dec) regardless of whether your son is in school. Not sure if that is what you are looking for. My husband and I work full-time, so this works brilliantly for us. We really could not be happier.

[Shez]

Thanks so much chixbiskit ( my fav! )
Your response has been very helpful. My son will be 18 mos in July, so will enroll around Sept.
Btw any views or experience with the food poisoning episode last year. How was that handled?
Tks!
Shez



quote="ChixBiskit"]Hi Shez,

My son been with TCP since he was 18 months, going by the bus on his own. The set up is great - large playground and allocated playtime, no aircon, no computers, and nothing fancy, which is what we prefer. The teachers are great and nurturing, and the mainland chinese teachers interact with the children exclusively in chinese. The proprietor Juliet is around and actively engaged in the management of the school. It's not part of a chain, nor owned by some private equity company like many preschools here. My son loves going to school, so that's what is most important!

Do note that it is childcare so you'll be paying a premium for care all year round (only select public holidays and 2 weeks off in Dec) regardless of whether your son is in school. Not sure if that is what you are looking for. My husband and I work full-time, so this works brilliantly for us. We really could not be happier.[/quote]

[ChixBiskit]

Hi Chez,
Actually TCP was one of the better-off in the food poisoning incident last year. The well-known caterer was used by a number of childcare centers including TCP. Since then, TCP has a cook to prepare the food on site. We've not had any issues really with food.

There is always a waitlist as well, so register early. Hopefully you got to meet Ms. Andrea, the toddler teacher, on your tour. She's fantastic!

Good luck!