What To Consider
Programme and Curriculum
Different preschools embrace different approaches to learning. Take time to find out more about the preschool’s philosophy, curriculum and programmes to determine if the preschool meets your requirements and your child’s needs.
Your Child’s Teachers
Children learn and develop better when they have caring and trained teachers. Find out more about the key staff members who will be caring for your child. Ask about the staff-child ratio and if the staff have the requisite training and experience
to provide a nurturing experience for your child. Observe the teachers’ interactions with the children.
Your Child's Safety
A safe environment for children is important. ECDA requires preschools to have safe practices and furnishings in place. These include adequate supervision, positive management of children’s behaviours and use of age-appropriate equipment
and materials.
Accidents do occur sometimes even with adequate and appropriate measures in place. Take time to find out about the preschool’s emergency arrangements, and how the preschool typically responds to emergencies. This helps
to build mutual trust and encourage open communication between parents and preschools. If having a CCTV within the preschool premises is important to you, find out if the preschool has installed CCTVs and the centre’s policies regarding the reviewing
of CCTV footage by parents.
Your Child’s Meals
Whether your child is in full-day child care or in kindergarten for part of the day, ECDA requires preschools to serve food to children that is nutritious, balanced and varied. If your child has certain dietary restrictions or food allergies,
it is important to discuss these with the preschool to ensure that your child’s needs are taken care of. For a full list of preschools which offer the Health Promotion Board (HPB) approved healthy meals programme, you may visit
HPB's website.
Enrolment and Financial Matters
Administrative policies related to enrolment, withdrawal and fees are managed directly by preschools.
You can usually find these details in the preschool’s handbook for parents/guardians or on their enrolment forms under Terms and Conditions. Be sure to read the preschool’s policies, guidelines and terms carefully before entering
into any contractual agreement. This helps to prevent any future misunderstandings.
