Read: 2138
In Singapore, terms such as preschool, childcare centers, and kindergartens are often used interchangeably when parents discuss options for their children's early education. Yet, understanding the nuances between these types of institutions is crucial before making informed decisions about your child’s future.
Preschool: Comprising Caregiving and Educational Institutions
In Singapore, a preschool usually refers to any facility that combines childcare services with educational programs, encompassing both childcare centers and kindergartens. The Early Childhood Development Agency ECDA, an authoritative body in Singapore, ensures high-quality standards through trning early childhood educators, setting guidelines for institutions, and acting as the regulatory authority for the early childhood sector.
As of 2022, there are a total of 1,607 childcare centers and 373 kindergartens across the country. To make an informed choice, it's important to consider your family’s needs while also evaluating factors like facility type, age groups catered for, program offerings, educational approaches, teacher-student ratios, school hours, holidays, and subsidies.
Age of Children
Childcare centers in Singapore are primarily med at children aged 18 months to 6 years old. This includes infant care programs for babies from 2 to 17 months. Kindergartens, however, are designed for children between the ages of 3 to 6 years only.
Program Offerings
The variety and focus of childcare centers differ from kindergartens in Singapore. While most childcare centers provide comprehensive services running throughout the day from morning until evening typically from 7am to 7pm, incorporating meals, rest periods, showers, along with a full range of learning activities, kindergartens operate for shorter hours between 8am and 12 noon or 12pm to 3pm.
Educational Approach
The selection process should consider the educational philosophy that aligns best with your child's needs. Childcare centers might follow Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Wardolf methods, or adopt a bl of local elements for smoother transitions into primary school education. These institutions offer more hands-on learning and enrichment activities to develop children’s motor skills, creative thinking, and life skills.
In contrast, kindergartens in Singapore are designed primarily to prepare students for formal education with a focus on core academic subjects like math and language arts, fostering social skills alongside academics.
Teacher-Student Ratio
Childcare centers strive to mntn teacher-student ratios suitable for each age group to ensure individual attention. Kindergartens may prioritize smaller class sizes to promote learning experiences for their younger students.
School Hours Holidays
Childcare centers operate exted hours compared to kindergartens, catering to working parents' needs. They also have longer school breaks and summer vacations as per the standard academic calar. Kindergartens often align with traditional school schedules, balancing holidays and weeks accordingly.
Subsidies Financial ds
Both childcare centers and kindergartens offer subsidies based on income level and family size for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. Financial d packages are provided to alleviate costs associated with early childhood education.
Visit Evaluate Facilities
To find the right preschool program, it's beneficial to schedule visits at various institutions that match your criteria. This allows you and your child firsthand experience of the learning environment.
At Raffles Kidz International, our mission is to provide a nurturing and stimulating care for children through our bilingual MontessoriInquiry-based curriculum taught by experienced educators. Our programs are designed in a quality-learning environment, enriched with indoor play areas like spacious classrooms and learning pods, as well as outdoor facilities that include water play zones, playgrounds, and bicycle tracks.
Should you be looking for the perfect childcare center to partner your child's early development journey, consider booking a tour at Raffles Kidz International today.
Share:
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on WhatsApp
Rachel Boo
Rachel Boo is a champion of educational reform, particularly in the realm of early childhood education. Her unwavering commitment to promoting inclusive practices and nurturing social-emotional growth drives her advocacy for every young learner's right to quality education during these foundational years.
Contact Information
2 MacTaggart Road #05-01,
S368078
Phone: +65 6282 6319
Eml: @raffleskidzinternational
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @raffleskidzinternational
Facebook Page: Raffles Kidz International
Centers Directory:
Yio Chu Kang Center
Bukit Panjang Center
Punggol Center
Jurong West Yuan Ching Center
Ang Mo Kio Center
Yishun Center
Jurong West Surbana Jurong Campus
Curriculum:
Program Offerings:
Infant Program
Pre-Nursery Program
Nursery Program
Kindergarten Program
Book a Tour
Legal Information:
Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sitemap FAQs
Copyright ? 2024 Raffles Kidz International Pte. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Design by I Concept
This article is reproduced from: https://www.raffleskidz.com/news-events/difference-between-preschool-child-care-and-kindergarten-in-singapore/
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.cu89.com/Early_Childhood_Education_Kindergarten/Early_Edu_Singapore.html
Singapore Preschool Options Overview Childcare Centers vs Kindergartens Details Early Education Institution Types Comparison Singapores ECDA Guidelines Insight Raffles Kidz International Program Highlights Family Friendly School Hours and Breaks