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Choosing a preschool for your child

Choosing a preschool for your child

The early years are important as they set the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning and development. When choosing a preschool for your child, consider one that has an environment and programme that is suitable for your child.

Types Of Preschool Services

ECDA-licensed preschools provide care and education for children between 2 months and below 7 years. Here is an overview of the types of services that may be offered in a preschool:

Class of LicenceServices

Infant Care Centre
(Class A licence)

  • Caters to children aged 2 months to 18 months old
  • Full-day programme from 7 am to 7 pm; may also provide half day and/or flexible options (at least 12 hours a week, and 3 hours per session)
  • Infant care services are available 5 or 5½ days a week, excluding Sundays and gazetted public holidays

Child Care Centre
(Class B licence)

  • Caters to children aged 18 months to below 7 years
  • Full-day programme from 7 am to 7 pm; may also provide half day and/or flexible options (at least 12 hours a week, and 3 hours per session)
  • Child care services are available 5 or 5½ days a week excluding Sundays and gazetted public holidays

Kindergarten
(Class C licence)

  • Caters to children aged 18 months to below 7 years
  • Half-day programme
  • Kindergarten services are available 5 days a week, excluding Saturdays and Sundays, gazetted public holidays and school holidays (according to the Ministry of Education’s academic calendar). An exception are kindergartens that follow an international curriculum and academic year.

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.

Searching For A Preschool

To search for a preschool, you can visit the LifeSG Preschool Search. LifeSG offers quick and easy access to over 100 digital government services.
To search for preschools, download the LifeSG app here. Under the ‘Services’ tab, search for ‘Search for a preschool’.

If you would like to find out more about preschools under the Anchor Operator (AOP) scheme and Partner Operator (POP) scheme, you may click on the respective links listed below.