MerlionKids International Preschool redefines Quality Early Childhood Education in Sri Lanka

MerlionKids International (MKI) has preschool centers in Singapore and China, which follow the International Childhood Education Curriculum framework and renowned Singapore Kindergarten Curriculum framework, supported by the play and inquiry-based (InquireThink-Learn) MultipleIntelligence Integrated approach to learning. Quality Early Childhood Education sets a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Offering a holistic education for children, MerlionKids International launched its preschool facility in Colombo, Sri Lanka in January this year. MerlionKids is the first stand-alone preschool in Sri Lanka with a true international collaboration.

Mr. Derrick Tan, Chairman of MerlionKids Education Group said, “A child’s access to a quality Early Childhood Education Programme lays the foundation to all that is to come. Early Childhood Education plays a critical role during this important development period. MerlionKids’ strong curriculum framework, will bring a revolutionary approach to quality education and care, redefining standards for Early Childhood Education in Sri Lanka”.

“We are also confident MerlionKids will exceed the expectations of parents, who want excellent education for their young children in conducive indoor/outdoor learning environments. The promise of a quality Singapore Education Framework, international curriculum that appreciates exploratory, play, inquiry and experiential learning processes; will create an environment for children to thrive”. Derrick added.

MerlionKids’s internationally recognised teaching methods foster a life-long love of learning. Through intentional teaching practices, purposefully designed learning environments and enriched activities, teachers ensure children have joyful, appropriate and meaningful learning experiences in Language and Literacy, Numeracy, Aesthetic and Creative Expression, Motor skills Development, Social and Emotional Development and Discovery of the World. In order to develop self-esteem and social-competence children are encouraged to help themselves, take initiative and become increasingly independent.

MsDilaniFonseka, Principal of MerlionKidsColombo, outlined her philosophy for preschool education as “the need to prepare children for the real world, by equipping them with creative problem-solving skills, show initiative and work effectively in a team”. The role of the teacher is to create an environment that teaches the children to be curious, think independently and process massive amounts of information available to us in today’s digital world.

At MerlionKids, children are supported to become keen and independent learners. They are engaged in high quality dialogues that offer opportunity for them to learn through questioning and reasoning as a result, the children learn to be competent in solving problems, making decisions and resolving conflicts. Opportunities to work on tasks in small groups following their own ideas and interest are provided to increase involve- ment in their own learning. These learning experiences provide a platform for them to make connections about the world and maximise their potential in handling and overcoming challenges in the future.

MerlionKidsfollows stringent standards required by Singapore’s Early Childhood Development Agency all the teachers are highly qualified and undergo intensive trainings conducted by headquarters in Singapore. They possess sound knowledge, understanding of curriculum and children’s development milestones and are passionate in providing a holistic pre-school education that supports children based on their individual strengths and interests. MerlionKidslow teacher-to-student ratios allow teachers to focus on the individ- ual learning styles and needs of each child in the center. MerlionKidshas developed their own lesson plans and activities which are fun and experiential that are developmentally appropriate.Merlionkidspays close attention to all facets of a child’s growth including social, emotional, physical, creative, cognitive and character development. Their proprietary programs in music, art, gardening, life skills and foreign language were developed especially for the curriculum.

Children need to be engaged in a comfortable yet stimulating child care environment after their usual school hours at their younger age. MerlionKids provides an after-school child care programme that allows kindergarten and schoolchildren up to 10 years of age to balance learning and fun through a variety of experiences till 6 p.m. From homework help to fun physical activities, early education programme is designed so that everyone goes home happy.

MerlionKidsfocuseson caring child as their own and to help optimise learning and growth. They believe that every child represents the promise of a better tomorrow.