5 EARLYLEARNING OPTIONS

You’re never too young to learn, right? And while “hothousing” a child to give them an academic edge before starting “big school” isn’t most parents’ ideal, a few practical and social skills can help with their confidence and happiness. Here are some of the options for young families in Singapore.

Playgroup

A regular meeting for babies and toddlers, organised by parents and held at their own homes, or at parks, cafés, restaurants, pools or play centres. Parents accompany their children as they learn to play with others, and meet other parents to share experiences.

Drop-off Centre

Drop your children off at one of these centres for supervised play while you run errands or attend appointments.

Learning Centre

Singapore has dozens of learning centres, also known as enrichment centres or educational play centres. Babies and children can get involved in music, coding, Mandarin, arts and crafts, maths, dance, gym and other classes.

Preschool

Before beginning statutory education at age six in Singapore, many children attend preschool from the age of 18 months upwards. In Britain, preschool is known as nursery school or playgroup, while in the US the terms preschool and pre-K are used.

Kindergarten

Many international schools use the term kindergarten to describe the first, and sometimes second, year of primary school education. However, the Ministry of Education uses the term to mean a preschool that provides a structured three-year preschool programme for children aged four to six.