The school provides your child with an academic, moral, and even spiritual foundation. That’s why choosing a kindergarten in Singapore is such a huge step. This is going to officially kickstart your child’s learning experience. The more careful you are when you undertake the selection process, the better. Don’t rush into a decision.
Remember, whatever choice you pick might affect your child’s academic development for the long term. If you want to give your kid the best possible start to school and learning, here’s a guide to help you choose the best school in Singapore.
Start Early
Preschools fill up early. If you don’t know that yet, then it’s time you did. Competition is often fierce as a result. That’s why you’ll want to start looking for a preschool as early as a year before your child enters one. Some of the best schools in the country, though, have long waiting lists that some might reserve a spot for their child two years before the actual school year. Figure that out.
Make a List
An easy way to learn more about your options is to start with nearby schools. Check out kindergartens that are close to your home or where you work. That way, you can drop off your child to school and pick him up without any problems. If the school is too far from home, that could mean making alternative transportation arrangements for your child. It’s not the most convenient and might involve your kid waking up at an ungodly hour because he’ll need to be picked up early by the school bus or service to avoid the traffic and get to the school on time. However, the new normal means that your child will often go to school through online classes. That’s not going to be forever, though, so looking for a school that’s nearer will pay off once classes resume.
Check Its Background
Once you pick a school, consider its credentials and background. How long has it been since it opened its doors? If the school has only been around for about three years or even less, then it might not be a good option. Look for organizations with an excellent track record instead. Pick a school that’s been around longer. Find out what kind of preschool experience it provides its students.
Consider the Staff
Is it trustworthy? Who are the people behind the organization? Do they have the proper credentials, background, and training to provide the education that your child deserves? Do you trust them to be there for your child? Do the teachers have what it takes to look after him academically?
Ask for a License
That’s one way to check the credibility of the school. A kindergarten that’s been granted a 24-month license is much better than the one that operates on only a 6-month license. A license will mean, though, that you can trust the school to offer quality education and to keep your child safe. If the school doesn’t have one, though, look elsewhere. There are few things in life that deliver you excellent peace of mind more than the thought that you can go work and leave your child in competent, capable hands.
Check for Feedback
Don’t forget to talk to other parents. Reach out to them. Do you already know someone who sends his or her kids to the same school? Call and ask about the school. How is the learning experience for the kids? They won’t have any problem providing you with first-hand accounts of what goes on at the school, how the learning environment is, what the teachers are like, and more. That should help you decide if you’ve got the right school in your sights or if you should check out other options.
Go Over the Reviews
The internet makes it easy enough to go and check out reviews from other sources. Local forums offer more insight into the school. What do other parents have to say? Whatever their feedback is, it will help you get a clearer sense of the organization and whether it’s a good fit for your child. If there are too many complaints, or negative reviews, don’t take the risk. You already know what to do. Move on to other options on your list.
Visit the Site
What does the school’s site look like? Is it professionally done? Be sure to go over the information on there. Pay particular attention to the school calendar. When will the finals week happen? When are the school trips scheduled, if there are any? What kind of activities or online learning programs are available, and which one should your child sign up for? Most sites will also contain information about your child’s teacher, so look out for that too. That way, you’ll know who to contact when you want to touch base about your child’s progress in school.
