5 things to consider when choosing a preschool in Bedok

5 things to consider when choosing a preschool in Bedok

Looking for a preschool in Bedok to kickstart your little one’s learning journey? The good news is you have more than a few great options to choose from!

How can you be sure you’re picking the right one for your child and family, though? That’s exactly what we’re here to help you with today.

The key to choosing the right preschool lies in understanding what makes a preschool truly great.

Keep reading to discover the top things parents should consider when searching for a preschool in Bedok, or anywhere else in Singapore!

1. Location

For practicality’s sake, most parents prefer to choose a preschool that’s close to either their home or workplace.

The closer the preschool is, the smoother and more hassle-free your morning routine will be. Less time spent on the road means a shorter, less tiring trip.

That helps start the day in a positive mood for the both of you. As a parent, you know better than to start the day with a grumpy preschooler!

Additionally, in case of emergencies, being nearby means you can get to the school quickly.

2. Curriculum

After location, the next important factor to consider is the preschool curriculum.

In Singapore, Reggio Emilia and Montessori are examples of popular teaching approaches, but many preschools follow other educational philosophies as well.

The preschool’s curriculum will serve as the blueprint of your child’s learning journey, ensuring that their early learning and development are guided by proven, well-established educational standards.

A quality preschool curriculum should support children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through a variety of age-appropriate activities and meaningful interactions with their peers and other adults.

It would also help if you knew your child’s preferred learning style in advance, so take time to observe their interests and how they engage with other children or adults. This will give you some insights into which preschool curriculum or environment can best help them learn and thrive.

3. Facilities

Preschool facilities play a crucial role in a child’s early learning and development, often shaping how they perceive school and learning in general.

That’s why it’s important to choose a preschool with well-rounded, age-appropriate facilities, where everything your child needs for a meaningful learning journey is provided for and readily available.

Look for preschool facilities that are safe, spacious, conducive to learning, and well-equipped. There should be enough space for children to learn and play around.

Every learning and play area should be clean, well-maintained, and properly organised to support a variety of activities and learning styles.

4. Class size

When it comes to class size, the rule is to aim for lower class sizes. That means choosing a preschool where each teacher doesn’t handle too many students at a time.

A small class size allows teachers more time to spend with each student, closely monitoring their progress and tailoring their teaching to meet each child’s needs.

The Early Childhood Education Agency (ECDA) recommends a class size of 1:15 to 1:25 for preschool, with ratio differences depending on the children’s academic level.

5. Community

It takes a village to raise a child, and that village includes the people your little one spends every day with at preschool.

When you pick a preschool, you’re not just picking the location, teachers, and support staff, you’re picking the entire community that will shape their early learning and development.

That’s why it’s important to choose a preschool that values partnership and collaboration with parents. Look for one that involves you in your child’s preschool journey through regular updates, open communication, and school invitations.