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Overview of Preschool, Childcare & Kindergarten in Singapore
April 19, 2025
Learning Environment
Explaining preschool in Singapore
The term “preschool” in Singapore encompasses institutions offering both childcare services and educational programmes. Preschools are categorised into childcare centres and kindergartens for children under the age of 7.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) serves as the regulatory and developmental authority for the early childhood sector in Singapore. The agency oversees several key areas, including setting standards for early childhood programmes, training and developing early childhood educators, and ensuring quality preschool programmes are affordable for all families.
In line with the Early Years Development Framework, preschool programmes have been updated to focus more on child-centred learning, emphasising holistic development and positive outcomes for children in their early years.
Key developmental areas include:
- Cognitive development
- Language and communication skills
- Physical development
- Social and emotional growth
To find the best preschool in Singapore, you should determine the factors important to you and assess them against your family’s needs.
Explaining childcare in Singapore
Childcare centres in Singapore provide comprehensive care and educational experiences for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Some centres also offer infant care for babies aged 2 to 17 months.
These programmes generally operate from 7 am to 7 pm to accommodate working parents, and they can include meals, enrichment activities, and nap times. Half-day options, typically running from 7 am to 1 pm, are also available for families needing shorter hours. Children in half-day programmes are usually picked up before nap time.
Childcare centres typically provide two main meals—breakfast and lunch. Morning and afternoon snacks might also be available; it’s advisable to verify this with any childcare centre you’re considering.
Apart from Sundays and public holidays, childcare centres close for six days annually for staff development, lesson planning, and selected public holidays. There is no designated school holiday period for children in childcare programmes, as these centres are structured to meet the needs of working parents.
Kindergarten programmes in Singapore
Kindergarten programmes in Singapore are designed for children aged 3 to 6 years and are typically more academically focused. Sessions last 3 to 4 hours daily, with comprehensive lessons to cover within a shorter timeframe.
Due to the shorter duration, kindergartens do not provide meals, although some schools may offer snacks. It’s advisable to check with the school regarding their meal arrangements and whether you need to pack a snack box for your children.
Kindergartens follow the Ministry of Education’s primary school holiday schedule, which includes breaks in March, June, September, and November/December. This schedule might be challenging for working parents who cannot take time off during school holidays, making kindergartens less suitable for some families.
Comparing learning approaches in childcare vs kindergarten
Childcare centres and kindergartens in Singapore have distinct learning approaches to support children’s development.
Note: Kindergartens may exist as a standalone service, separate from broader childcare services.
Learning Philosophy
Childcare centres focus on play-based, experiential learning, fostering creativity and social skills. Kindergartens are more structured, emphasising early literacy, numeracy, and school readiness.
Daily Routine
Childcare centres offer a mix of guided play, social interaction, and learning throughout the day, while kindergartens have shorter, teacher-led sessions with a stronger academic focus.
Social & Emotional Growth
Childcare settings provide more opportunities for social development through longer hours and interactive play. Kindergartens prioritise structured learning, with limited free play.
Primary School Preparation
While childcare centres nurture a love for learning, kindergartens align more closely with Singapore’s primary school curriculum, introducing core subjects early.
The right choice depends on your child’s learning style, your family’s schedule, and educational priorities. Visiting centres can help you decide which best suits your child’s needs.
Is the teacher-child ratio the same in kindergarten vs childcare centres?
No, the teacher-child ratio differs between kindergartens and childcare centres in Singapore, as regulated by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
- Childcare Centres: Typically have smaller class sizes, especially for younger children, to ensure closer supervision and personalised care. Ratios vary by age group, with infants having the lowest ratio for individual attention.
- Kindergartens: Generally have larger class sizes, with one teacher managing 15 to 25 children, depending on age. Learning is more structured, with less focus on individualised care compared to childcare centres.
These ratios impact the level of interaction and support children receive, making it important to consider your child’s needs when choosing between a childcare centre and a kindergarten.
What are the different curriculum approaches in Singapore preschools?
When comparing preschool curricula, you will encounter different educational approaches such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or Waldorf.
My First Skool’s PETAL Approach
At My First Skool, we empower our children to learn through a pedagogical approach called PETAL – Playing, Exploring, Thinking, and Applying Learning. Your task is to identify one that suits your children’s learning needs.
Childcare centres and kindergartens may have similar curricula, with kindergartens being more academically oriented and structured.
At childcare centres, hands-on learning is a widely used method, where children engage in activities that support age-appropriate development and skills. Children are immersed in the learning process as they learn basic skills like numeracy and literacy while connecting these to their environment.
At My First Skool, a comprehensive curriculum includes integrated learning activities, a literacy-rich environment, and character development programmes. Our students are encouraged to engage with the community through annual projects organised in collaboration with various agencies.
160+ Locations Islandwide
Every year, over 26,000 families all across Singapore see their children benefit from our relationships-based curriculum – one that emphasises forging strong bonds between children, teachers and parents. Find a centre near you or take a virtual tour to explore our learning environments and learn how your child can thrive.
Deciding between kindergarten and childcare in Singapore?
Choosing between kindergarten and childcare depends on your family’s priorities. While childcare centres cater to working parents with flexible schedules, kindergartens focus more on preparing children academically for primary school.
Consider the following factors when deciding on a preschool and programme type for your children:
- Operating hours
- Curriculum and learning approach
- Class size and teacher-child ratio
- Meals and nutrition provided
- Cost and subsidies available
- Proximity to home or workplace
- Holiday schedules and closures
After narrowing down your options, it is advisable to schedule a visit to the preschools that meet your needs. Visiting the school with your child allows you to observe the environment, interact with the teachers, and assess whether it aligns with your expectations.
As a parent, it’s natural to seek the best childcare solution that meets your child’s needs while allowing you to balance work and parenthood effectively. While cost is often a major factor in decision-making, it’s important to consider the overall quality of the programme and the learning experiences it offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between preschool and childcare?
Preschool focuses on structured learning and development, while childcare provides both education and care services, including full-day programmes.
2. What age group does My First Skool serve?
We welcome children from 2 months to 6 years old, with age-appropriate programmes across different stages.
3. What is the kindergarten programme at My First Skool?
Our kindergarten programme prepares children aged 5 to 6 for Primary 1, focusing on literacy, numeracy, social skills, and holistic development.
4. Are meals and naps included in childcare programmes?
Yes, our childcare services include nutritious meals, nap times, and a balanced daily routine to support each child’s growth.
5. How is learning structured at My First Skool?
Learning is hands-on, inquiry-based, and tailored to each age group, helping children build confidence, creativity, and a love for learning.
Why choose My First Skool as your childcare choice?
Choosing the right childcare provider is crucial for your child’s development and your peace of mind. In Singapore, My First Skool is an accredited childcare option that emphasizes holistic development, focusing on language, numeracy, and social-emotional skills. Additionally, all eligible centres have received SPARK certification from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), ensuring adherence to high standards in teaching and learning practices.
Key Features of My First Skool:
- Accessibility: With over 160 centres islandwide, My First Skool ensures that quality childcare is within reach for many families.
- Qualified Educators: The dedication and expertise of My First Skool’s educators have been recognized through various awards, including the SkillsFuture Fellowship and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Awards.
- Conducive Learning Environments: Centres are purposefully designed to ensure a nurturing setting conducive to children’s growth and well-being.
