How can we help?
Explaining SPARK Certification: Singapore’s Accredited Preschools
April 14, 2025
Preschool
When selecting a preschool, how do parents determine the “right” childcare centre?
While each family may make different decisions when selecting a preschool, one of the primary factors parents consider is whether it has a SPARK-certification. This endorsement is synonymous with quality standards and distinguishes various childcare centres in Singapore.
What is the Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework (SPARK)?
Introduced by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in 2010, SPARK is a quality assurance framework to enhance local preschools’ standards. It provides recognition and support for preschool leaders in their efforts to improve teaching and learning, as well as administration and management processes, to enhance the holistic development and well-being of young children.
You may have noticed ‘SPARK-certified preschool’ banners at some kindergartens and childcare centres in Singapore, including from some of My First Skool’s branches.
To obtain SPARK certification, preschools voluntarily undergo a comprehensive assessment to evaluate various parameters, including:
- Leadership
- Planning and administration
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Staff management
- Resources
How preschools are assessed against the SPARK Framework
1. Registration and Licensing
The first tier is a mandatory regulatory effort to ensure that the centre has adopted a minimum standard of operation (SOP) as outlined by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
2. Self-appraisal
From the second tier onwards, the process is completed voluntarily. At this stage, the preschool team is required to conduct annual self-assessments after registration is completed and accepted.
3. Quality Rating
In the third tier, the preschool’s self-evaluations are validated and assessed by an external assessor.
4. Accreditation
Reviewed across various criteria, the results are shared with the school. Only those centres that meet the required quality standards are awarded the ‘SPARK-certified’ accreditation as a testament to the excellence they uphold.
100% of My First Skool’s eligible centres are SPARK certified, an assurance of quality by ECDA.
SPARK-certified vs SPARK-certified (Commendation) award
What distinguishes a SPARK-certified childcare in Singapore from one that has received the SPARK Certification (Commendation)?
Preschools undergo the same assessment process for both certifications, but SPARK Certification (Commendation) is awarded to preschools that demonstrate a higher quality in teaching and learning practices compared to those that receive SPARK Certification.
How do children benefit from attending a SPARK-certified preschool?
Parents can rest assured that SPARK-certified preschools, such as My First Skool, offer a well-developed preschool curriculum that integrates strong teaching pedagogy and a conducive environment to support learning.
After striving to maintain stringent standards, these schools are motivated to sustain their certification or commendation over the years. This heightened commitment from the accredited centres means that the teams must ensure their centres continuously uphold that distinction. In turn, this provides parents with further confidence that their children are in good hands.
Introduction to SPARK 2.0
Further along in 2025, to further enhance the quality of early childhood education, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will introduce SPARK 2.0. This updated framework aims to foster a culture of ownership and accountability among preschools, encouraging them to take charge of their quality journey through reflective practices and continuous improvement.
Key Tenets of SPARK 2.0
SPARK 2.0 is built upon three key tenets:
- Child-Centred Quality: Ensuring that children are at the heart of all quality assurance efforts, creating positive learning environments that support their holistic development and well-being.
- Ownership in Improvement Quality: Empowering preschools to take greater ownership of their quality improvement through self-appraisal and targeted improvement plans.
- Reflective Practitioners: Encouraging educators to reflect on their teaching practices, evaluate current methods, and explore innovative approaches to enhance children’s learning experiences.
Key Changes in SPARK 2.0
- Streamlined Criteria: The framework has been streamlined from eight to five criteria, focusing on essential aspects of preschool quality.
- Reflective Approach: Emphasizes self-appraisal and improvement planning, allowing preschools to develop targeted plans that leverage their strengths and address areas for growth.
- Banding System: Introduces a banding system instead of scores to specify quality standards for each criterion, providing a more nuanced understanding of preschool quality.
By focusing on these tenets and changes, SPARK 2.0 aims to elevate the overall quality of the early childhood sector, ensuring a strong foundation for our youngest learners.
My First Skool is 100% SPARK-certified
As of 2025, 100% of My First Skool’s centres are SPARK-certified, with 29 centres receiving the prestigious SPARK-certified (Commendation) award. Visit our nearest branch for a tour or visit our website to learn about our programmes and curriculum.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is SPARK certification?
SPARK is a quality assurance framework by ECDA that recognizes preschools for excellence in teaching, learning, and school management.
2. Are all My First Skool centres SPARK-certified?
Many of our centres are SPARK-certified, and we continue to work towards full certification across all centres.
3. How does SPARK certification benefit my child?
SPARK-certified centres provide a strong, holistic learning environment that supports your child’s growth and development.
4. How often are centres assessed for SPARK?
SPARK certification is valid for six years, with regular reviews to maintain high standards.
5. How do teachers support SPARK certification?
Our teachers are trained to deliver high-quality education, ensuring we meet and exceed SPARK standards.
