IN A NUTSHELL
The OECD’s International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study (IELS), the largest survey of its kind in the world, has provided fresh insights into what helps children thrive in their earliest years. Drawing on data from more than 23,000 five-year-olds across multiple countries, the study found that children’s early experiences are closely linked to their language development, self-regulation and social-emotional skills by age five. [1]
Many of the experiences highlighted in the research – from responsive caregiving and shared reading to play-based exploration – are already part of everyday life at My First Skool Infant Care. Here’s what the research found, and how these principles come to life throughout a child’s day.
Are you preparing for your return to work and weighing your childcare options in Singapore? Recent global research from the OECD highlights that the first five years are foundational for your child’s brain development. At My First Skool, we turn these research-backed insights into daily moments of love, learning, and discovery.
There is a question almost every new parent in Singapore wrestles with as maternity leave ends and mothers prepare to return to work. Parents often struggle to decide which caregiving option is truly best for their infant. Is keeping the baby at home with a trusted helper, or with grandparents who clearly adore them, the ideal choice? Or does structured infant care offer unique developmental benefits that make a genuine difference?
It is a fair question, and here is additional evidence that might make your decision process easier, or that you might want to consider, as you decide which is the better caregiving option to provide quality interactions for your child.
Addressing the growing demand and core questions parents in Singapore face when evaluating childhood environments.
The Research Framework: Foundations for Life
In 2026, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development published Building Strong Foundations for Life, the results of its International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study. It assessed more than 23,000 five-year-olds across eight countries and is the first study of its kind to give a genuinely comparable picture of how children are developing at the start of their learning journey.
The central finding is that children who attended quality early childhood education and care settings in their earliest years had measurably better outcomes by age five across literacy, numeracy, self-regulation, and social development. A large share of the differences in outcomes came down to the quality of the individual centre a child attended. [1]
“By the age of 5, the story is already being written. Early childhood development is not just a warm-up act for education; it is the foundation.”
– Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills, OECD, 2026
Three things the research found that are worth knowing
Insight 01
Play & Learning
The OECD study confirms well-being and learning are deeply connected. Our PETAL pedagogy creates play environments where children build literacy and communication simultaneously.
Insight 02
Self-Regulation
Self-regulation predicts long-term success better than early scores. Through our Relationships-Based Approach, educators respond to every coo with warmth to build emotional confidence.
Insight 03
Unique Timelines
Children develop skills at varying rates. Rather than rushing standardised milestones, we move at your child’s pace by documenting personal rhythms and feeding cues.
Active exploration where children are fully engaged in discovery while educators guide their development.
The My First Skool Difference: Building Connections
While the OECD research highlights the importance of quality care, My First Skool brings these findings to life through our Relationships-Based Approach. This helps our educators create a nurturing, supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and understood. This sense of security encourages natural exploration and learning.
Our early years curriculum is aligned with the latest Early Years Development Framework (EYDF) and our PETAL™ (Playing, Exploring and Thinking as Active Learners) pedagogy. We focus on creating learning moments through meaningful routines, experiences, and interactions across four key areas: Cognitive, Communication and Language, Physical, and Social and Emotional.
Responsive Caregiving (3Rs)
Every interaction is an opportunity for your baby to feel loved. Our educators practice the 3Rs:
- Respect: Treating each baby as an individual and moving at their pace.
- Respond: Answering every look, coo, or wiggle with warmth.
- Reciprocate: Turning mealtimes and changes into meaningful conversations.
Art as a Language for Babies
Babies can “talk” through art long before speaking. In partnership with the National Gallery Singapore, our visual arts programme provides:
- Sensory Exploration: Touching rich textures, bright colours, or stepping on floor-taped paintings.
- Building Confidence: Asking open questions about their choices so infants feel their ideas truly matter.
A day at My First Skool Infant Care & the Science Behind It
With nearly 50 years of trusted experience in early childhood, My First Skool supports infants through responsive care, meaningful interactions and age-appropriate experiences that nurture their development from the very beginning.
Recent findings from the OECD’s International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study reinforce what early childhood educators have long understood: children’s earliest experiences play an important role in shaping their development. Many of the practices highlighted by the research are already woven into the everyday experiences of children at My First Skool. Here is what a typical day looks like, and where the science now lines up.
1. Breakfast: Fuelling Little Bodies & Minds
8:00 AM
A nutritious start supports more than physical growth; it helps children feel secure, energised and ready to engage. Meals follow Health Promotion Board guidelines. For infants starting solids, educators work closely with parents to introduce foods at an individual pace with patience and care.
OECD confirms: Physical wellbeing and responsive interactions during everyday routines play an important role in supporting early development. [1]
2. Sensory Time: Exploring Through Play
Morning
Soft scarves, textured materials, water play and natural objects give infants opportunities to explore with all their senses. Educators introduce new words, describe sensations, and respond to curiosity to build early language and thinking skills.
OECD confirms: Children learn best through active exploration and rich interaction with responsive adults. [1]
3. Routine Care: Small Moments
All Day
We apply our 3R strategy to nappy changes and handwashing, making them meaningful learning moments. Conversing gently (“Let’s feel the warm bubbles!”) ensures infants feel like active participants rather than passive subjects.
OECD confirms: Such responsive caregiving supports self-regulation, emotional wellbeing, and positive relationships. [1]
What the Research Tells Us
The OECD study found that children’s development is shaped not only by planned learning activities, but also by the quality of everyday interactions they experience throughout the day. Mealtimes, play, and caregiving routines all contribute directly to language, social-emotional, and cognitive growth.
4. Lunch: Tailored Wholesome Meals
12:00 PM
Lunches meet nutritional guidelines. For babies weaning, we plan closely with parents. Educators name foods, describe tastes and textures, and follow each baby’s cues for unhurried, conversational mealtimes.
OECD confirms: Everyday conversations during mealtimes help build the language foundations that support later learning. [1]
5. Naptime: Natural Sleep Rhythms
Afternoon
Infants rest according to their natural developmental needs in a calm environment. Supporting healthy sleep routines rather than enforcing rigid schedules helps children feel secure.
OECD confirms: Predictable and responsive routines are vital for supporting children’s wellbeing and self-regulation. [1]
6. Teatime: A Nourishing Break
Afternoon
Older infants enjoy soft snacks while younger ones continue milk feeds. Each child gets what they need when they are ready, without rushing development to fit a rigid schedule.
7. Music & Movement: Big Rhythms
Afternoon
Action songs, simple instruments, and movement games allow babies to clap, kick, and sway—building motor skills, early speech patterns, and social connection simultaneously.
OECD confirms: Music and movement are essential for language, motor, and social-emotional development. [1]
8. Storytelling & Shared Reading
All Day
Books are always within reach. Educators read with expression, follow children’s interests, and turn stories into interactive conversations to foster imagination and vocabulary.
OECD confirms: Shared reading is strongly associated with positive early learning outcomes. [1]
What This Means for Parents
If you’re exploring infant care in Singapore, the OECD findings offer a reassuring message: children do not need formal lessons to thrive in their earliest years. What matters most are responsive relationships, meaningful interactions, opportunities to explore through play, and caring adults who understand their developmental needs.
At My First Skool, we focus on what truly matters: respectful relationships and creative play. By using the 3Rs and Art Exploration, we create an environment where your baby feels safe to explore, curious to learn, and empowered to express themselves, setting the best possible foundation for their future.
Carefully designed environments configured to foster confidence, peer interaction, and independence.
Conclusion: A Second Home for Your Baby
Choosing infant care is a big decision, but the research is clear: a quality environment filled with responsive, respectful care makes a world of difference. At My First Skool, we don’t just provide basic caregiving; we nurture your baby’s heart and mind through every cuddle, every conversation, and every colourful brushstroke.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Experience how responsive caregiving and structured early learning environments give your child the best start in life.
Questions parents often ask us
No, infant care is available from two months old. During this period of rapid brain growth, a responsive and sensory-rich environment helps build a strong cognitive and emotional foundation.
Children excel most when high-quality family care is complemented by structured early childhood education. Grandparents offer love and security, while infant care adds rich, structured social and sensory exploration to give your child a balanced advantage.
Our educator-to-infant ratios ensure every child receives personalised and attentive care throughout the day. Educators build strong relationships by understanding each child’s unique routines, feeding cues, and developmental milestones.
Our relationship-based approach and PETAL™ pedagogy create a unique environment focused on respectful interactions. Backed by nearly 50 years of trusted experience, our programme integrates caregiving with intentional art and sensory exploration.
