The Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework, more commonly known as SPARK, is an initiative to enhance the quality of early childhood education in Singapore. It involves a set of guidelines, standards and resources for educators to provide high-quality learning and holistic care for their students. It is also one of the factors that set a top kindergarten apart from others here in Singapore.
Read on to find out what sets a SPARK-accredited kindergarten apart from the rest.
Assurance of quality education
A proper education should no longer be limited to cognitive growth. A holistic approach is crucial in helping children develop socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.
To ensure quality education, SPARK-accredited kindergartens undergo stringent tests by external assessors that determine the quality of their curriculum, pedagogy, child development, and staff qualifications. Additionally, a SPARK certification is valid for 6 years, encouraging SPARK-certified centres to continually improve their systems and curriculum to maintain their accreditation.
Each child’s growth is closely monitored through assessment tools and strategies to follow their children’s progress and development through kindergarten. SPARK-accredited kindergartens also provide a strong foundation in STEM, supporting children with a foothold in science, technology, engineering and maths for future academic success.
Qualified and trained staff
One of SPARK’s five core values is “professionalism with impact.” This means that teachers play an integral role in shaping the children’s characters and minds.
SPARK-accredited kindergartens enlist teachers with a strong background in early childhood education who are well-equipped to deliver comprehensive curriculums effectively. These teachers are not only well-qualified but also have a nurturing mindset and genuine dedication to the children’s growth. Staff must undergo ongoing professional development to ensure competency and relevancy with the latest childhood education practices.
Comprehensive curriculum
A comprehensive SPARK-accredited preschool curriculum includes topics that encourage holistic development like:
- Social and emotional development — Activities that help develop interpersonal skills between children can be done through collaborative play, group activities and sharing sessions.
- Play-based learning — Child-centric activities and tools that allow students to explore and create independently include outdoor exploration, such as nature trails and playing in the sandbox. This helps inculcate a love for learning in young children.
- Language and literacy — Reading, writing, rhyming and singing exercises play a pivotal role in enhancing language and literacy in children. SPARK-accredited preschools provide interactive learning experiences and expose children to various literary genres, expanding their knowledge and further developing their ability to analyse and interpret text.
- Mathematics — Children learn Fundamental mathematics through number recognition, basic addition and subtraction and pattern recognition. Learning mathematics can also be fun through songs and rhymes to reinforce concepts.
- Science and discovery — Science and discovery are encouraged through exploration-based learning where children can learn basic science concepts in a safe environment.
- Creative development— Early exposure to the arts helps young children develop creatively and encourages self-expression. Through guided group exercises with their teachers, children can explore materials, creation, music, and movement.
Safe and nurturing environment
A SPARK-accredited preschool has met high standards of providing a healthy, hygienic and safe environment. Some examples are:
- Childproofing—All areas are childproofed to ensure a safe environment for the child, such as by covering electrical outlets and using safety gates.
- Regular checks — Regular safety inspections ensure a safe environment by mitigating potential hazards.
- Emergency preparedness — Comprehensive emergency plans with well-rehearsed emergency drills and staff training to ensure safety in an emergency.
- Cleanliness — Maintaining high standards of cleanliness through regular sanitation and inculcating hand hygiene in children.
- Adequate staffing — Appropriate child-to-staff ratios ensure that the children get individualised attention and proper supervision, creating a safe and conducive environment.
Enhanced learning resources and facilities
SPARK-accredited kindergartens go the extra mile to enhance their learning resources and facilities for a more supportive learning environment. This includes:
- Well-equipped library — A library with a conducive reading environment and is well-equipped with various literary resources can help promote early reading in children.
- Technology integration — In recent times, preschools have adopted technology as an interactive tool to further and enhance children’s learning. The teachers ensure that these technological educational tools are age-appropriate and used in a conducive manner.
- Educational toys — Playtime can be both fun and educational with educational toys that encourage curiosity, and exploration and help develop the children’s motor skills.
- Training and workshops — Teachers are a crucial resource; ensuring continuous professional development opportunities means they consistently enhance their teaching strategies and content knowledge.
School-parent communication
Another framework of evaluation for SPARK accreditation is a preschool’s engagement with families and the community.
SPARK-accredited preschools implement effective feedback systems for parents and teachers to ensure transparency and consistent communication. This encourages parental involvement and allows parents to better understand their child’s learning journey and provide necessary support at home.
Join My First Skool – a SPARK-accredited kindergarten in Singapore
A good kindergarten is essential for establishing a strong foundation for your child. My First Skool is a SPARK-accredited kindergarten, dedicated to fostering holistic development and providing an environment and experiences that help your child grow to be their best self.
Enrol your child with us today!
