Preschool Education in Singapore: An Expat's Guide
As an expat family, stepping into the preschool scene in a new country can be quite daunting, especially in Singapore. Known for its rigorous and exceptional educational system, Singapore places a heavy emphasis on early childhood development, which is seen as essential for lifelong learning and growth. With so many top-notch options and high standards to consider, figuring out the best choice for your child can feel like a big challenge.
This guide is designed to simplify the preschool education system in Singapore, detailing the variety of programs and curricula tailored for young learners. Whether you're on the hunt for the best preschool fit for your child or just beginning to sift through your options, this guide will offer you valuable insights and actionable tips to help you confidently navigate the preschool education scene in Singapore.
Understanding What is a Preschool
In Singapore, preschool education is designed for children under the age of 7 and includes a variety of programme options, such as half-day and full-day sessions, as well as kindergarten. These formative years are critical for child development, focusing on instilling core values and nurturing social and emotional competencies.
During this stage, preschools focus on fostering positive learning dispositions and establishing a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy, both crucial for the holistic development of young learners. It is in this nurturing and safe environment that children start forming their first significant friendships, learn to express themselves, and begin exploring the world around them.
In the international schools scene, a preschool education is usually catered for students below Year 2 or Grade 1 and its equivalent. Chatsworth International School accepts students from 3 years old and above in their Kindergarten (for 3-5 years old).
Understanding the Preschool Curriculum in Singapore
Before you begin narrowing down your options for preschool education in Singapore, it's crucial to understand the different curriculums available and how they might suit your family's needs.
National Preschool Curriculum
The national preschool curriculum in Singapore is structured around the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) framework, which aims to give every child a solid start by fostering a love for learning and comprehensive development. This curriculum places a strong emphasis on character building and lifelong learning, acknowledging the crucial roles that both teachers and parents play in a child's developmental journey.
The NEL framework includes essential domains such as language and numeracy, and it enriches learning with activities in art, music, and movement. These varied educational experiences ensure that while children develop vital academic skills, they are also growing physically, emotionally, and socially.
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia Approach takes a distinctive path towards early childhood education, aiming to evoke an authentic interest in learning through child-led exploration. Based on four key principles, this approach ensures that children have a say in what they learn, engage fully with their senses, interact with peers and their surroundings, and have ample opportunities to express themselves creatively. This method fosters a dynamic and responsive learning environment where education is seen as a journey of discovery, guided by the children's natural curiosities and interactions.
Montessori Method
Renowned for preparing children for the real world, the Montessori Method offers a tailored educational experience that respects each child’s individuality and paves the way for them to develop important life skills. Focused on self-directed learning, this method allows children to choose their activities and work at their own pace within a prepared environment designed to facilitate independent exploration. This approach combines individual projects with group activities to promote social skills and cooperation.
International Baccalaureate
A number of international schools in Singapore offer the globally recognised International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum or as part of their education offerings. Chatsworth International School follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) that is designed for children, ages 3 to 11, where this includes the kindergarten students. The PYP framework is celebrated for its commitment to providing children with choices and fostering an enriching environment where they begin to take ownership of their learning through an inquiry and play-based approach. Alongside the standard domains of the mainstream curriculum, the IB preschools in Singapore enriches its offerings by including subjects like sciences, library social studies and digital citizenship. These subjects are tailored to help students grasp complex concepts and explore a variety of perspectives, facilitating a broader understanding of the world, which is particularly advantageous for expat children. By aligning with globally recognised IB curricula, international preschool prepares children to thrive in a globally interconnected world.
Choosing the Right Kindergarten for Your Little One
Selecting the ideal preschool for your child is a critical decision that can greatly influence their early childhood development and set the trajectory for their future educational experiences. When choosing a preschool, it's important to consider several key factors to ensure the best fit for your child and your family. Considerations include:
How well the curriculum aligns with your family’s values;
How well the curriculum matches your child’s unique learning style;
The level of community involvement and the support networks available
These considerations are crucial as they contribute not only to academic success but also to developing your child into a well-rounded, confident individual who feels at home in their new environment.
Embark on a journey to discover the ideal educational environment for your child by scheduling a campus tour at Chatsworth International School. Explore our curriculum and see how it can unlock your child's potential, fostering their growth into a confident, globally-minded individual. Join us to envision a world of possibilities for your child at Chatsworth.
