Are expensive preschools better than those in the heartland? We find out what you should look out for, and compare three centres for different budgets.
Over $2,000 a month
At Chiltern House, every class has its own room and there is an indoor playground, which may not be the case at most preschools.
When we visited its Nursery 2 (N2) class recently, no noise from outside could be heard.
Principal Iris Lim says: “We allow the kids to speak up and express themselves. If the centre had an open concept, it’d be difficult to focus on what the children are talking about.”
Its N2 class was exceptionally small – there were just six children with two teachers in class.
The preschool sets a ratio of one teacher to seven children, and there are 14 places for the N2 full-day programme, but only seven are filled. One was absent on the day of the visit. Iris says parents are more keen on its half-day programme.
Chiltern House belongs to an exclusive club – only around 1 per cent of centres here charge more than $2,000 a month. Most pupils at the preschool, which is on the second floor of the SLF Building in Thomson Road, are from the nearby Newton or Thomson areas.
The Chinese teachers, mostly from China, have lived here for several years, so their mainland accent is not too strong.
Iris says there is regular communication between parents and teachers. “The teachers talk to the parents, sometimes every day, so there’s rapport built.”
The preschool is under the Julia Gabriel Education group and named after Chiltern, in south central England, where the eponymous founder’s parents live.
Visiting specialist teachers from Julia Gabriel Centre conduct speech and drama and music sessions once a week with each class.
この記事は Young Parents Singapore の August 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Young Parents Singapore の August 2016 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Everything You Need To Know About Direct School Admission
If your kid is good at sports, music or has other talents, the DSA programme may be his key to getting into an elite secondary school or specialised school. Here’s what you should know about the process.
What Is The Right CCA For Your Primary School Kid?
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) aren’t just frivolous frills. They teach kids important life skills that can’t be found in a classroom lesson. EVELINE GAN finds out how to select the right one for your child.
Why You Shouldn't Let PSLE Stress Take Over Your Kid's Life
PSLE preparations start in Primary 5, which means a high-pressure two years for your family. Here's how to support your child so they can do their best.
Should Your Kid Skip A Vaccine Shot?
Vaccinations are a rite of passage for every Singaporean child, but what if your kid is sick before an appointment, or misses a booster dose? Find out the answers to these and other pressing questions.
Separation Anxiety, Bullies And Other Preschool Blues
Preschool is rarely a smooth journey for children. Sasha Gonzales asks the experts how to handle the most common dilemmas, from separation anxiety to having trouble making new friends.
Is Your Kid Stressed About Starting School This Year?
School kids in Singapore are more stressed than their peers overseas. If your kid is feeling the pressure, here’s how to find what's triggering his anxiety – and how to help.
Speech Problems In Singapore Kids: When Should You Worry?
How can you help your little one get over his stuttering? Should you worry that your tot doesn’t speak as well or isn’t as talkative as his cousin? Sasha Gonzales polls the experts on the pressing speech and language issues in toddlers and preschoolers here.
The Most Common Learning Difficulties In Singapore Kids
Struggling to read, write or count is a common problem for many children, but how do you know when that struggle is actually a learning difficulty or disability? Sasha Gonzales asked three experts to tell us what signs to look out for and when to know to get help.
Can You Really Un-Spoil Your Child?
Yes, there are ways to turn things around – without losing your temper. Here, the experts share strategies you can use in common bratty situations.
Bottoms Up!
Using cloth nappies helps save the Earth – and your wallet, too, say these mums who choose not to put their babies in disposable diapers.
