Choosing the Best Start for Your Child: A Guide to Early Years Education

Selecting the right pre-school is a pivotal decision that lays the foundation for your child's lifelong learning journey. Singapore offers a diverse array of early childhood education options, each tailored to different learning goals, philosophies, and family priorities. This guide provides an overview of the various types of pre-schools, curricula, language programmes, and essential factors to consider, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your family's values and your child's unique developmental goals.

Table of Contents

• Types of Pre-Schools in Singapore
  • Government-Supported Pre-Schools
  • Private Pre-Schools
  • International Pre-Schools
• Curriculum and Educational Approaches in Singapore Pre-Schools
  • Structured or Academic-Focused Approaches
  • Inquiry-Based Learning
  • Play-Based Learning
  • Reggio Emilia Approach
  • Montessori Method
  • Waldorf (Steiner) Education
  • Thematic or Integrated Curriculum
• Language Programmes
• Other Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pre-School
  • Teacher Qualifications and Student-Teacher Ratio
  • Location and Convenience
  • Environment and Facilities
  • School Culture and Communication
  • School Fees
  • School Reputation and Reviews
• Final Thoughts

Types of Pre-Schools in Singapore

Singapore offers a diverse range of pre-school options to cater to various considerations, preferences, and budgets. The majority of pre-schools are regulated by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), which oversees early childhood services for children below the age of 7. However, certain international pre-schools may operate under different regulatory frameworks, such as the Ministry of Education (MOE), depending on their specific affiliations and curricula.

1. Government-Supported Pre-Schools

These pre-schools receive government funding to ensure affordability and quality in early childhood education.

a. Anchor Operator (AOP) Pre-Schools

The Anchor Operator Scheme (AOP), introduced in 2009 and enhanced in 2014, provides funding support to selected pre-school operators to increase access to good quality and affordable early childhood care and education, especially for children from lower-income or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Key Features:

• Fee Caps: Monthly fees for Singaporeans are capped at S$640 for full-day childcare, S$1,235 for full-day infant care, and S$150 for kindergarten programmes (excluding GST).
  
  
• Quality Assurance: Operators are required to invest in improving the quality of early childhood care and education.
  
  
• Professional Development: Support for continuing professional development and career progression opportunities for early childhood professionals.
  
  

b. Partner Operator (POP) Pre-Schools

The Partner Operator Scheme (POP), launched in 2016, aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of childcare services by providing funding support to selected operators.

Key Features:

• Fee Caps: Monthly fees are capped at S$650 for full-day childcare and S$1,290 for full-day infant care programmes (excluding GST).
  
  
• Quality Standards: Operators must meet quality benchmarks set by ECDA.
  
  
• Scale and Sustainability: Encourages operators to achieve economies of scale and invest in staff development.
  
  

c. MOE Kindergartens (MK)

Established by the Ministry of Education (MOE), MOE Kindergartens aim to provide quality and affordable pre-school education to Singaporean children.

Key Features:

• Curriculum: Follows the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework, focusing on holistic development and bilingualism.
  
  
• Age Group: Caters to children aged 5 and 6 (Kindergarten 1 and 2).
  
  

d. MOE Kindergarten – Early Years Centre (MK-EYC) Model

The MK-EYC model connects MOE Kindergartens (MK) with AOP-operated Early Years Centres (EYC) to provide a seamless and integrated early childhood education pathway.

Key Features:

• Age Group: The AOP-operated EYCs cater to children from 2 months up to 4 years old.
  
  
• Guaranteed Progression: Children attending the EYC are guaranteed a place at the partnered MOE Kindergarten for Kindergarten 1 (K1) in the year they turn 5, ensuring a smooth transition to formal pre-school education.
  
  
• Affordability and Quality: Being government-supported, the MK-EYC pathway benefits from subsidised fees and quality assurance under ECDA and MOE guidelines.

2. Private Pre-Schools

Private pre-schools operate independently and offer a variety of curricula and teaching philosophies, catering to diverse educational preferences.

Key Features:

• Curriculum Diversity: Options include Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, and other international or proprietary programmes.
  
  
• Class Sizes: Often feature smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalised attention.
  
  
• Facilities: May offer enhanced facilities and enrichment programmes.
  
  
• Fees: Generally higher fees compared to government-supported pre-schools, reflecting the additional resources and programmes offered.
  
  

3. International Pre-Schools

International pre-schools cater primarily to expatriate families or those seeking an international curriculum and multicultural environment for their children.

Key Features:

• Curriculum: Offer foreign curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), or American pre-school programmes.
  
  
• Staffing: Typically staffed by educators from various countries, bringing diverse cultural perspectives and teaching experiences to the classroom.
  
  
• Community: Diverse student population, promoting global awareness and cultural sensitivity.
  
  
• Fees: Typically higher fees, reflecting the international curriculum and facilities provided.

Curriculum and Educational Approaches in Singapore Pre-Schools

Singapore’s pre-schools offer a wide variety of curricula designed to cater to different learning styles and developmental goals. Understanding these educational philosophies can help parents select a pre-school that aligns with their child’s learning profile and the family’s educational values.

1. Structured or Academic-Focused Approaches

   Many pre-schools emphasise early literacy and numeracy skills to prepare children for the primary school curriculum. These structured programmes follow a systematic syllabus with clear learning objectives. Quality programmes, however, blend academic focus with elements of play and inquiry, fostering well-rounded development that balances cognitive skills with creativity and social-emotional growth.
   
   

2. Inquiry-Based Learning

   Inquiry-based learning is a student-centred approach encouraging children to ask questions and explore real-world problems. It nurtures critical thinking, problem-solving, and a love for learning. In the classroom, educators guide children’s natural curiosity through discovery and investigation rather than traditional instruction. Instead of simply providing answers, inquiry educators prompt children to think critically, ask deeper questions, and engage in active exploration. This approach fosters deeper understanding by prompting learners to think critically and actively engage with topics of interest.
   
   

3. Play-Based Learning

   Play-based learning integrates play as a fundamental part of the curriculum, recognising that children learn best through active, meaningful engagement. Through play, children develop imagination, social skills, problem-solving abilities, and emotional resilience. Experiences such as sensory play with water tables or sandpits, and imaginative play with dress-up or pretend kitchens, help children build language skills and collaborate with peers in a joyful environment.
   
   

4. Reggio Emilia Approach

   Originating from Italy, the Reggio Emilia philosophy views children as active participants in their learning journey. It emphasises project-based, experiential learning driven by children’s interests and questions. Teachers act as facilitators, and the learning environment is considered the ‘third teacher’—carefully designed to inspire exploration and creativity. Strong parental involvement and community engagement are also integral components. This approach seamlessly integrates play-based and inquiry-based learning, allowing children to engage in deep exploration and critical thinking through play.
   
   

5. Montessori Method

   The Montessori approach, developed by Dr Maria Montessori, emphasises child-led learning, independence, and respect for a child's natural psychological development. Classrooms are arranged to support self-directed activity using hands-on materials that promote practical life skills, sensory development, language, and numeracy. Mixed-age groups encourage collaboration and peer learning. Montessori programmes often incorporate play and inquiry to complement their holistic approach.
   
   

6. Waldorf (Steiner) Education
   

   Waldorf education focuses on holistic development, integrating intellectual, artistic, and practical skills. The curriculum is structured around developmental stages, promoting imaginative play, storytelling, arts, music, and movement. Natural materials and a consistent daily rhythm are used to create a nurturing environment that fosters creativity and emotional well-being. While traditionally more structured, some Waldorf-inspired settings are incorporating elements of inquiry-based learning to encourage curiosity and exploration.
   
   

7. Thematic or Integrated Curriculum
   

   This approach organises learning around central themes, integrating subjects such as language, mathematics, science, and the arts. It helps children make connections across different learning domains, enhancing comprehension and retention. Many MOE Kindergartens and private pre-schools in Singapore use this curriculum, aligning with the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework to support balanced development. These curricula often incorporate play-based activities to make learning engaging and meaningful.

Language Programmes

Given Singapore’s multilingual environment, many pre-schools offer bilingual or language immersion programmes, with Mandarin being the most common additional language.

• Bilingual Programmes: Where children learn core subjects and activities in two languages, often English and Mandarin, Balanced exposure through daily lessons, songs, and activities, fostering strong language skills in both.
  
  
• Language Immersion Programmes: Where the majority of instruction and interaction happens in the target language, allowing children to develop near-native proficiency through natural use.
  
  
• Additional Language Options: There are also schools that are predominantly English-medium that offers Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, French, Japanese, and Hindi as additional language through daily classes to enrich children's linguistic experience.

When selecting a language programme, consider your family’s language goals and your child’s readiness for bilingual or multilingual learning to ensure a positive and effective experience.

Other Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pre-School

Beyond curriculum and pedagogy, several practical factors can impact your child’s early learning experience.

1. Teacher Qualifications and Student-Teacher Ratio

The quality of educators is one of the most critical factors in your child’s early development. In Singapore, pre-school teachers must meet minimum qualifications, but standards can vary across institutions. When shortlisting schools, ask about the teachers’ credentials, years of experience, and whether they receive ongoing professional development.

Also pay attention to the teacher-to-child ratio. Smaller class sizes generally mean more individualised attention and better classroom management, creating a nurturing environment for young learners.

2. Location and Convenience

A conveniently located pre-school near your home or workplace can significantly reduce commuting time and stress for both you and your child. Consider the school’s operating hours, transport options, and how the pick-up and drop-off routines fit into your daily schedule. These practical factors often make a big difference in maintaining a smooth and sustainable routine.

3. Environment and Facilities

The learning environment plays a key role in your child’s engagement and well-being. Look for safe, clean, and well-maintained facilities that offer age-appropriate learning materials, designated areas for exploration, and outdoor play spaces. A thoughtfully designed environment sparks curiosity and supports holistic development through both structured and unstructured play.

4. School Culture and Communication

Every pre-school has its own ethos and community spirit. Visit the school to get a feel for the culture — is it warm, inclusive, and child-centric? Speak with teachers, school leaders, and current parents to offered.

5. School Fees

Government-supported pre-schools like those under the Anchor Operator (AOP) and Partner Operator (POP) schemes tend to have lower fees due to subsidies. In contrast, private and international pre-schools typically charge higher fees, which may reflect smaller class sizes, specialised curricula, or premium facilities. Be clear on the full fee structure, including registration fees, monthly tuition, deposits, and any additional charges for enrichment programmes or meals.

Singaporean citizens may also be eligible for ECDA subsidies such as the Basic and Additional Subsidy for childcare and the Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS). Check your eligibility to maximise these financial benefits.

6. School Reputation and Reviews

Do research on the school's reputation and read testimonials from students and parents.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a pre-school is about more than academic preparation—it’s about finding a place where your child feels safe, joyful, and inspired to explore. Consider your child’s personality, learning style, family language priorities, and the environment that aligns with your values. Visit schools, ask questions, observe classroom interactions, and trust your instincts.

With the right start, your child will gain essential skills and develop a lifelong love for learning. To see how EtonHouse Pre-School nurtures curiosity, confidence, and creativity in every child, explore our programmes and discover the difference a truly personalised early education can make for your family.

Learn more about EtonHouse Pre-School