Choosing the right preschool is one of the most stressful decisions a parent in Singapore can face. With hundreds of options ranging from premium international brands to affordable neighbourhood centres, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming.
You want a place that is safe, nurturing, and educational, but balancing cost, location, and curriculum is a challenge. To help you navigate this landscape, we have compiled this comprehensive guide.
Here, you will learn childcare centres singapore options, understand the fee structures, and get a breakdown of the different teaching styles available. Let’s decode the system so you can make an informed choice for your little one.
Before you book a tour, it is crucial to understand the terminology. In Singapore, early childhood education is generally categorised into three main types.
Knowing the difference will help you shortlist the right centres for your child’s age and your family’s schedule.
This service is specifically for babies and toddlers who are not yet old enough for standard childcare. The teacher-to-child ratio is much lower here (typically 1:5) to ensure safety and attention.
The focus is on routine care—feeding, napping, and diaper changing—alongside sensory play and basic motor skill development. Centres like Mulberry Learning and Josiah Montessori offer specialised infant care programmes.
This is the most common option for working parents. Childcare centres provide full-day programmes, typically operating from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and half-days on Saturdays.
Unlike kindergartens, childcare centres remain open during school holidays, closing only on public holidays and for a few staff training days per year. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and tea) and shower times are included in the daily routine.
Kindergartens generally offer shorter academic programmes, usually lasting 3 to 4 hours per day. They focus heavily on preparing children for Primary 1.
A key distinction is that kindergartens follow the Ministry of Education (MOE) school holidays. This means they are closed for a month in June and December, which may be difficult for parents working full-time without alternative care.
| Feature | Infant Care | Childcare Centre | Kindergarten |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Group | 2 months – 18 months | 18 months – 6 years | 18 months – 6 years |
| Duration | Full Day / Half Day | Full Day (7am–7pm) | Short Hours (3–4 hours) |
| Meals | Included | Included | Snacks only (usually) |
| Holidays | Open year-round | Open year-round | Follows MOE holidays |
When you learn childcare centres singapore landscape, you will encounter various teaching philosophies. Each has a different approach to developing a child’s mind.
The Montessori method emphasizes independence and respect for a child’s natural psychological development. Classrooms are often mixed-age, allowing older children to mentor younger ones.
Learning is self-directed; children choose activities from a range of prepared materials. House on the Hill and Josiah Montessori are prime examples of this structured yet free approach.
This approach views the environment as the “third teacher.” Classrooms are designed to be beautiful and inspiring, often filled with natural light and materials.
The curriculum is project-based and child-led. Teachers observe what interests the children and build lessons around those topics. Mulberry Learning is well-known for its Reggio-inspired “Habits of Mind” framework.
Most experts agree that children learn best through play. In these centres, play is purposeful and structured to teach concepts like math, science, and social skills.
Raffles Kidz International combines inquiry-based learning with a strong bilingual focus, encouraging children to ask questions and solve problems actively.
For parents prioritising language skills, many centres offer strong immersion programmes. Little Green House and Ilham Childcare (which also offers Malay immersion) are excellent for building fluency in a second language early on.
Cost is often the deciding factor. Fees can vary wildly depending on whether the centre is a government-supported “Anchor Operator” or a premium private institute.
Anchor Operators (AOPs) like My First Skool and PCF Sparkletots receive funding to keep fees affordable. Their monthly fees are capped (e.g., approx. $720 for full-day childcare) to ensure accessibility.
Private Operators set their own fees, which can range from $1,200 to over $2,500 per month. These centres often offer lower teacher-child ratios, premium facilities, or specialized curriculums to justify the cost.
To help with costs, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) provides subsidies for Singapore Citizen children enrolled in licensed centres.
This financial support significantly reduces the out-of-pocket expenses for families, making even some private centres more accessible.
Based on parent reviews and curriculum quality, here are some of the top centres to consider.
While lists and guides are helpful, nothing replaces personal experience. You must do your own research to ensure a centre fits your specific family needs and values.
We recommend shortlisting 3-4 centres and booking a physical tour for each. Use the checklist below to evaluate them objectively.
There is no single “best” age. Infant care starts at 2 months, but many parents wait until 18 months (toddler stage) when the child is more mobile and social.
Yes! You can use the funds in your Child Development Account (CDA) to pay for approved fees at all ECDA-registered childcare centres and kindergartens.
Most centres require a formal withdrawal notice, typically 4 weeks in advance. Be sure to check the specific withdrawal policy in the handbook before signing up.
Choosing a childcare centre is about finding a partner in raising your child. Whether you choose a premium Montessori school or a trusted Anchor Operator, the most important factor is that your child feels safe and loved.
Take your time to learn childcare centres singapore options thoroughly. Visit the schools, talk to the principals, and do your own research.
By understanding the fees, subsidies, and curriculums available, you can make a confident decision that sets your child up for a happy and successful learning journey.
