What You Need to Know about International Preschools in Singapore

Planning to enroll your child in an early education program in the country? Singapore boasts one of the best education systems and it’s easy to find great schools. While preschools are not mandatory here, many parents find them essential to prepare their children for the rigorous formal education system. Parents have a choice of local preschools, Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens, or international preschools. 

Of these early education options, international preschools continue to attract a lot of attention. If you’re a parent looking for quality early education for your child, an international institution is a smart choice. In this post, read on to discover everything you need to know about international preschools in the country.

What Is an International Preschool? 

First things first; what’s an international preschool? This is an early education program that follows an international syllabus. Most of the schools borrow their syllabus from countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, America, and Canada. This differs from other preschools, which follow the curriculum provided by the Singapore’s Ministry of Education. The most common pedagogies used in international preschools in the country include:

• Montessori program
• Reggio Emilia approach
• Theory of Multiple Intelligences
• Art-Based preschools with lessons in visual arts, speech & drama, music and dance
• High scope approach based on the educational theories of John Dewey, Jean Piaget, and Lev Vygotsky. 
• Child-led Forest School approach and movement
• Play-based learning
• Waldorf education
• Whole Brain Learning approach

The best international preschools in the country adopt the best curriculum structure and incorporate the principles of the model into their activities. The programs in these schools mostly follow the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) for children aged 18 months to 11 years. 

Traditionally, international early schools were popular with expatriates and other parents with international backgrounds. Today, more Singaporeans in need of the best education for their kids sign up to an International school in Singapore. 

The Child Is at the Centre of Learning 

One of the first things you note when evaluating international preschools in the country is the focus on the child. The curriculum used in most programs has the child at the center and so do the learning activities. The idea of a holistic learning experience guarantees better outcomes in the learning process. 

The curriculum design in the schools is tailored to the unique needs of every child, their interests, disposition, and strengths. This approach makes the child feel at home. You’ll note with joy that your child loves being in school, which is the dream of every parent. The child-centered school programs also promote faster learning and retention. To implement this approach in the learning activities, the curriculum uses activities that reflect a range and variety of experiences. The idea is to accommodate every type of child. 

Some of the skills taught includes mathematics, Chinese language classes, social studies, and motor skill development through movement training. For a professional learning experience, enroll your child in the best chinese lessons singapore.  

While the learning experience is child-centered, the teachers still integrate structures that are important in a child’s socialization. The delicate balance between allowing a free environment and a structured one distinguishes international schools in Singapore from other schools.

The balance occurs through the seamless integration of play into the learning experiences. Children have learning items and enjoy diverse play activities. However, this is not disorganized playing but a learning process. Your child learns through the tailored play activities selected by highly trained education experts. 

The environment is Key to Learning 

In learning, international preschools emphasize the environment as a key factor in learning. Children in these schools feel at home and enjoy the learning experience. The certified instructors have experience handling children of all ages. 

Better still, the best international early schools meet the highest safety standards. A lot of thought goes into the design of the institutions. Some of these schools have won international awards for designing incredible learning environments for kids. 

From the food, hygiene standards, welcoming, kid-friendly classes, and outdoor areas, to the friendly teachers, international preschools design everything to make early school experiences enjoyable. The class numbers and teacher-learner ratio are other points to note. The small classes and a large number of professionally trained teachers make learning more effective. 

Like every parent, the safety and well-being of your child are a priority when you look for a preschool. A visit to the best international preschool in your area opens you to the learning opportunities available to your child. You’ll discover exclusive facilities and amenities that guarantee your child’s safety from the library/inquiry center, swimming pools, medical centers, playground with a bike track, cafe, and gym, to the ‘move and groove’ room.

Final Word

If you’re looking for the right preschool for your child, an international preschool should top your list. The institutions offer specialized programs in some of the safest learning environments in the country. The schools prioritize the safety of children and emphasize holistic learning. Enrolling your child in one of these institutions is the best gift for your young one.

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