Preschools in Singapore: Playgroup or Kindergarten Fees Can Cost You as Much as $2,000 Per Month

I remember heading to Kindergarten at the age of four and end up getting into a fight on day one.

Most Singaporeans from my time started school at age four at one of those kindergartens founded by the PAP Community Foundation. That was our first school then, but time has changed.

In search of the next Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, parents are looking to give their child a headstart with Early Childhood Development Care and Education.

To give a quick overview of this head start we just talked about, parents are sending their child to Pre nursery (Toddlers) Programme which is as early as 18 months. Before you even realise it, you are starting to go to school.

This reminds me of the banned advertisement which Xbox did a while back about life being too short, play Xbox.

TL;DR – Which Is The Cheapest Pre Nursery (Toddlers) Programme in Singapore?

Kicking off the education journey of your child may be beneficial, but it comes at a cost.

In Singapore, where both the parents are working, Preschool allows parents to assure that their child is in good hands while they are at work. Preschool education is also a good headstart for children to develop independence and communication skills while acquiring knowledge.

What Is the Age for Pre Nursery (Toddlers) Programme?

Preschool generally means any form of education programme received before one enter primary school. Preschool can also be broken down into several stages from as young as 18 months, all the way to six years old.

To give an overview of the early years of preschool education in Singapore, they can be broken down into these few stages:

Child Care Subsidy for Singaporean Children

From January 2020, there are subsidies in place to make preschools more affordable.

Some may argue that this is Singapore’s government trying to encourage Singaporeans to work more. But in our opinion? Free money, just take!

Full-day Child Care Subsidy for Singaporean Children by Anchor Operator or MOE

If you are looking to enrol your child into any of the kindergartens or preschools run by Anchor Operators or MOE, you get to enjoy these subsidies:

To better recognise these childcare centres, it is that that charge a fee of $770 per month.

Other Factors to Consider When Looking for a Preschool

There are usually a few factors parents take into consideration when choosing a Preschool:

• The location of the Preschool
  So that they find a convenient preschool to send and pick up their child before and after work
• The cost of the Preschool programme
  There is a $5 way of raising a child, and a $500 way of doing so. Find one that suits your comfort zone.
• Teacher-Child Ratio
  Some parents use this as an indicator, to determine the amount of attention their child receives from the teacher.
• Types of Preschool programme
  There are a few variations of programmes available in schools to better prepare our next generation for the world. Examples of programmes include bilingual lessons, music or even art-focused programmes.

Preschool Teacher-child ratio set by Early Childhood Development Agency Singapore (ECDA)

Ultimate Guide to the Best Preschools in Singapore

EtonHouse Schools

The EtonHouse Education Group has 120 schools over 12 countries. EtonHouse has a separate group of teacher trainers that was created to provide on-the-job training, professional courses, workshops and conferences and research projects to enhance the quality of programmes in the schools.

EtonHouse has outlets in these locations:

MindChamps Preschool

Founded almost two decades ago, MindChamps based their education outline on a 3-Mind approach. They develop their programme around cultivating the Learning Mind, Creative Mind and the Champion Mind. MindChamps constantly research for ways to liberate and train the instinct for creativity and problem-solving skills for children enrolled under their programme.

MindChamps has 36 outlets all over Singapore for your convenience.

Lorna Whiston Preschool

Lorna Whiston started in the year 1980 and has built a reputation for high-quality education and teaching excellence. They are known for their Preschools, signature English Enrichment and Speech & Drama programmes.

Lorna Whiston has two outlets, at Kallang Wave Mall and Winchester Road.

Lorna Whiston Preschool at Kallang Wave Mall

Address: #01-28 Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place, 397628

Lorna Whiston Preschool at Winchester Road

Address: 9 Winchester Rd, Singapore 117783

Skool4kidz

My First Skool

My First Skool is the pre-school arm of NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) First Campus Co-operative.

They have been in business since the year 1977, and aim to give working families peace of mind, by making quality child development and care services accessible.

As happy children are better learners and at NTUC First Campus’ My First Skool, their teachers build meaningful relationships so that every child is happily engaged in the quality holistic curriculum they offer.

My First Skool recreates everyday activities within and outside their learning environments, coupling it with fun and practical real-life applications.

My First Skool offers programmes for children aged 2 months to 6 years old and has 145 centres in Singapore.

Website: My First Skool

Contact number: 6509 7887

Email: [email protected]

Brighton Montessori

Brighton Montessori now has six preschool centres. Brighton Montessori’s curriculum was uniquely designed to cater to each individual child’s needs. Their classrooms are well equipped and ever ready for a child’s learning, allowing them to explore and express themselves freely.

Pat’s Schoolhouse

With over 30 years of experience, Pat’s Schoolhouse now has 15 preschools and 2 infant care centres throughout Singapore. Built on the continued support of our parents and the unwavering passion of our professional team to give of their very best, we are grateful to still remain at the forefront of early childhood education in Singapore.

Between Two Trees

Between Two Trees believes in meaning in learning for each child and quality in guiding. Their teachers are highly qualified and are equipped with skills and abilities to formulate a constantly evolving curriculum that is tailored to each child’s needs and progress.

Between Two Trees has outlets in both Holland Road and Clarke Quay.

Little Skool House

Little Skool House believes that every child should have access to quality education. They aim to provide quality early childhood education for all.

Little Skool House has centres located around Singapore:

• Ang Mo Kio Hub
• Orchid Country Club
• Marina Boulevard
• Delta House
• Ulu Pandan Community Club
• Mountbatten Square
• Tampines Junction
• Downtown East

Greentree Montessori

Established in the year 1990, Greentree Montessori supports a mindful approach to education, parenting and human development by adopting the Montessori Method, the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) approach, the Pikler approach, and a natural environment.

Greentree Montessori has centres located around Singapore:

• 45 Jalan Mata Ayer
• Sembawang Shopping Center
• 26 Jalan Shaer

Superland Montessori Preschool

Superland has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of children since 2002. Superland Montessori’s teaching approach is combined with our thoughtfully-crafted bilingual curriculum and delivered in a fun and creative way to keep your child inspired to learn.

Superland Montessori has three centres:

• SingPost Centre
• Kreta Ayer Community Centre
• Tiong Bahru Community Centre

Cherie Hearts

Cherie Hearts believe that every child is a unique individual who deserves to reach his potential. At Cherie Hearts, their purposeful multi-literacies curriculum approach enhances children’s holistic growth, allows children to experience personal success and develop a joy for learning.

Cherie Hearts now has 20 centres islandwide.

PCF Sparkletots Preschool

Singaporeans usually label these preschools as “PAP Kindergarten”. PCF stands for PAP Community Foundation. It is a charitable foundation founded by the Singapore People’s Action Party. PCF Sparkletots preschool is one of the initiative from this foundation.

PCF Sparkletots now has 360 childcare centres and kindergartens islandwide.