5 Things to Consider When Shortlisting Preschools in Loyang

Are you shortlisting preschools in Loyang and not sure what you should be looking for? Worry no more because we're here to share the key preschool considerations you should know as a parent!

From curriculum to teacher-student ratio, these factors should lead you to the right preschool in Loyang that can build a strong foundation to kickstart your child's educational journey.

Continue reading below!

1. Curriculum

Preschools across Singapore usually follow varying curricula and early childhood education methodologies. The two more commonly known of which are the Montessori (collaborative learning) and the Reggio Emilia (independent learning) approach.

In this case, it'd be helpful to know your child's preferred learning style as some curriculums are play-based while others are more focused on academics. Take time to observe their interests, activities, and how they engage with other kids.

Most curricula are a great fit for early learning and development, so it will ultimately boil down to your child's preference.

As a baseline, a preschool curriculum should be able to address children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development through a wide range of activities and engagements.

Take Blossom Edugroup's preschool curriculum as an example. It covers the key domains of development, three styles of learning and three tracks of learning, highlighting the fact that children have different ways of learning and exploring.

2. Teaching Staff

One of the most crucial factors on this list is the teaching staff. That's because it's the teachers who have the biggest influence on your child and are responsible for their development and well-being while at school.

How do the teachers at the centre interact with children? It's important that the preschool teachers are attentive, approachable, and experienced in handling children's emotions and behaviours.

During a preschool visit, observe how the teachers engage with the students individually and collectively in a classroom setting. That will give you honest insight into how they are as childhood educators, something that certificates can't always accurately provide.

3. Facilities

The preschool environment plays an essential role in children's early learning and development too!

The campus doesn't need to be massive, but it should be safe, spacious, well-equipped, and child-friendly for students to have a proper preschool experience. An ample play area (indoor and outdoor) where children can move their bodies should be non-negotiable.

Additionally, every learning space and resource should be well-maintained and organised and able to accommodate students' different learning styles.

4. Class Size

How many children does a teacher handle in each class?

The Early Childhood Education Agency (ECDA) urges parents to ask preschool prospects about their teacher-student ratio. At this age, it's important that children are given proper care and attention.

A good staff-child ratio allows teachers to spend as much time with each student, closely monitor their progress, and provide additional support where needed. Otherwise, teachers won't be able to meet each one's needs adequately.

The ECDA recommends a teacher-student ratio of 1:15 to 1:25 for preschool.

5. Partnership and Community

As a parent, you'd know that it takes a village to raise a child! Picking a preschool in Loyang means you're picking the preschool's entire community, not just the teachers and support staff.

As such, preschools should make an effort to maintain an accessible and honest line of communication with parents to give both parties a chance to collaborate for each student's growth and development.

How does the preschool update parents on their child's overall progress at school? While there's no singular and correct way to do this, it should feel as if you're part of your child's preschool experience and always connected to the preschool.