Origins of Kindergartens
The word kindergarten originates from German. Kinder denotes children and garten denotes garden. The term may be traced to the 19th century. Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852) opened the original kindergarten, Garden of Children, in 1840. From Froebel Web, the word kindergarten was coined by Froebel and denoted his concept of early childhood education: “Children are like tiny flowers; they are varied and need care, but each is beautiful alone and glorious when seen in the community of peers.”
Prior to 1840, children below age 7 were not matriculated into school. “Pioneers In Our Field: Friedrich Froebel – Founder of the First Kindergarten” from Early Childhood Today reports that it was perceived that children below age 7 were not able to pay attention for extended periods or acquire reasoning, memorizing, or empathizing instincts.
Froebel was a trainer firmly rooted in ideals of self-exploration and practical education for kids. He also highly appreciated nature, science and mathematics. He believed kids had to be groomed and tenderly cultivated like nursery plants. Hence, he initiated a junior learning program for early learners, which he termed kindergarten. This explorative venue allowed children to mature and bloom independently through individually explored leisurely games under the mere supervision, not lecturing, of instructors.
Froebel’s kindergarten contained many toys, games for children to peruse. He conceived groups of talents and skills. These were designed to assist kids to identify and internalize patterns, symbolism, signs, shapes in nature and educate kids on foundational notions in science, geometry and architecture. The training provided substances like clay, sand, paper and string to inculcate talents like sculpting, lacing, weaving and folding, in order to provoke imagination, creativity and a sense of wonder, spontaneous cognition.
The word kindergarten may also denote “garden for children”. Open space was a kindergarten’s highlight, which provided grounds for kids to discover nature as well as leisurely play, plant, nurture, explore, observe and peruse.
From the Froebel Web, Froebel’s philosophy of education was grounded on four basic ideas: individual expression, innovation, interaction and motor skills.
This idea bears close semblance to the 4-H program, which is founded on practical education. The Michigan State University 4-H Children’s Garden, for example, is designed to be grounds for children to leisurely explore and provoke their interest and inculcate a sense of wonder. The 4-H Cloverbud program for 5-to-7-year-old kids offers materials and practical learning regimes that develop, provoke interest, engagement, innovation, wonder.
Froebel’s kindergarten notion of leisurely, practical and self-discovered training resembles the practical learning regime mobilized in 4-H training. While Froebel’s kindergarten is for 4-to-6-year-old children, that is near to the 4-H Cloverbud age (5 to 7 years old), 4-H also proffers practical learning experiences for learners aged 8 to 19 years.
Kindergartens in Singapore
Kindergartens in Singapore offer up to three years of pre-school for children ages three to six. The three years are commonly called Nursery, Kindergarten 1 (K1) and Kindergarten 2 (K2), respectively.
Kindergartens provide a space for kids to learn how to socialize with peers, and to groom them for formal learning in Primary school. Lessons include reading language – written and oral – and numbers, development of individual and interactive skills, games, music, or physical sports. Kids read two languages, English and their official Mother Tongue (Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil). Most private or church-based kindergartens may not offer Malay and/or Tamil, so non-Chinese pupils could also read some Basic Mandarin in such kindergartens.
These kindergartens operate under the auspices of the private sector, community foundations, religious bodies, and civic or business groups. There are more than 200 kindergartens registered with the Early Childhood Development Agency. Kindergartens are also operated by child care centres or international schools.
Kindergartens are catered towards 5-year-olds, but occasionally hosts 4-to-6-year-olds, which offers learners relevant learning chances to hone the kid’s interactive, formal learning foundations, understanding, as well as to equip them for the journey into junior school. Why is early schooling termed kindergarten?
The Top Kindergartens in Singapore
Centre Name |
Mulberry Learning |
Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
https://mulberrylearning.com/ |
Address |
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Telephone |
(65) 6653 8082
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Operating Hours |
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm |
Accolades |
Young Parents: SG Parent’s Choice 2016 – 2019 Winner |
Review 1 |
“The environment is beautiful; the team of teachers and staff is wonderful!” |
Review 2 |
“The teachers are meticulous, passionate and a very hardworking bunch.:)” |
Centre Name |
Raintrees Kindergarten |
Services |
Classes from children aged 18 months – 4+ |
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
https://raintreeskindergarten.com/ |
Address |
60 Kheam Hock Road, Singapore 298824
|
Telephone |
(65) 6474 6181 |
Operating Hours |
By appointment only |
Review |
“I had both my kids here, and loved it. Made it easy for us to meet a lot of amazing parents and kids. The school has such a home feel, and values a play based routine. It would be worth your time to visit this places.” |
Centre Name |
Mosaic Kindergarten |
Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to view |
Website |
https://mkg.sg |
Address |
896 Dunearn Rd, #01-01B, Singapore 58947 |
Telephone |
(65) 6909 0470 |
Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri: 8am – 5pm |
Review 1 |
“what i like most about their team is that they handle the children respectfully. My son was with them since he was 18 months old and his command in english and mandarin grew tremendously under their care. they have innovative activities for the children and my son is always happy to go to mosaic. they allow children to move and grow at their own pace and truly know and understand their students. principals and teachers are very in touch with each child and i am always well informed on the progress of my son. Chen Laoshi and crystal constantly touch base with me on my son’s development from appetite to potty training. although it is time for my son to move on, we will definitely be back for their holiday programmes! i would highly recommend this place!!!” |
Review 2 |
“Mosaic has a young and energetic team of teachers. They are fun, warm and welcoming, always guiding with a gentle hand. A happy and safe haven for the children.” |
Review 3 |
“My son Caio loves to go to Mosaic Kindergarten, all teachers are very kind to him and he loves them! He is very enthusiastic about going to school, even on weekends he asks about the school and teachers. Thank you all so much! We also love the environment very nice, educational, clean, colourful and fun!” |
Centre Name |
Brainy Child Montessori |
Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
https://www.brainychildmontessori.sg |
Address |
150 Orchard Road, Orchard Plaza #05-38 to 43, Singapore 238841 |
Telephone |
(65) 6733 7669 |
Operating Hours |
Mon: 9am – 5pm |
As Seen On |
‘Mangosteen Club‘, a Japanese magazine based in Singapore |
Review |
“A very holistic, child centered approach. An excellent Montessori curriculum. The most important point children love to come to this place with a smile because of all the variety of learning aids they get to explore!” |
Centre Name |
MindChamps |
Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to view |
Website |
|
Address |
Find a centre near you |
Telephone |
(65) 6828 2688 |
Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri: 8 am – 9 pm
Weekends: 8 am – 7.30 pm
|
As Seen On |
2015 Influential Brands Award |
Review 1 |
“I wanted what is best for my first born that this why I never hesitate to bring him to MindChamps. I have heard a lot of positive reviews about this center and I wanted to see for my self. Facilities are indeed child friendly and conducive for learning. They have this systematic scheme that the child would be learning and enjoying because they thought that they were only playing. Teachers are also fun loving too. My child really enjoys to follow what his teacher sings and dances. That is worth of every dollar I spend.” |
Review 2 |
“Kids learn faster than adults and, being 50% Chinese, I believe it is essential that our children be exposed to the Chinese culture and language early on. This will enable them to tap into the advantages of being proficient in one of the most widely spoken languages in the world today. We were concerned initially whether our child would feel overwhelmed being thrown into a new environment with a new language. However, young children adapt quickly and before we knew it, he started acquiring new vocabulary and was responsive when I communicated with him in Mandarin. Since he started attending school at MindChamps Chinese PreSchool @ Thomson, he learned many words, both in Mandarin and English. He can converse with a basic level of understanding and enjoys the songs and stories in both languages. I’m very much satisfied with the learning we got from MindChamps.” |
Centre Name |
White Lodge East Coast Kindergarten
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Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to view |
Website |
https://whitelodge.edu.sg |
Address |
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Telephone |
(65) 6255 4230
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Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri: 8 am – 5.30 pm
Weekends: Closed
|
Review |
“We are very pleased with our child’s progress, the learning program, and the level of communication from White Lodge.” |
Centre Name |
Josiah |
Speciality |
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Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
|
Address |
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Telephone |
(65) 63366906 |
Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri: 7 am – 7 pm
Weekends: Closed
|
Review |
“My first baby was here, and she was kind of difficult in bottle feeding, much appreciated with the great teacher who patiently fed her and provided great care for her with love. She is now a lovely little toddler, and always miss the teachers here. 😊
Looking forward to send in my second baby here.” |
Centre Name |
Little Paddington |
Speciality |
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Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
http://littlepaddington.com/ |
Address |
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Telephone |
(65) 6280 3007 |
Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat: 7pm – 2pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 |
“My son loves Little Paddington. He’s loves his teachers, they are warm and very nurturing. He is only 2.5 and I saw him using a straw the other day at school on the sand trying to write ‘A’. They have such great activities to engage him. What a fun way to learn how to start writing!” |
Review 2 |
“An awesome school. Its been 3 years, all the teachers are very warm and friendly. They all seem to know my children and are very caring. A special mention to the PG teachers who really helped Aaravs transition into the school” |
Centre Name |
Mahota Preschool |
Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
|
Address |
Blk 808 French Road, Kitchener Complex #03-01, Singapore 200808 |
Telephone |
(65) 6291 1915 |
Operating Hours |
Mon-Fri: 7am – 7pm Sat & Sun: Closed |
Review |
“👍 very nice, attentive Teachers. I particularly like their weekly nature walks/ field trips. I highly recommend mahota. My 2 year old loves going to school.” |
Centre Name |
Growing Up Gifted |
Services |
Playgroup to Kindergarten Programmes |
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
|
Address |
|
Telephone |
(65) 6258 4722 |
Operating Hours |
Weekdays 7am – 7pm |
Accolades |
Winner of Young Parents Choice Preschool & Enrichment Award |
Review |
“GUG has a superb and inspiring team. We enrolled my son in GUG after several cuts from different preschools because we did not see any significant results. It has been nearly 6 months and he has improved leaps and bounds since attending the classes in GUG. The zoophonics was extremely useful in introducing the alphabets to him. My son has managed to master the alphabets in less than 4 months and he has since related the phonics techniques that GUG teaches to every single new word that he acquires in a day to day basis. His vocabulary bank has also expanded greatly, and his self expression is a wonder to the family. We are all amazed at his progress and his knowledge of certain themes which we believed GUG had in place in the structured curriculum. We are truly thankful we chose the right school in embarking my son in the world of fun and interactive learning.” |
Centre Name |
Japanese Kindergarten |
Services |
Japanese Kindergarten School |
Pricing |
Click here to view |
Website |
|
Address |
251 West Coast Rd, Singapore 127390 |
Telephone |
(65) 6779 3434 |
Operating Hours |
Call to enquire |
Review |
“The holidays are overwhelmingly more than others, but they look carefully. Even small things can be in close contact with the homeroom teacher, so there is little anxiety. The director has a good feeling of listening to the parents’ opinions and working hard for the children. The nutritionally balanced school lunch is amazing. The taste is good and the kids are changing every time. Parents can also sample twice a year. It is a great opportunity to learn about Japanese culture even in a foreign country, as it celebrates events unique to Japan every season.” |
Centre Name |
Twinkle Kidz |
Services |
Preschool education with arts integration from Infant to Kindergarten 2. |
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
http://www.twinklekidzplayhouse.com |
Address |
|
Telephone |
(65) 6449 9383 |
Operating Hours |
7am – 7pm daily |
Review 1 |
“Love the clean and spacious layout @Twinklekidz CBP. My boy is always in great hands of the dedicated teachers. The school emphasis on good attitude and confidence of the child. He is now in N2, and he is very expressive and shows confidence. Thumbs up to the teachers who accompanied his learning journey.” |
Review 2 |
“We love the Changi Business Park branch of TwinkleKidz. Since my son started attending there he has made great leaps in his development. There is excellent teacher to student ratio which means he gets lots of focus if he struggles in any area. The staff there provide significant feedback and are very trustworthy.” |
Review 3 |
“Twinklekidz Toa Payoh Branch. My girl loved it and loved her teachers, they are so caring and loving. We are now overseas and regret so much this school. It is just one of a kind.” |
Centre Name |
Raffles Kidz |
Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
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Address |
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Telephone |
(65) 6282 6319 |
Operating Hours |
7am – 7pm daily |
Review 1 |
“Our 5 year old boy developed gracefully since we first enrolled him 3 years ago. We’ve seen positive progression in our son academics and personal characteristics. We are very grateful to all the mega wonderful and trustworthy Teachers of YCK Raffles Kidz that made our lives of working mom less stressful. Kudos on the continuous efforts in creating RK a great learning environment for the young ones!” |
Review 2 |
“Before decided Raffles kids, we went to view some schools, we really like the school’s environment and the teachers are all very nice with a lot of patience.my daughter even only 2y3m can feel she learns and grows so much after she goes to school . She really enjoy the time when stay in the school everyday” |
Centre Name |
Viv’s Schoolhouse |
Services |
Programmes for children aged 18 months to 6 years old |
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
https://www.vivschoolhouse.com |
Address |
12 Queen St, Hotel Royal @ Queens #04-01, Singapore 188553 |
Telephone |
(65) 6909 1311 |
Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 7am – 7pm Sat: 7am – 2pm Sun: Closed |
Accolades |
|
Review 1 |
“This is a wonderful preschool with great Teachers and programs in a very safe and fun environment. Especially Vivian, Teacher Pat and Zhou laoshi, who shows lots of patience, compassion and always extend an extra mile to my boy’s special needs due to eczema. They are always so kind and attentive to my kids. In addition, all other teachers are equally kind, helpful and always ready to help around. Am very happy and thankful to have my kids to grow up with Viv’s schoolhouse! Thank you! :)” |
Review 2 |
“Viv herself is what makes Viv’s schoolhouse special – the sheer love and involvement she has with each child at Viv’s schoolhouse is a testament to the heart this school was set up with. The heart in this school can be seen with each activity and lesson plan, aimed at making each day both fun and educational for our kids. More than just academic syllabus, the children here are taught to push their boundaries through play and non-academic activities like gym, swimming, speech and drama as well as regular field trips. Children at Viv’s schoolhouse are not excessively fussed over, but rather are taught to learn to fall and pick themselves up. There’s no better place to learn and be a child.” |
Review 2 |
“My child has been going to Viv’s for some time now, and I really appreciate their warm and caring teachers. They are very good with kids. But what stood out most was the incredibly well thought out curriculum which incorporates in-house gym classes, speech and drama lessons, swimming classes and even weekly cooking classes! I like that my child could learn by doing hands-on activities that he enjoys – definitely experiential learning at its best! Highly recommend.” |
Centre Name |
Whiz Kid |
Services |
|
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
http://whizkid.com.sg/ |
Address |
Blk 89 Marine Parade Central, #02-750, Singapore 440089 |
Telephone |
(65) 6247 7333 |
Operating Hours |
Call to enquire |
Review 1 |
“My 2 boys really enjoy going to Whizkid Preschool! They have a good teacher-child ratio. Both my sons have grown so much because of the guidance given by excellent teachers! My boys will definitely miss Whizkid when they graduate. Thumbs up to Whizkid Preschool!” |
Review 2 |
“When I was looking around for a child care Centre, I had a few expectations in mind. The teacher child ratio needs to be smaller, there should be outdoor activities and lastly, there should be constant communication between the teachers and myself. This school totally lived up to my expectations. The teachers were warm and friendly and my child adapted very quickly. The school is just by the beach so the children get to go to the beach often for sand play! They also have fun Friday every week where the children get to go for picnics, dress up as super heros etc. I love this school and I’m intending to enroll my younger one there ASAP.” |
Centre Name |
Kiddie Winkie |
Services |
|
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
http://www.kiddiwinkie.com.sg/ |
Address |
|
Telephone |
(65) 6463 3465 |
Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 7am – 7pm Weekends: Closed |
Accolades |
|
Review 1 |
“My eldest daughter, Ashley still misses teacher Ariel even though she has moved on to Primary one. We are fortunate to have teacher Ariel as Natalie’s teacher now. Under her care and guidance, we can see the improvement in Natalie, being a much more bubbly and confident child now. We appreciate her constant feedback about Nat’s development and progress in school. Thank you for your patience and unconditional love for the child.” |
Review 2 |
“My two boys are blessed to enter into such an amazing pre-school with the loves and tender caring from all the Teachers and assistants in the center. Especially Teacher Ariel who have been teaching my two boys for past 8 years, she has shown extraordinary cares to the children, yet she will also ensure the children are grown up with right attitude and behaviour. Once again, Happy Teachers’ Day to all the amazing and wonderful Teachers in KW @ Cactus.” |
Centre Name |
Tots & Teddies |
Services |
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Pricing |
Call to enquire |
Website |
|
Address |
62 Cecil St, TPI Building #04-00, Singapore 049710 |
Telephone |
(65) 6816 0001 |
Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 7am – 7pm Weekends: Closed |
Review |
“Totally no complaints about the school. Thank you Oliver for setting up the school and to all the staff for running it the way parents would want it to be. Active engagement of parents, transparent communication, superbly delicious and healthy food, receptive to feedback, a very warm and family-like environment. Many happy memories for us |
Centre Name |
Little Footprints |
Services |
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Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
|
Address |
Find a centre near you |
Telephone |
(65) 6463 3465 |
Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 7am – 7pm Sat: 7am – 2pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 |
“All the teachers in this school are really helpful and passionate about the children’s welfare. They truly care and show concern for the children. I must say Ms Anna, Ms Ifah and 尚老师 have helped in encouraging all their little charges with their real love to teach.” |
Review 2 |
“Thank you 尚老师 for your patience and care towards Charisse all these years. Happy Teacher Day.” |
Centre Name |
Kinderland |
Services |
|
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
https://kinderland.com.sg |
Address |
Find a centre near you |
Telephone |
(65) 6881 8818 |
Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 7am – 7pm Sat: 7am – 2pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 |
“My child has been studying in this centre for 9 months. I am pleased to say that the school is well-managed. My boy enjoys the outdoor play area which consists of sand play, water play, cycling track, trampoline, slides etc. The teachers are genuinely nice and caring. The principal is also very responsive to any issues raised, big or small.” |
Review 2 |
“I am so happy to share about my son’s new preschool. After a bad experience at another centre, I decided to switch my 2 year old son to Kinderland @ Upper Changi. At that point, I was so worried and guilty that I was putting my son, who is really not great at adapting to new environments, through another adjustment again. But wow,the Teachers did such a great job! They were always so patient and calm with him, and for the anxious mummy, they always provided me with timely and reassuring updates of photos and comments. If he cries and has no appetite, they’ll let me know too! It was a challenging 2 weeks of crying but since then, my Son has settled down very, very well. He loves school now and wants to go to school everyday, including weekends!” |
Centre Name |
EtonHouse |
Speciality |
Programmes for children aged 28 months to 15 years old |
Pricing |
Click here to enquire |
Website |
https://www.etonhouse.com.sg |
Address |
Find a centre near you |
Telephone |
(65) 6440 5100 |
Operating Hours |
Weekdays: 7am – 7pm Sat: 7am – 2pm Sun: Closed |
Review 1 |
“Both my gals attended Etonhouse 223 Mountbatten and we love this preschool. The teachers and staff are all friendly and caring and they make sure all the kids are happy and well taken care of. The programs are comprehensive and well rounded and my kids enjoy going to school everyday. I strongly recommend this preschool to any parent who wants to find a nurturing environment for their young kids. It is really one of the best around.” |
Review 2 |
“Excellent preschool with a good balance of learning the fun way. My girl is doing very well in local primary school. Thanks to the great teachers that gave her a very strong academic foundation. “ |
How Should You Choose a Kindergarten for Your Kid?
If you have read our previous article, Top Childcare Centres in Singapore, we have suggested some criteria for you to consider. They include the school’s values, quality of the curriculum, standards of safety and hygiene, ECDA certification, and location. These tips are transferrable to the process of searching for a suitable kindergarten.
Today, I’m going to add a few more tips for you to consider when choosing a kindergarten.
Term Calendar and Holidays
The academic term is a highly overlooked criterion, especially when you have another school-going child.
When you choose a kindergarten with a school calendar similar to your other children, planning family vacations and other family affairs would be much easier.
Weekly Schedule
Continuing with the topic of organising your schedule, you have to factor in the days and hours your kid will be in class. This will help you coordinate the time between your work and fetching your other kids.
Does the Kindergarten Cater to Children with Special Needs?
If you have a child with special needs, it is essential to address that to the principal. Find out what is the school’s approach in helping your child to integrate with the rest of the class effectively. Are there any particular aids or facilities that could ease your child into the school environment?
Will You Get to Participate in Special Events?
Having an opportunity to participate in field trips and community service events can help you understand how your child is coping socially with his/her peers and teachers.
Encourage Your Child to Share Their Opinions
While choosing a kindergarten, you may also like to factor in your child’s opinion. Chat with your kids on the type of programmes and skills he/she would like to learn.
Bring your child along during the school visit. Let him/her experience what’s it like being in that kindergarten. They may be young, but their intuition can sometimes offer a guide in choosing a comfortable environment.
Government-Run Kindergartens
The PAP operates over 370 kindergartens through its charitable subsidiary, the PAP Community Foundation.
Despite a high attendance rate of 99 per cent of children engaged in preschool, community groups are not relaxing, slacking, or complacent.
Self-help groups Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda) and the Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP) actively engage in the identification of five- and six-year-old children who are either not enrolled in kindergarten or are frequently absent.
This is aside from grassroots leaders from the People’s Association and social workers from Singapore Children’s Society who have previously played the main role in locating such kids.
The community groups’ engagement, which began this year for Sinda and two years ago for AMP, accelerates even while the statistics of children not attending pre-school has dropped from a record of 2,000 in 2006.
In 2012, 99 per cent of children aged five to six were enrolled for pre-school, a growth from 97.6 per cent in 2008, figures from the newly formed Early Childhood Development Agency show.
The growth owes itself to broad awareness and more outreach to locate such kids, said a spokesman for the agency, which was registered in April 2013 to oversee preschool matters previously under the Education Ministry.
“AMP and Sinda were able to participate and add value through targeted support to the community groups that they represent,” said the spokesman.
Education is compulsory in Singapore only from Primary 1. But studies have demonstrated that attending pre-school helps children – especially those from lower income families – catch up on lost ground, disadvantage.
MOE Kindergarten fees
The monthly fee for MK in 2019 and 2020 is:
- $160 for Singapore Citizens (SCs).
- $320 for Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs).
- Fees are also payable during the June and December holidays.
Note: If you require a full-day service, Kindergarten Care (KCare) is available at most MKs. For 2019/2020, the maximum monthly KCare fee is $386. KCare fees are also payable during the June and December holidays.
Editors Note:
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