Finding the right preschool for your little one can be a daunting task.
This comes along with the huge amount of money you need to prepare for your child. Sometimes, some quick cash can help you.
With so many things to consider when choosing a preschool, such as your child’s curiosity and love of learning, the nurturing and stimulating environment provided by the preschool staff, and how much fun it will be for your child, it can be overwhelming.
We’re here to help.
This guide is packed full of information about different preschool options available in Singapore. We’ll discuss costs, variables that influence your choice, and some of the best kindergartens on the island.
Let’s go!
Which Is The Cheapest Pre Nursery (Toddlers) Programme in Singapore?
Kicking off a child’s education journey is an exciting and important milestone, but it can also be quite costly. How can you get money fast? There are many preschools to choose from, and each one usually comes with a substantial price tag.
Don’t forget the additional expenses related to supplies, extracurricular activities, and transport to and from school.
Of course, investing in your child’s education is crucial for their future success, but it can also be challenging to balance these costs with other financial obligations. Ultimately, the decision should be guided by what you feel is most important for them at this stage of their development.
Only you can determine what’s best for your child.
Here’s what’s in store:
| Name of School | Pre Nursery (Playgroup) (18 Months to 2 Years Old) | Nursery and Kindergarten (Age 3 to 6) | ||
| Half Day (7am – 1pm) | Full Day (7am – 7pm) | Half Day (7am – 1pm) | Full Day (7am – 7pm) | |
| EtonHouse Schools | $5,653.20 (10 weeks with GST) | $6,370.25 (10 weeks with GST) | – | $6,016.35 (10 weeks with GST) |
| Lorna Whiston | $1,530.10 (with GST) | $2,321.90 (with GST) | $1,530.10 (with GST) | $2,321.90 (with GST) |
| MindChamps | $1,865 + GST | $2,065 + GST | $1,765 + GST | $1,965 + GST |
| Skool4kidz | $385 (with GST) | $770 (with GST) | $385 (with GST) | $770 (with GST) |
| my first skool | – | $770.40 (with GST) | – | $770 (with GST) |
| Brighton Montessori | $2,033 (till 5.30pm with GST) | $2,140 (with GST) | $2,033 (till 5.30pm with GST) | $2,140 (with GST) |
| Pat’s Schoolhouse | $1,583.60 (with GST) | $2,118.60 (with GST) | $1,583.60 (with GST) | $2,118.60 (with GST) |
| Between Two Trees | $1,369 | $1,979 | $1,369 | $1,979 |
| My Little Skool | $1,551 | $1,979 | $1,551 | $1,979 |
| Greentree Montessori | $1,220 | $1,550 | $1,220 | $1,550 |
| Superland | $1,200 | $1,500 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Cherie Hearts | $600 | $800 | $600 | $800 |
| PCF Sparkletots Pre-school (Singaporeans call them PAP Kindergarten) | $160 | $386 | $160 | $386 |
Luckily, you may be eligible for a subsidy:
| Household Income | Per Capita Income | Basic Subsidy | Max Additional Subsidy Cap | Minimum Co-payment Required of parent |
| $3,000 and below | $750 and below | $300 | $467 | $3 |
| $3,001 to $4,500 | $751 to $1,125 | $440 | $30 | |
| $4,501 to $6,000 | $1,126 to $1,500 | $340 | $130 | |
| $6,001 to $7,500 | $1,501 to $1,875 | $260 | $210 | |
| $7,501 to $9,000 | $1,876 to $2,250 | $190 | $280 | |
| $9,001 to $10,500 | $2,251 to $2,625 | $130 | $340 | |
| $10,501 to $12,000 | $2,626 to $3,000 | $80 | $390 | |
| Above $12,000 | Above $3,000 | NA |
What Is the Age for Pre Nursery (Toddlers) Programme?
Children in Singapore generally start preschool when they are around 18 months old, although some preschools offer programmes for children as young as six months old. Education is expensive.
The preschool education system in Singapore is divided into several stages, each catering to the needs of children at different developmental stages:
- The pre-nursery programme is specifically tailored for toddlers aged 18 months to 2 years old and focuses on helping them develop essential life skills such as self-care and socialisation.
- Nursery 1 is aimed at children aged 2 to 3 years old and helps them develop their language and literacy skills.
- Nursery 2 to Kindergarten 2 (K2) is for children aged 4 to 6 years old and helps them develop a foundation in Maths and Science.
Other Factors to Consider When Looking for a Preschool
There are many things to consider when choosing a preschool:
Convenient location: You may want to quickly drop your child off before work and pick them up afterwards instead of losing time commuting.
Affordable cost: You want to be able to send your child to preschool without breaking the bank.
Teacher-child ratio: This number helps determine how much attention your child will receive from the teacher.
Types of preschool programs: Some parents prefer a program that focuses on academic skills, while others prefer a program that focuses on social and emotional development.
Special needs that require extra attention and support: You may want to look for preschools with solid and specialised programs designed to meet the unique needs of children with special needs.
Language programme: Some schools offer complete immersion programs in Mandarin or other languages, while others focus on teaching students in their native tongue or using English as a primary teaching language.
School’s schedule and structure: Some preschools operate on strict half-day or full-day schedules, while others may be more flexible depending on your family’s needs and preferences. It’s also essential to think about the daily routine at each preschool, including things like recess times and mealtimes.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when choosing a preschool; it just depends on what matters most to you and your children. To get enough financial support, click here.
Best Preschools in Singapore
1. Brighton Montessori
Brighton Montessori has been delivering high-quality early childhood education to children in Singapore for over 25 years. This preschool is rooted in the Montessori philosophy, which emphasises hands-on learning and individualised instruction.
The institution understands that children develop at different rates and have unique learning needs, so it offers customised learning experiences to each child. Their dedicated teaching staff will tailor a curriculum that meets their specific needs and enables them to reach their full potential.
2. Shaws Preschool
Singapore preschools are designed to give children a head start in their education, and Shaws is no exception. This preschool offers play-based learning in both outdoor and indoor spaces:
- The outdoor areas include gardens, and sports coaches visit twice a week.
- The indoor areas include Messy play, Mud Kitchens, and Splash Zones.
In addition to academic skills, children at Shaws Preschool also learn confidence, resilience, and teamwork. This preschool is an excellent option for parents who want their children to get a well-rounded education.
3. Eton House
The EtonHouse Education Group is a world-renowned preschool provider with over 120 schools located in 12 different countries around the globe. In addition to its preschools, EtonHouse also has a separate group of trained educators, which was created to provide:
- On-the-job training
- Professional courses
- Workshops
- Opportunities for research projects
All these aim to enhance the quality of preschool programs across all of their campuses. Through this dynamic and innovative approach to preschool education, the EtonHouse team is committed to fostering a love of learning in young children and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed throughout their academic careers and beyond.
4. MindChamps
Founded almost twenty years ago, MindChamps has become one of the leading preschools in Singapore. Their unique approach to education is based on a three-pronged method called the 3-Mind model, focusing on:
- The Learning Mind
- The Creative Mind
- The Champion Mind
Through various engaging learning activities and techniques, MindChamps helps children unlock their natural creativity and develop critical problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. In addition, MindChamps conducts ongoing research into new ways to promote young minds and unlock their fullest potential as creative thinkers and problem-solvers.
5. Lorna Whiston
Lorna Whiston is a premier provider of preschool education in Singapore. Founded four decades ago, the company has built a reputation for providing top-quality instruction and excellence in teaching. Their preschool programs are renowned for their high standard of educational quality, focusing on preschool activities that promote learning excitement and a love for language.
That’s not all.
Lorna Whiston offers signature English enrichment and speech & drama classes designed to help students maximise their potential in these critical areas.
With two conveniently located outlets – one at the Kallang Wave Mall and the other at Winchester Road – Lorna Whiston makes it easy for families to access high-quality preschool education right within their local community.
Whether you’re looking for a preschool program that can prepare your child for future schooling or want to give your child an early advantage in reading, writing, and language comprehension, Lorna Whiston has a program that can meet your needs.
Finding the Best Preschool/Kindergarten for Your Child
Finding the right preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions parents have to make. That’s where your child begins.
A preschool can lay the foundation for your child’s education, helping them develop their academic, social, and emotional skills at an early age.
To find the right preschool for your child, it’s essential to research and explore all of your options. One way to get started on this process is to visit preschools in your area and talk to their staff and teachers. This approach will allow you to assess whether their teaching philosophy aligns with your values. Besides, it’s essential to have face-to-face time with prospective instructors who can give you guidance and advice.
If you’re looking for additional support in finding the right preschool for your child, you may also consider seeking help from urgent moneylenders in Singapore.
With financial assistance from these lenders, you’ll be able to stretch your budget even further and enroll your child in a top-quality preschool program that will set them up for success both now and into the future.
Urgent Loan Moneylenders Singapore will give you quotes from the most trustworthy financial institutions on the island. Apply now to see their offers – no strings attached!