Looking for the right play-based preschool in Singapore for your child? By now, you’ve probably already realised that simply shortlisting your options might not be enough!
Here’s the good news: Knowing the right questions to ask prospective preschools can make the process so much easier and help you find the best fit for your family much more quickly.
That’s exactly what we’re here to help you with today. Below are some key questions to guide you in your search for the best play-based preschool for your child.
1. How do you implement your play-based philosophy?
Play-based learning is an early childhood teaching approach that uses play as the primary way for children to learn, interact, and make sense of the world.
In this philosophy, children’s curiosity and interests guide the learning process, while teachers act as facilitators and provide support. Preschools may implement this approach in different ways.
That’s why it’s worth asking: how is this teaching philosophy applied throughout the child’s day? How do lessons and activities connect back to the play-based approach?
Since children learn in different ways, it’s important that the preschool is able to address the needs of all types of learners through this approach.
2. What are the qualifications of your preschool teachers?
As a parent, you want someone qualified and experienced to build the right learning foundation for your child. The quality and qualifications of the teachers are critical to your child’s learning experience in preschool and beyond!
During your visit, ask the teachers about their educational background and experience in early childhood education. What experience do they have working with young children?
If possible, try to observe the teachers in action during class. How do they handle each child’s behaviour, and are they able to create a positive learning environment for your child?
3. What is your teacher-student ratio?
The Early Childhood Development Agency recommends a teacher-student ratio of 1:12 for preschools, or 1 + 1:18 if a teaching assistant is present.
Why does the teacher-student ratio matter? A good staff-to-child ratio ensures that your child receives adequate and individualised attention from their teachers every day.
The lower the ratio, the more personalised support each child receives, allowing teachers to effectively monitor and guide their learning progress.
4. How do you monitor each student’s learning progress and growth?
Preschools should have a system in place for effectively monitoring each student’s learning progress and development.
How do the teachers assess each child? What measures do they use to determine whether a student is meeting expectations or not?
Additionally, you might want to ask how differentiated learning is incorporated into the curriculum, considering that children learn and process information in different – and sometimes in multiple ways!
5. How do you involve parents in their children’s learning journey?
Whether it’s good or bad news, it’s important that the preschool makes an effort to foster strong communication with parents and keep you regularly updated. This shows that they want you to be just as involved in your child’s learning experience.
A sign of a great preschool is when they offer multiple opportunities for parents to actively participate in their child’s journey. For example, ask if they allow parents to volunteer at school events or programmes.
Do they provide parenting classes that will help you learn how to support your child in their development in preschool and beyond? How do they communicate learning progress and goals to help you work on them together?
If you’re looking for a high-quality play-based preschool in Singapore that can kick-start your child’s development and learning the best way possible, get in touch with the Lily Valley Preschool team!
