If you are like most parents in Singapore, you are ready to do whatever it takes to give your child a head start in life.

Starting your child in preschool is one of the most effective ways to ensure that he excels academically and socially in later years.

If you are a new parent, the thought of enrolling your child in preschool may make you anxious because you don’t know if the center you choose will be a good fit for him.

To effectively narrow down the best preschool program for your little one, there are some important things you must consider. We are going to be looking at a couple of them in this article.

Factors to consider when picking a preschool

During your search for a reputable preschool for your kid, you may be tempted to opt for a center that is closest to your home or those with state-of-the-art décor. You shouldn’t make your decision based on these factors, as they won’t have a serious impact on the development of your child. Below are some factors that really count.

School license

It may surprise you to know that some preschool centers in Singapore may not have all the certification and licenses required by the body that regulates the program.

During your visit to a potential school for your child, you should ask for copies of their certification and licensing. Be sure to check if the program they offer is licensed by the Department of Education.

The school schedule

Ask the principal or the director about when they open and close and the holidays they observe. It is also crucial to know the type of schedule they offer (part-time or full-time).

Find out the arrangement and systems they have put in place in the event of an emergency.

Get a feel of the school.

Even if a school has tons of positive reviews, you must visit it in person before making a final decision.

Below are a few things you should do during your time at the school.

• Check if the children in the school look happy.
• Observe if the children and staff get along and are comfortable with each other
• Ask yourself if the feel and atmosphere of the school match your kid’s temperament.
• Inquire if the school encourages parents to visit the classroom. If they don’t, find out why.

Health and safety policies

During your time with the director, you should ask about their safety features and the steps they have taken to ensure that the environment is safe.

Here are a few tips that will guide you here.

• Does the school have a monitored entrance? (Find out how the school monitors strangers and newcomers)
• Is the facility clean and well maintained? (Look around to see if the facility is clean and if cleaning supplies are well kept)

Teachers

Before meeting the pre-school teacher that will teach your child in person, you should ask the director about their experience level and certifications.  

It won’t be out of place to find out the teacher-student ratio and the type of staff training that is offered.