School Tours: Top Questions To Ask When Visiting Pasir Ris Childcares And Preschools

Sometimes, asking the right questions when visiting childcares and preschools can help you find the best place for your child. And that’s exactly what we’re here to help with today!

As a parent, it's important to stay curious and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of early childhood education options and determine which environment is the best fit for your child. 

To help make your life easier, we’ve put together a list of key questions to ask when visiting childcare centres and preschools in Pasir Ris for your convenience.

1. What are the qualifications of your carers and teachers?

The early years spent in childcare and preschool are crucial for your child’s growth and development, so it's important to leave them in the care of someone who is both qualified and passionate about their work.

This is why the training and qualifications of carers and teachers play such a critical role in early childhood education. Beyond technical skills and qualifications, they should also be equipped to handle a range of behaviours and know how to respond to emergencies.

One of the best ways to assess this is by observing the teachers and staff during class. Take a closer look at how they handle a group of children.

2. What is your teaching philosophy or approach?

This is one of the most important questions to ask when choosing an early childhood education centre for your child.

That is because it can help you determine whether their teaching philosophy aligns with your parenting style, values, and goals for your child.

 A preschool’s philosophy provides insight into how children will learn and grow under their supervision, the values to be taught, the environment they will experience, and the overall approach of early learning and development.

3. How much are your monthly rates?

Unless you don’t have a strict budget for your child’s early childhood education, it’s just as important to have a full understanding of the monthly fees charged by preschools.

It’s no secret that early childhood education can be costly in Singapore. While every parent wants the best care and learning experience for their child, it’s also important to stay within your budget.

When it comes to early childhood education, it’s all about finding the right balance between quality and affordability. 

The good news is that there are government-subsidised childcare centres and preschools in Singapore designed to make quality education more accessible to families.

 These centres and preschools must meet strict criteria to be acknowledged by the government, which then encourages them to continuously improve their services.

4. How many children do teachers handle in every class?

To ensure your child receives proper attention and care, be sure to ask about the teacher-to-child ratio in each class.

 The Early Childhood Development Agency recommends a ratio of 1:5 for childcare and 1:12 for preschool, so you want a centre that follows this or comes close to these guidelines.

 A good teacher-to-child ratio is crucial because it allows teachers to provide more individualised attention and better track each child's progress.

 Generally, the lower the ratio, the more personalised support and guidance each child will receive.

 5. How do you provide updates to parents?

Finally, be sure to ask how the preschool keeps parents informed about their child’s performance and progress.

Some preschools hold regular parent-teacher meetings, while others use digital tools or apps to provide updates and share important information.

 Whatever your preference, it’s essential to choose a preschool with an established and reliable communication system, whether for routine updates or emergencies.