Importance of Preschool Education

The early years are important for a child’s development

Quality preschool education will provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children to develop holistically and nurture positive attitudes towards learning. It will also help the children develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills and build up confidence as well as self-management and social skills. This foundational development will enable children to have a smoother transition from preschool education to formal education in primary schools.

Tips for selecting a good preschool centre

1. You may want to consider SPARK-certified preschools?  SPARK is a quality assurance framework introduced by MOE to raise the quality of preschools
2. Locate preschool centre convenient for you
3. Obtain information on the preschool centres (i.e. cost, philosophy, programme and curriculum, centre – parent partnership, meals and snacks, illness and emergency arrangement)
4. Visit the preschool centre with your child.  Observe how the teachers relate with your child

 

After you have selected the preschool centre, prepare your child by :

1. Discussing school with your child by reading story books or watching cartoon
2. Selecting school bag and water bottle with your child

 

This milestone can be stressful for parents. Be prepared for :

1. Separation anxiety
2. Illness
3. Accidents in school
4. Refusal to go school after the first day

 

Desired competencies from preschool education from your child are :

1. Know what is right and what is wrong
2. Be willing to share and take turns with others
3. Be able to relate to others
4. Be curious and be able to explore
5. Be able to listen and speak with understanding
6. Be comfortable and happy with themselves
7. Have developed physical co-ordination and healthy habits
8. Love their family, friends, teachers and kindergarten