[Ang Mo Kio/Bishan/Thomson/Toa Payoh] Preschools

[smurf]

I haven’t seen teacher teaching and kids yet, cos when I went, no kids around.haha…but they told me it’s not full montesori…I guess that’s ok…

[FTM08]

hi

i just wanted to echo emmanuel’s words. i went to cdc mei hwan too and found the supervisor just like emmanuel describe - not enthusiastic at all. really ask and answer. which is a pity. cause i thot of putting my gal there. is near my home. this is all new to me cause i’m first time mom and the sup is just not helpful at all. sigh.
wonder if any one had any experience with pre school by the park at li hwan?
tks!

[elchwong]

Hi all,


Any reviews or comments with regards to YWCA at Blk 185 and Bishan East 3 in 1 at Blk 181?

I actually paid registration fees to secure a space in YWCA for my son to be enrolled in Nov 1 but I just realized that they do no teach phonics. Phonics are taught by an external vendor whom we need to pay…

Called up Bishan East 3 in 1 and found that using Letterland is part of the curriculum. Even for playgroup, they are exposed to it via the Letterland songs…the monthly fees are cheaper than YWCA…

I’m in a dilemma now as to which to choose…please help?

[deon629]

Anyone comments on the above pcf in bishan? I am thinking of registering my son to their k1 class next year.

[LLX04]

Hi elchwong,


My gals were in YWCA 2 years ago where th childcare was refurbished… Noticed most of the senior teachers are still around till now. The price are reasonable and the food looked yummy to me though i never get to taste it. One thing I dislike its that the children are make to watch tv in the evening while waiting for parents to fetch them. The senior teachers are not as warm or friendly. However, I pulled them out as there were upgrading projects in the block which its going to be dusty and noisy.

[elchwong]

Hi LLX04,


Thanks for the info. Besides the food being yummy, how about the curriculum for playgroup? Are they taught phonics, crafts and etc?

[LLX04]

The curriculum is ok, lots of handcraft, singing, worksheets but no phonics. My 2 gals left before turning to 4 years old. However, my gal could not speak any chinese after attending 6 months. Not sure if this is due to her having difficulty concentrating.

[Littlefly]

Hi Mummies


I am also looking for recommendations to preschool with full day CC facilities for my boy around AMK/BIshan/Upper Thomson (near the AMK Ave 2) area.

His school recently has teacher movements and class reshuffling and i wonder why nearly half his classmates switch to new schools. I think the quality has suffered and it shows on my boy’s progress, hence we think it is not worth paying a premium for it.

Here’s my research results:
YMCA Metro Bishan - full
Learning Vision at grassroots - personal view is that the open concept makes the place very noisy and distracting for kids to learn properly
Bethesda at AMK - like the school but they don’t offer full day childcare
Sparkletot - a new branch opening at AMK blk 181, unsure about the mgt and staff quality

anyone has reviews on Carpe Diem @ Hilltop (Yio Chu Kang branch)?

Thanks

[DesertWind]

Hi Littlefly,

I used to send my 3 yo son to \"Kids & Kin Childcare Centre\" at Shangri-La Walk (off AMK Ave. 2). The environment and teachers I thought was quite good but have since switched as it was not suitable for him (too structured).

My search for alternative around same area:
1. YMCA (Ang Mo Kio) - full.
2. Learning Vision @ Grassroot Club - no vacancy for my boy (was on waiting list for 1/2 year still have not heard from them).
3. Kinderland @ Yio Chu Kang (they only have full day childcare not half-day, you can check this out as Kinderland is also a good brand.
4. Carpe Diem @ Hilltop - I went for their open-house last week. Seems pretty good with natural rustic environment. But I don't need a childcare centre hence did not apply. It is new so they still need to put up all the fencing and touch-up work but understand they should be operational from July.
5. Marymount Kindergarden - check out whether they have vacancy for your child but it is regular kindy not child care.

Not sure whether above is helpful but I really have a hard time looking for good pre-school around this area!

:celebrate:

[mommykatz]

SillyPanda:

Any one heard of Jessin @ TPY?

Hi there, my gal was attending her Nursery in Jessin but i stopped her after 3 months. The place is really small & the aircon seems too cold.
My gal contracted fever every 2 weeks cos of the enclosed enviroment.

The books & teaching there are empathsized on teaching more to discipline & manners/good habits (for nursery) but when i stopped my girl, the teacher+\"in charge\" forgotten their manners & gave me looks/hard time when i wanted to pick-up my girls' books etc on the last day.

One major concern for me was their toilet upstairs was always smelly. :!:

So anyway now i'm really interested to know if anyone has feedbacks about PCF Toa Payoh Central (BLK 157)
and The Little Skool-House At-Thomson at MCYS Bldg (Toa payoh) ???
Pls, pls, pls let me know! Thanks!