Kinderland

[almondcream]

Hi, I sent my daughter to Learning Vision in Tampines when she was 2 1/2 years old.


I only remembered that there were plenty of excursions (my husband even jokingly commented that they might have a share in the bus company responsible for ferrying the kids around). While Learning Vision is an established chain, I think each centre differs in terms of the quality of the teachers. I eventually pulled my daughter out after 1 year due to frequent turnover of teachers and the last teacher she had could not even write and speak proper English (I almost flipped when I read her incoherent message in the communication book).

My suggestion is don’t just talk to the administrators; have a chat with the teachers who will be responsible for the class that your child might be joining so that you can at least assess their communication skills. Also ask for opportunity to observe the class in session.

I think the same goes for MMI which I believe charges a lot more. The one I visited in Tampines was so clamped and dark while my friends who have tried the one near AMK and another one near Jurong West were happy with their centres.

[starz]

redose,


i heard that kinderland at serangoon is good. I wanted to enrol my girl there but too bad they accept onl 3 years above.

[Mummymama]

Hi almondcream,


Gosh…that was really a bad encounter!! I would have flipped twice too. Then which centre did you enrol your girl after that? Initially my mind was set on MMI, but I had 2nd thoughts after reading reviews…

[redrose]

Just send my girl to kinderland and enrichment after school.Kinderland is very good for playing but their phonic/maths not very good.I’ve checked MMI at Kovan not cheap $7xx for half day. my older girl attended Kinderland 3 yrs ago. She loves every min of it.Looking forward to sch everyday.

[almondcream]

Hi mummymama,


My daughter is now in Schoolhouse by the Bay at Katong CC. She has been there since she was 3 1/2years old. It’s definitely far from my place in Tampines but we love the conducive learning environment and the programs they offer - a balanced of academic, social development and asthetics. She has blossomed into a confident and sociable little girl, and is equally comfortable communicating in English and Mandarin (the latter was visibly lacking when she left Learning Vision). Most important of all, she likes school and her teachers are qualified, kind and encouraging.

Where do you stay by the way?

Cheers … almondcream

[Mummymama]

Hi almondcream,



I've heard a lot about Schoolhouse by the Bay, great sch. I stay in Woodlands..the ulu woody land :lol:

I understand LV has 30% of mandarin classes...if your girl is lacking in that aspect, then it must be really terrible. But from the various centres that I've visited, I noticed almost all of them engage chinese teachers, as in Chinese from China. Not sure if that's gd or bad... :?

I guess choosing the right schoo is also trial & error and is very subjective. But ultimately, I hope to be like you, choosing a school that offers a good balance. But where to find...hahaa....

The principal just called me and say there's a vacancy. Got to let her know soon, if not, she'll offer to someone else. Stressful lah

[yippie131]

MMI in tampines is abt 1100 per term only, for 2 hrs lesson a day… i visited Crestar today, Crestar and Kinderland are under the same management, there have more enrichment programme like ballet, drama, etc… Tomorrow will be going to Zoo-phonics for their opening in Tampines. Anybody have experience with Z00-phonics?

[charmed]

I have experience in all the above schools. I sent my kids to Growing Up Gifted (GUG) in United Square. The school is excellent but very pricey. When we discovered Zoophonics in Bt Timah, we transferred our kids there because it’s closer to our house and a bit cheaper. Zoophonics is very similar to GUG but teacher and facilities-wise, GUG has the edge.


I sent my eldest to MMI (Bt. Panjang). It’s also good but I prefer Kinderland Pre-school. When we moved to Woodlands, I sent my kids to Kinderland Pre school. In MMI, it’s more playing.

[yippie131]

Thx charmed for sharing ur experiences, i will go and find out more for the difference betw all these…

[yippie131]

hi almondcream,

i’m thinking whether to send my girl to MMI tampines, Kinderland or zoophonics… MMI seems to hav good and responsible teachers but the environment is not that impressive, no playground and space is rather small. while kinderland hav bigger space and other facilities; Zoophonics just open this week, not sure how would it be yet, will need to check it out… Btw, how much is the fees for Schoolhouse by the Bay at Katong? how much u spend on the transport then? Did u send the kid to school by yourself?