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

[georgewong22]

United Montessori is probably the best childcare in my opinion around that area. When I enrolled my daughter the last time, they were full too. They are allowed to accept if they write in to MOE for special approval. I had to beg the properitors, Dennis and his wife (forgot her name).


I personally didn’t like YMCA, YWCA, Twinkle and the rest comparatively. The other I had shortlisted is Bishan East’s 3-in-1. Try to check out PCF at Block 197 too.

Good luck.

[kleopard]

Hi

How about Sunny Bunny Montessori at Sin Ming Avenue? Any feedback on it?
I am also looking around Upp Thomson area down to Bishan for a good child care for my 30mo. Will appreciate any recommendation too

[apple79]

[Moderator's note: Topics merged.]


Hi, noticed there isn't a thread on playgroups or I might have missed it.
Thinking of placing my girl to playgroup when she reached 18mths. Can anyone recommend any playgroup? The content, duration and cost?

[palm80]

I just enrolled my little boy to Appletree playgroup at Yishun Blk 259 RC. No. 1 reason for that is that I am desperate. I can't seem to find any playgroups that are near my place, this is the closest that I can get and hopefully my Mother-in-law (MIL) won't complain too much.


Fees are at $160/mth, materials at $95 every half-yearly. I'm going to make payment tomorrow night and see the environment. *sigh*

It's 2-hour session and contents as follows:

Sharing Time
Questions, ideas, stories and objects about the theme will be discussed by and with the children.
Art & Craft Time
Fun and simple projects to enhance the theme.
Circle Time
Games, songs, stories and others that children can experience together. Food Experiences
Opportunities to both prepare and sample the theme's appropriate food (such as eating fruit sample).
Theme Activities
An assortment of activities that allow for further improvement and extensions:
•\tBeginning sounds of alphabets (Phonics for toddlers)
•\tMusic and movement (action songs, rhymes and fingerplays)
•\tPretend play, role play
•\tCreative play
•\tPuzzles for beginners
•\tProblem solving games
•\tSound identification (looking and listening)
•\tThinking and understanding

Arg. my bb is born in Dec and I dun noe if he will be able to cope. he can't even talk yet! and I have to pester my MIL to toilet-train him! OMG!

I dun noe if that is expensive coz arrangement for my first child was done by my mum. She handles everything so fast and effectively. My MIL is sorta laid back and not able to give me much info. From our conversation, she is looking at proximity instead of quality so, Appletree that is. I'll feedback on my findings day after since I'm going tomorrow night. that the teachers and environment are good.

~palm80~

[chiaeiei.06738gmail.06738com]

yo,


I am also looking for a playgroup for my gal. She is only turning one soon but I want to her in a playgroup so that she can have more meaningful time while I am at work.

I reckon she is not going to learn much from my MIL and FIL

Any recommendations in Bukit Panjang area

[jedamum]

apple79:

Hi, noticed there isn't a thread on playgroups or I might have missed it.

Thinking of placing my girl to playgroup when she reached 18mths. Can anyone recommend any playgroup? The content, duration and cost?

Hi apple79,
generally, playgroups is also a form of 'preschool', so have you seen http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=735&start=0? i am assuming you are looking at the area you reside in (based on your profile info). other more economical playgroup have tots playgroup, talentplus playgroup etc. more upmarket ones include MMI. The MMI I know charges for $280 per month for twice a week weekday 1.5hrs.

M3:

yo,
Any recommendations in Bukit Panjang area

have you seen http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=790&highlight=panjang+playgroup? or http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=770&start=0?

[apple79]

M3- I have the same sentiment. My girl is taken care by my MIL. I feel she can learn more in school. I have thought of placing her in childcare but I have to consider MIL feeling (She might feel offended) and things like the child might fall sick easily etc. So I thought maybe a playgroup would be a nice arrangement.


Jedamum: Thanks! I seen this thread but basically its the discussion on childcare? What is the full name for MMI maybe I know? Based on what you know, do u think there is much difference between the economical ones and the upmarket playgroups? Sometimes those branded ones might be overrated.

[apple79]

Palm80: do keep us updated on Appletree.

[palm80]

apple79:

Palm80: do keep us updated on Appletree.

Apple79, I went to pay the first month's fee for Jan 2010 last nite. The place is your neighbourhood RC location. It's not near any traffic, so in a way, it is safe.

Class size is 15 per class with 1 teacher, 1 assistant teacher. I met both last nite and both teachers looks motherly, so am quite happy to leave my bb in their hands. The teacher is an Indian and great coz my bb can learn english from her while we can teach Chinese at home. My MIL can speak English well, so no problem for her to communicate with the teacher.

I brought my bb along to guage how he responds to the environment. He's shy but looks interestedly at other children who went to register. so should be ok.

Actual teaching results, I can only post next year. Let's see how okie? :xedfingers:

For these types of franchises, I believe that getting the right teachers is important. The Appletree at my mum's place, Hougang, had a bad reputation (many years ago la) because, quoting my mum, \"she is single and hasn't been a mum yet\", so the way she treats young children is quite harsh. That's why my elderboy went to Tots House, operated at another nearby RC.

One matter settled at last, but next year, I'll have to search for a Kindergarten. another headache. ha ha.

[apple79]

Thanks Palm80 for the feedback.


Hope your son will adjust well there. Yah agree that teachers play an important role. Its not easy finding a good one and within your area cos like you, I have to depend on my MIL to bring and fetch her from the centre most of the time.