[Woodlands/Admiralty] Preschools

[soursop]

You can go to the pcf outlet and check out their curriculum, usually they are pretty standard across most pcf centers. Teachers are the ones that make the difference. I have a friend that sends his kid to the PCF and he told me that they are more or less worksheet based.

I tend to prefer more hands-on learn by play curriculum which can be found in those private / chain preschools.

I have a neighbour whose kid that attends Little friends, according to him, not bad and teacher-child ratio is low. I went to enquire in 2009 and there's only the principal that was teaching so she wasn't able to do K1 or K2 classes so she only teaches the nursery kids. She has 1 assistant teacher. Found the place a bit small though...

Anyways, you need to set your expections and priorities, go check out some outlets and then you will be able to find one to your liking...most of it anyways...no perfect one though...been searching myself for 5 years!!!! :lol:

[insearch]

Thanks Soursop.


I spoke visited PCF today. The P told me that her centre is pivoting a play-based curriculum. However, it has not scraped away the worksheets because most parents still believe in worksheets.

As for the atmosphere and ambience in the kindergarten, I find it too enclosed without natural light and view of the outside. It is a pity as the kindergarten faces a neighbourhood park. I believe that natural elements can greatly enhance children’s learning.

I’m still considering …

[gonzo]

You could consider the following pre-schools:


[1] High end
The Word - Civics Center
Purple Train - Civics Center

[2] Medium end
Kinderland - Civics Center
MMI - Woodlands St 81

[3] Low end
PCF
Evangel Kindergarten - Woodlands St 81
New Life Kindergarten - Marsiling
Edelweiss Kindergarten - Opp Sembawang Shopping Centre*

* My DD2 goes there and I like the environment - very nurturing. I have had experience with Kinderland for DD1 and was not pleased with the programme and teachers.

I dislike the ones at Admiralty Place since it is too small and there are no proper facilities for kids to play.

:celebrate:

[soursop]

My DD was with Purple train for a year when she was 3. really good programme there with Kindermuzik and Positive Focus class. Lots of field trips and parent participation events. Bus transport available too. However I pulled her out because I wanted her to be more 'independent\" and explore more food options so I sent her to CC at Learning Vision.

The flip side with Purple train is the fees....darn expensive! $550/mth excluding field trips and concerts... also the teacher thurnover tate is very high and mostly not so experienced ones...only the principal is good and she holds the reigns for all the curriculum and the activities there. The chinese seems pretty okay cos I remember my DD having learnt many chinese words after only a few months of lessons.

Heard some review here that Kinderland at Civic used to be better but now std has dropped. Not sure cos haven't tried it...thinking of doing so though.

I'm trying out for MMI at Vista Point for Kindergarten tomorrow for K2 level. The last time I was there, I was totally impressed with the children's std. :celebrate:

[insearch]

At last, enrolled my child in PCF @ Blk 652 woodlands as it was most convenient for us. He will join the nursery after CNY.

[Piggy_mummy]

hi,


i am think sending my boy to CC learning vision at RP? any comment,?now he is with eldelwises…

[lala81]

Piggy_mummy:

hi,


i am think sending my boy to CC learning vision at RP? any comment,?now he is with eldelwises...

piggy mummy

i went to visit that plc before..new environment with lots of greenery and very spacious..but the priority is given to RP staff, which leaves very little vacany for the public. overall feel is good.

[Piggy_mummy]

hi lala,


thanks. if i am not wrong, ur kids in edelwises??

how abt MMI??they have cc, and enrichment, but the enrichment center fees quite high, 1k per term

[soursop]

Hi Piggymummy,


I tried the MMI at Woodlands ave 4, not very happy with the place and teachers. MY DD was there for 2 weeks and wasn't happy at all. Put her to LV instead. MMI enrichment at Vista Point is very good with very high standards but totally agree it is highly $$$$!!! I just went for an assessment before CNY, student-teacher ratio is low and definitely will prepare them for P1 but it is only good if the child enrols with them from Nursery level. Like mine who is already K2, a bit too late la... can only consider for 2nd DD.

Tried LV at RP, no chance la if you are not a staff....they are at full cap most of the time! Long wait list too!
:roll:

[lil_jade]

Piggy_mummy:

hi,


i am think sending my boy to CC learning vision at RP? any comment,?now he is with eldelwises...

Hi,

Why do you want to transfer your kid out of edelweiss?? My DD is with edelweiss now, just started... hmmm... she never comments much about the school, so I presume it is simply that, a normal school. Cos the teachers at edelweiss look really young....

Of course, if there're better options, I'll switch her!