<![CDATA[Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre]]>Hi all,


I’ll be arranging a trip to my shortlisted list of childcare centres before signing on. Can any mummy give insight into the criteria that distinguishes a good/ premier childcare centre from an average one?

To start the ball rolling:-
- Low teacher: toddler ratio with low turnover rate for teachers
- Montessori curriculum (learning through play)
- Caring and loving teachers (exhibiting a strong passion in educating kids rather than simply going through the motion)
- A vibrant learning environment
- Nutritious meals
- No or little TV

Please feel free to add to above list!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/1302/criteria-for-a-good-childcare-centreRSS for NodeThu, 23 Apr 2026 22:29:38 GMTFri, 31 Oct 2008 18:14:30 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Tue, 27 Jul 2021 02:59:59 GMT]]>Hi,


Looking for a full-time preschool in Toa Payoh, (K1), we have seen few institutions without any certification (i.e SPARKS, ANCHOR). Though some seems well established.

Beside the curriculum, is it arming to get a seat in top primary schools?

Regards,
WN

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2031970https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2031970Tue, 27 Jul 2021 02:59:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:21:26 GMT]]>I’m ok with TV if they only show educational stuff. No cartoons, please.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2021077https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/2021077Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:21:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:55:06 GMT]]>Childcare center provides a safe and secure environment with quality caregivers. There are so many childcare centers in around you. If you are searching for the https://peekaboocenters.com then you can contact Peek A Boo Daycare. This is the best childcare center in Omaha that will ensure the best care for your children.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1980045https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1980045Mon, 08 Jun 2020 07:55:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Fri, 06 Dec 2019 02:11:17 GMT]]>Besides the basic academic aspect, what is important to me is how caring the teachers are, how well they guide the kids and the general vibe from the kids when I step into the school. Whether they are courteous, warm and happy.


I have seen a high end preschool which focused on academics and the children are stern looking and quiet when we stepped in. Seems like very strict to me.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1951758https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1951758Fri, 06 Dec 2019 02:11:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 03 Jul 2019 22:28:11 GMT]]>

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1917223\" time=\"1562144742\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1917223 time=1562144742 user_id=53606]
No I think your concerns are valid. Preschools set the foundation for our children. It’s only right that they should be teaching about respecting privacy, and also basic toilet etiquette like boys lift the lid up first, boys + girls wipe any splatters after you’re done etc. If they can teach playground & mealtime etiquette, I’m sure they can and should teach these too. The problem is some teachers bo chap.[/quote]
Totally agree with you. After searching for a right school that meet my criteria I come to realization it’s not about the school but it’s the teacher. Which it’s not in my hand to control much seeing how frequent the teachers turnover especially for n1.
I only have 2 criteria. Teacher guidance to use bathroom and separate little girls and boys
Teacher talk in full sentence instead of using word or phase to command. N use pls and can and thank you when they speak to them.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917356https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917356Wed, 03 Jul 2019 22:28:11 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 03 Jul 2019 09:05:42 GMT]]>No I think your concerns are valid. Preschools set the foundation for our children. It’s only right that they should be teaching about respecting privacy, and also basic toilet etiquette like boys lift the lid up first, boys + girls wipe any splatters after you’re done etc. If they can teach playground & mealtime etiquette, I’m sure they can and should teach these too. The problem is some teachers bo chap.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917223https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917223Wed, 03 Jul 2019 09:05:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 03 Jul 2019 08:52:29 GMT]]>

zac's mum\" post_id=\"1917198\" time=\"1562142356\" user_id=\"53606:[quote=\"zac's mum\" post_id=1917198 time=1562142356 user_id=53606]
sansanjs\" post_id=\"1917156\" time=\"1562138698\" user_id=\"164970:
I recall that my son’s kindergarten (brmck) had a shared bathroom (no shower facilities) for the kids. The sinks were clustered at the centre of the bathroom, easier for the teachers to eyeball their washing of hands.

The cubicles all have lockable doors for privacy. The girls were told to use one row of cubicles at the left side of the sinks, the boys used another row of cubicles at the right side of the sinks. No urinals.

I believe that’s private enough.

Have you seen some preschools that lack sufficient privacy? Do share!

Actually I have seen two. First one I withdraw my girl out right away because both n1 girls n boys crowd in the bathroom that has only 2 cubicles. Teachers didn’t really guide them in the cubicles. No one flushes n boys splatter urine on the cover n no one clean before the next person goes in. My girl went in and ask me how to use when it’s so dirty. I can’t look pass it even though few ppl gave good reviews about the school.
Today she started a new school the teacher remove the boy undies in front of everyone in bathroom to change diapers. Even though is just n1 but my girl is on a mature side n I do wish she get the right idea of decency.
Or am I being an anxious parents

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917210https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917210Wed, 03 Jul 2019 08:52:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 03 Jul 2019 08:25:56 GMT]]>

sansanjs\" post_id=\"1917156\" time=\"1562138698\" user_id=\"164970:

Do most of the preschool has separate bathroom for little girls and boys or most of them only have one unisex bathroom. I have seen a few with shared bathroom and girls and boys go in at the same time
I recall that my son’s kindergarten (brmck) had a shared bathroom (no shower facilities) for the kids. The sinks were clustered at the centre of the bathroom, easier for the teachers to eyeball their washing of hands.

The cubicles all have lockable doors for privacy. The girls were told to use one row of cubicles at the left side of the sinks, the boys used another row of cubicles at the right side of the sinks. No urinals.

I believe that’s private enough.

Have you seen some preschools that lack sufficient privacy? Do share!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917198https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917198Wed, 03 Jul 2019 08:25:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:24:58 GMT]]>Do most of the preschool has separate bathroom for little girls and boys or most of them only have one unisex bathroom. I have seen a few with shared bathroom and girls and boys go in at the same time

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917156https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1917156Wed, 03 Jul 2019 07:24:58 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Tue, 15 Jan 2019 02:40:51 GMT]]>Hi all


Just thought to share this about schools having cctv installed for safety and review purposes.

I just visited schoolhouse the gardenhouse preschool at Jalan Layang Layang.

The first thing they disclaim is that they DO NOT watch the kids ALL the time. They are free to run the garden n climb trees and they do get scraps BUT the parents are very understanding community and wants that for the children.

I ask them whether there is cctv. She says no. She trusts her teachers and it’s a breach of trust for her teachers if they install CCTV.

I said but if you do than you can at least review and see how to prevent accidents from happening and she reply no parents have ever asked for cctv.

Such a disappointing answer. I find it hard to entrust my child with a school who have blind trust in their staff.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1894537https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1894537Tue, 15 Jan 2019 02:40:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Thu, 22 Nov 2018 03:00:47 GMT]]>

BranT:
My son is very interested in math and likes to solve math problems that are very challenging. He has attended math lessons since P1. He has obtain strong math skills through the notes that cover all the curriculums in School and questions that are more challenging. Since then, he got full marks in all his Math exams since P1 and always looks forward to Math lessons at The Learning Lab every week. He has a very good teacher and my son likes his teacher so much!

This phrase alone tells me that you are a spammer and not very truthful. I feel sorry for you.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1884690https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1884690Thu, 22 Nov 2018 03:00:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Thu, 22 Nov 2018 00:51:47 GMT]]>My son is very interested in math and likes to solve math problems that are very challenging. He has attended math lessons since P1. He has obtain strong math skills through the notes that cover all the curriculums in School and questions that are more challenging. Since then, he got full marks in all his Math exams since P1 and always looks forward to Math lessons at The Learning Lab every week. He has a very good teacher and my son likes his teacher so much!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1884659https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1884659Thu, 22 Nov 2018 00:51:47 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Tue, 23 Oct 2018 23:40:35 GMT]]>Went for a few childcare centre and kindergarten visits recently. My SO and I determine the schools by considering these factors shared by my relatives and friends.


- curriculum and approach taken (I’m not into Montessori so inquiry based learning is definitely what I want my child to have for his early years)
- teachers (education qualifications and standard of language; teachers with degrees are a norm now and we look for teachers who are bach qualified)
- school environment (my SO and I are more into schools that have their own grounds so schools located in Malls and office buildings are out)

I am extremely impressed with The Odessy. Their concert, arts classes and teaching are of high quality. I love how the children are all energetic and engaged in their school activities during my visit!

:rahrah:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1880357https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1880357Tue, 23 Oct 2018 23:40:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Sat, 31 Mar 2018 04:15:43 GMT]]>

Joanne25:
For me number 1 would be a good reputation. A good Childcare center should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment. I usually ask the center for names and numbers of current clients and call them for references, or stop by during afternoon pickup time and approach some other parents then. Also, I'm mindful of my first impression: In this case it counts a lot.


I would think observing the children's expressions/behaviour and parents who fetch their kids to/from school can tell a lot. As for school's reputation, it is all relative. If you are brave or kiasu enough, speak to the parents to get some idea.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840714https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840714Sat, 31 Mar 2018 04:15:43 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Thu, 29 Mar 2018 08:39:56 GMT]]>

Joanne25:
For me number 1 would be a good reputation. A good Childcare center should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment. I usually ask the center for names and numbers of current clients and call them for references, or stop by during afternoon pickup time and approach some other parents then. Also, I'm mindful of my first impression: In this case it counts a lot.

I doubt centres will give that out. If they do then they are violating the PDPA.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840577https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840577Thu, 29 Mar 2018 08:39:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Thu, 29 Mar 2018 01:49:27 GMT]]>For me number 1 would be a good reputation. A good Childcare center should have a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and be known for its nurturing environment. I usually ask the center for names and numbers of current clients and call them for references, or stop by during afternoon pickup time and approach some other parents then. Also, I’m mindful of my first impression: In this case it counts a lot.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840514https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1840514Thu, 29 Mar 2018 01:49:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 16 Aug 2017 03:53:12 GMT]]>Dear Parents：

I am Shania, a postgraduate student from Jinan University. I am doing a survey for my study that evaluate parent/child book reading in Chinese amongst Singaporean-Chinese families.
To Thank you for participating in this survey, you will receive free learning resources and information to help your child learn Chinese at home.
It's online survey and it will take about 10mins.
https://uxbtmq.fanqier.com/f/hfieud

If your child going to Kindergarten or preschool, please kindly fill in this survey.
All information from this survey will be invaluable to my research.
Thank you!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1794456https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1794456Wed, 16 Aug 2017 03:53:12 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Tue, 16 Aug 2016 04:09:36 GMT]]>Had an unpleasant experience with Amazing Star Montessori House. All I can say is, make sure the childcare has cctv at assembly area and classrooms. That was the mistake I made- I didn’t ask if the centre has cctv.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1711027https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1711027Tue, 16 Aug 2016 04:09:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Fri, 17 Jun 2016 10:24:27 GMT]]>

socialispiice:
What are the Questions to Ask When Touring a Day Care Center?

I would think the best is to observe the centre based on the criteria as stated by the parents in this thread. One may answer your questions very well, so best is to check whether what they say is consistent with what they do.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1690611https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1690611Fri, 17 Jun 2016 10:24:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Tue, 05 Apr 2016 12:20:49 GMT]]>What are the Questions to Ask When Touring a Day Care Center?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1664113https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1664113Tue, 05 Apr 2016 12:20:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:18:17 GMT]]>Here are some:


A good reputation
Established ground rules
A stimulating curriculum
A qualified, caring staff
Healthy food
Clean, safe facilities
A current license

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1647512https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1647512Fri, 26 Feb 2016 06:18:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 24 Feb 2016 09:13:07 GMT]]>

mackiefoto:
just curious .. what is the teacher student ratio for nursery CC?

Depending on which cc you go to but according to ECDA, it should be 1 teacher to 12 students for N1 and 1 teacher to 15 students in N2.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1646596https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1646596Wed, 24 Feb 2016 09:13:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Wed, 24 Feb 2016 08:47:56 GMT]]>just curious … what is the teacher student ratio for nursery CC?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1646586https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1646586Wed, 24 Feb 2016 08:47:56 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to Criteria for a Good Childcare Centre on Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:40:02 GMT]]>Hi i just entered this chat and reading up on what the parents are sharing … though not all.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1597129https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1597129Mon, 26 Oct 2015 07:40:02 GMT