Little Skool House

[Notksmum]

higfkid - LSH called me recently and I have decided to pull out from the waiting list. Reviewing 2 other CCs before I make my final decision.

[gfkid]

hi notksmum, your decision to pull out due to?? how old is ur kid btw?

may i know which other 2 cc you looking at? for me, the distance is an issue to consider since my in-laws will be fetching my girl back from school…i have enquired nuturestars @ safra tampines but yet to visit…

[Notksmum]

Hi gfkid,


I visited LSH, nice premises. Big bright and airy. Great toilets etc. While I was there, i did notice a few things that I did not fancy.

1. Quite a number of teachers were still under training (as on the board)
2. I read that the curriculum is mainly inquiry-based etc. Then when I asked the lady who brought us around what reading programs or phonics structure taught - her reply was - we read big books. [Had a concern whether the teaching will be sufficient to prepare for P1].
3. Noticed the teachers are relatively young.
4. I saw the meal menu - so-so only.
5. When I was there, the indoor playground was closed due to HFMD. (I did ask what was the sick policy etc, the lady just replied we will contact parents).
6. Last but not least - poor feedback on hygiene and attitude of teachers raised in this thread.

In terms of my criteria, these are my thoughts and assessment in order of importance:
1.\tCaring Teachers (not really there based on this threa’s feedback)
2.\tPremises – Clean Bright, hygienic, facilities, toys => contribute to learning experience (good but I did not see much display of works in the classrooms)
3.\tStrong Curriculum (not exactly what I am looking for; noted there were quite a number of circle time/integration time)
4.\tFood (so-so prepared in-house not catered from catering companies so shld be safe; was afraid after the Pat’s schoolhouse food poisoning incident in the news)
5.\tLocation (convenient)

The other two I am looking at are Pat’s Schoolhouse at Siglap and Mindchamps (either Changi Biz Park or Tampines Central). For Pat’s and Changi Biz Park - my son would have to take the school bus home.

I have friends whose kids are with Mindchamps and they feel the curriculum is very comprehensive etc despite the lack of outdoor facilities and they like the teachers (other branches). I was told that Mindchamps has a number of excursions in the year. In terms of curriculum - pretty std cos set by HQ but its the teaching delivery that makes the ultimate difference (it will contribute to whether the kids like learning and school). The real test will come when my friends kids in Mindchamps go P1 next year so I am still monitoring as I only plan to put my son in either one from 2014 onwards when he turns 3. Now he is at the cc down my block for PG/PN (cheap and convenient).

Hope the above will help you.

[gfkid]

hi hi notksmum,. thanks alot for your info

[Notksmum]

hi gfkid,


You are welcome. Also i figured that little skoolhouse is under NTUC so they are helping the govt to train more childcare teachers lah. And fees dont come cheap. I mean most childcare will train their teachers but the quality and std differs. I beg to differ that every childcare is a good childcare, it all boils down to the management and the teacher’s dedication. You can see why Pat’s schoolhouse was so popular in the past (during my younger cousin’s time), its because the founder and management of Pat’s then, Ms Patricia Koh is different. She personally interviews the teachers and ensures that the teachers are passionate and decdicated.

[gfkid]

hi notksmum, i dint know that Little Skool House is under NTUc, i know My First Skool is… i called up the main line for my first skool and was told waiting list is like 90+ and 60+ (usually 6 mths-1 year wait) at 2 of the centres in Tampines (OMG) i’m still sourcing for 1 around my in-laws place and i’m telling u, chances are so slim… sigh

[Notksmum]

hi gfkid,


which part of Tampines do you stay? My boy is currently with Kiddyark Childcare at Blk 727. He's at the PN Class. http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=42303&start=10

No complaints so far. They have improved quite a bit and I am rather happy for now.

[gfkid]

hi notksmum, i’m at st 43 and my in-laws at st 24…

i’m trying to make time to go down to blk 273 and 112 (under PAP) for a look… may also check out Safra Nuturestars (but its a bit far )
there’s actually one right below my in-laws block but my mil (who used to be a kindergarten teacher) said that one does not meet regulations (had a photocopier machine in the class room with teacher-student ration 1:10… no wonder i cant find the centre in MCYS or the preschool guide)

[Notksmum]

hi gfkid,


oic. how abt Cambridge at St 34 where Tampines Mart is? I heard its not bad. Alternatively, mindchamps at tampines point?

[gfkid]

hi notksmum, Mindchamps is ex and my husband will never spend that kind of $$ besides he’s skeptical of ‘private’ cc …

as for Cambridge i read some posts in ksforum and thats for blk 241… may not consider that…