If you're a parent in Singapore, one of the major considerations in the upbringing of your child is quality education. The country boasts one of the best educational systems in the world. Preschools play a critical role in building this strong foundation of education, though the programmes are not mandatory. There are many preschools available to your child but only high-quality programmes can accord your child the benefits of early education.
A high-quality preschool has distinct features including a solid reputation, highly trained and passionate teachers, warm, secure and welcoming environment, child-friendly facilities and active learning activities. This environment creates positive relationships between teachers and the child.
Innovation is at the heart of the learning programmes, which makes learning fun and interesting. These schools also leverage the latest learning early childhood theories/models to guarantee quality learning. If you want to find a preschool in Singapore, these are just a few of the qualities to consider. But how will enrolling your child in such a programme help?
This post examines some benefits of choosing a high-quality preschool in promoting your child's early growth and development.
Skills to Prepare for Formal EducationTeachers in formal school can easily distinguish between a student who attended a good quality preschool and one who didn't. Now that preschool is not mandatory in the country, some parents opt not to take their children for early school programmes. Some also go for ordinary schools as a way of balancing work and family.
However, a high-quality preschool can make a big difference in your child's school life. At these schools, the teachers develop structured programmes which require routine, discipline, team work, and other behaviours required in formal school. If your child goes through a good preschool, they easily handle the pressure in kindergarten and other classes.
The high-quality preschool programmes introduce the child to math, language and other skills which come in handy when the child joins other classes. They already have a solid foundation in learning and they easily fit into the new system.
Your child experiences no culture shock because they already understand the school lifestyle. They have less behavioural programmes compared to children who never attended preschool, or those who went to ordinary early childhood programmes. Amongst the best schools is the Griffin Academy of Westminster School this academic institution offers great educational opportunities.
Socialization SkillsAt home, the child is the focus of all activities and this can create behavioural problems. Parents struggle to control their children's behaviour in the family setting. Your child quickly learns that they are the centre of attention and can get away with everything. Socialization in such a setting can lead to behavioural problems in the future and this is where preschool comes in handy.
High-quality preschools in Singapore employ professional early childhood teachers who help develop programmes to promote positive socialization. Children learn how to socialize outside the family setting. At school, the child learns how to respect others, cooperate in learning and playing activities, and respect the authorities.
A child who goes through a good preschool finds it easier to relate with other children and adults. Parents quickly note this change as the child becomes more responsible for their lives. They try to complete simple tasks and don't rely on grown-ups in the house for everything.
As children interact in a controlled environment, they learn the importance of compromising in order to exist harmoniously. Preschools focus more on social-emotional skills because these are the most critical ones at this stage. Your child needs to gain some independence away from the family and this is where they gain the skills required.
The preschool environment is the perfect social setting because it's safe and challenging. Children have to learn how to coexist in a structured setting. They have to learn how to control emotions, listen to each other and to the teacher. Ultimately, a child who has gone through a quality preschool is easy to point out. They're better behaved, emotionally in charge and more responsible.
These skills come in handy in their lives both at school and in society. A high-quality preschool thus develops more mature and responsible citizens.
Pre-literacy Learning SkillsThe best preschools in Singapore have invested heavily in innovative instruction models, highly trained professionals and the best facilities. The idea is to create the idyllic setting to enable your child to learn. One of the most interesting things in these preschools is the emphasis on systematic learning through play and games.
Your child is introduced to a variety of pre-literacy skills numbers, vocabulary, letters, patterns, drawing, pronunciation, counting, and other pre-literacy learning skills. All these are introduced in a fun and exciting manner and yet the impact is phenomenal.
Soon, you'll notice your child singing out letters and numbers and trying to make out written words. At a glance, it might seem like all the children do is play but it's in those games that early childhood teachers inculcate the basic skills in learning.
Final ThoughtsEnrolling your child to a high-quality preschool in Singapore is an excellent gift as a parent. Your child will have an easier time in kindergarten and other classes and they also develop positive behavioural attributes. The skills they learn in school have a huge impact on their lives both in school and outside.