4 Types of Early Childhood Education Programme in Singapore and How to Choose the Right One

Early childhood education is one of the most critical stages in every child’s life. Although it’s not mandatory for children in Singapore, most parents see the benefits of enrolling their children in a preschool.

Preschools across Singapore have different approaches and philosophies to early childhood education, with some prioritising a certain type of education system over the other.

That’s why it’s crucial for parents to fully understand each educational approach and their differences in order to know the best programme for their children.

And that’s what we’re here to help you with today! Read on below to learn more about the different early childhood education programmes and how to choose the right one for your child.

1. Montessori Approach

Montessori is one of the most popular early childhood education approaches across preschools in Singapore, developed by its namesake Dr. Maria Montessori. It’s based on the belief that children learn best through hands-on experiences and independent exploration.

Self-directed learning is the primary feature of Montessori programmes, giving the children the freedom to pick activities that interest them and work at their own pace. It also focuses on developing life, social, emotional, and cognitive skills.

In Montessori classrooms, students are exposed to a wide range of materials and tools to learn from. The teacher simply acts as a guide, not as a lecturer, to give children the opportunity to learn on their own.

2. Reggio Emilia Approach

Reggio Emilia is another commonly used early childhood education approach in Singapore.

Compared to Montessori, Reggio Emilia focuses on collaboration and communication with peers and teachers, with a strong emphasis on the arts. It’s an approach that encourages children to interact and build relationships with people around them,

In Reggio Emilia classrooms, children are exposed to all sorts of group activities that allow them to investigate and solve problems with the help of their peers. The teacher acts as a facilitator that guides the students through the process, monitoring how each one navigates a group setting.

3. Waldorf Approach

The Waldorf Approach is a holistic method of early childhood education that aims to develop a child’s mind, body, and spirit, encouraging children to explore their environment through all their senses.

What makes this approach special is that children aren’t exposed to any technology or screens. Instead, the teacher uses traditional teaching methods such as storytelling, singing, and puppetry to engage and activate the children’s minds.

In Waldorf classrooms, children are taught the importance of following routines and getting in touch with nature as a way of learning.

4. Classic Approach

Based on the traditional academic model, the classic approach focuses on reading, writing, and arithmetic. The setup is that the teacher leads the class and the students follow along, so learning is facilitated via direct instructions.

How to choose the right programme for your child?

There are several factors that parents need to consider to find the right programme for their children.

Before anything else, check the curriculum. It should be developmentally appropriate and match your child’s current needs and learning style.

Given the rising influence of China in global affairs, it’s becoming more crucial for children to learn how to speak Mandarin at a young age. My Little Campus is one of the many preschools in Singapore with a Mandarin-focused curriculum.

The preschool’s environment is another important factor to consider. Is the school able to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environment that allows students to learn and grow?

Another mark of a good early childhood education programme is how it prioritises students’ social and emotional needs. Does the preschool provide students the opportunity to interact with their peers and teachers and build relationships outside of their family unit?