Every parent knows that finding a preschool in Singapore that satisfies their children's needs and curiosities isn't a walk in the park!

From a preschool's teaching philosophies down to its facilities, there's simply a lot to consider when looking for the right preschool to start your child's academic journey.

To make things a bit easier, we've done the legwork for you with our quick guide to kindergartens and preschools in Singapore!

Below, you'll learn more about the types of preschools in Singapore, how much it could cost families, and how to pick the right one for your kid!

Overview of Preschools in Singapore

Preschool in Singapore provide early education and care for children aged two months to seven years old. These preschool centres are managed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).

Offering a wide range of programmes and activities designed to cater to children of various ages and skills, the main purpose of preschools in Singapore is to give young learners a safe and encouraging atmosphere to learn, play, grow, and explore their interests.

Although preschool education isn't mandatory in Singapore, many parents still see the benefits of sending their children to a privately owned or government-operated preschool.

Preschool Levels in Singapore 

The preschool experience in Singapore starts with infant care, at the age of 2 months old, and ends at kindergarten 2, as children turn 7.

Here's a breakdown of the different levels available in preschools:

  • Infant care: 2 to 18 months old
  • Playgroup: 18 months old to 3 years old
  • Nursery 1: 3 to 4 years old
  • Nursery 2: 4 to 5 years old
  • Kindergarten 1: 5 to 6 years old
  • Kindergarten 2: 6 to 7 years old

Infant care and playgroups are more focused on free play and experiential learning, providing children with a safe and encouraging environment to play, interact with their peers, and discover their talents and skills.

Meanwhile, nursery and kindergarten is where the foundations for each child's educational journey is prepared, setting them up for formal education in Singapore's primary schools.

Preschool fees in Singapore

The cost of preschool in Singapore differs from one preschool to another, so the best way to know the actual cost is by paying a visit to your choice of preschool. Programme duration, location, and facilities available usually affect the pricing.

Generally, though, government preschools usually have lower fees than private and international ones.

Depending on the preschools you're considering, the cost of half-day programmes can range from $300 to $1,800 per month, while full-day programmes have a monthly cost of about $800 to $2,000.

The good news is, most government-operated preschools in Singapore provide qualified families with subsidies. This includes low-income families with multiple children.

How to pick the right preschool in Singapore

  • Check the commute to the preschool location - How accessible is it? Will you be able to conveniently drop off and pick up your little one from home or from your office? How long will the journey be during peak hours? These are some questions to consider regarding the accessibility of your child's preschool.
  • Find out what other parents have to say - No one can give you a more accurate review of the preschool than other parents with children your age! Chat with your friends or check out Google reviews to see what other parents have to say about various preschools in Singapore before you shortlist them.
  • Visit the preschool - The only way to know if a preschool lives up to your expectations is by making an appointment to visit the premises and understand how the preschool is setup and run. This will also allow you to meet the team of educators your child will be spending time with every day!
  • Look into the curriculum - It pays to know your child's preferred learning method and whether it matches a preschool's curriculum. That way, they will look forward to going to school every day.