While the notion of having your kid obtaining prodigy status might beckon, it is paramount to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to guiding them through their crucial formative years.

According to American economist and Nobel laurea te Professor James J. Heckman, “learning starts in infancy, long before formal education begins, and continues throughout life.”

Parents are increasingly embracing the significance of this statement as demands for quality preschool education have skyrocketed world-wide over the years – so much that many even go to the extent of charting their children’s academic futures, long before they are born. Whether you might be a ‘kiasu’ parent or not, here’s what to consider when picking your institution of choice.

Curriculum and Culture
Identifying your children’s needs and personalities along with the goals you’ve set with them, will greatly help you to discover the type of preschool you are searching for. If your toddler is already the book-loving, well-mannered tot that most parents aspire towards, perhaps you would like to concentrate on a more ‘holistic developmental’ approach. Others might require a higher level of discipline and supervision beyond your home, and this naturally calls for more focused teacher-child interaction.

A school’s mission statement is very likely to reflect their organizational culture and educational philosophies. Also, don’t forget to look into the nitty-gritty details such as classroom cleanliness, teacher turnover rate and lunch arrangements; even trivial impressions can be reflective of an institution’s performance and core values. When conducting research at the possible institution of your choice, it’s a good idea to observe the atmosphere during your visit: do the children and staff look happy, busy or bored? It is likely that the emotions and behaviour you detect from the school’s current inhabitants will largely influence that of your child.

If all else fails, word of mouth is your best bet. Find out what your family and friends, or even anonymous forum junkie parents, have to say about their personal experiences.

Availability and Affordability
Parenting magazines and online articles targeting ‘kiasu’ parents are always advising you to start registering your child for preschool at least a year or two in advance. If you’re looking at a ‘branded’ institution for your toddler, do note that annual tuition fees can vary by the thousands according to location. Presently, if your child is a Singapore citizen, he or she already qualifies for an up to $740 per month child care subsidy* from the Ministry of Community, Youth and Sports.

It is imperative to select a centre that not only fits comfortably within your budget (don’t forget to factor in school bus, lunch, excursion and entertainment fees, and so on.), but also one that is near your area of residence or workplace – think car pooling, play dates and the option of dropping off or picking your child up right before or after work.

* Subsidy figures may vary according to your family’s monthly income, the child care programme duration and whether the mother is working or not. For more information on basic and additional child care subsidies which your child may qualify for, refer to ‘Parents – Financial Support’ at www.childcarelink.gov.sg