2025 guide to preschools in Singapore – what you must know before enrolment

Enrolling your child in preschool is more than a simple box to check off – it’s the beginning of a journey that can shape their learning, development, and confidence for years to come.

Singapore’s preschools offer a variety of approaches to early education, but finding the one that aligns with your child’s unique needs and your family’s goals requires thoughtful consideration.

With so many options available, it might feel daunting to make a decision. However, the process can be made simpler when you take some important factors into consideration.

In this 2025 guide, we take a deeper dive into what you should take a closer look at before making a decision. After all, with the right preschool, you’re not just ensuring a smooth transition into formal education but also setting the stage for long-term academic and personal success for your little one.

Enrolling your child in a Singapore preschool – 5 critical considerations

1. Program, curriculum & school’s philosophy

Since every child has unique learning needs, it is essential to identify what works best for your child and select a program or curriculum that best suits them.

With many options out there, it helps to take some time to do research, get in touch and learn more about the preschools you are considering so that you gain a better understanding of what each of them offers – from curriculum to school’s philosophy – and can make an informed decision.

2. The school’s environment & safety

While it is essential to provide a safe and engaging space at home for your little one, it is equally important that their school environment fosters positivity and warmth. After all, children flourish in an environment where they feel safe, cherished and empowered.

To ensure that the school meets these criteria, it is crucial to visit the campus before making a decision as this enables you to tour the facilities, interact with the principal and teachers, as well as observe the students in action.

By gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s environment and atmosphere, you’ll be better equipped to decide if it’s the right, nurturing space for your child. 

3. Safe & nutritious meals for your child

As your child would spend mealtimes or snack time in school, you could check what type of food would be served so as to ensure that your child gets safe and nutritious meals daily.

On top of being aware of the kind of food served, you could also find out if they cater for allergies or special requirements in the event your child has dietary restrictions.

At AIS, all meals are designed and prepared by a team of chefs, with advice from a dedicated dietician.

The introduction of solid foods – such as vegetarian purees and cereals – is done in consultation with parents, who can select from a list of approved ingredients. As the child gets more accustomed to solid foods, parents are encouraged to expand the variety of options.

4. Continuation for further education beyond preschool

As preschool is only the first step of your little one’s education journey, you would have to look beyond and make plans for the future.

Depending on the kindergarten or early years program you plan to enrol your child in, you can find out which preschool is most compatible so that the transition would be seamless for your child.

5. Unique spaces to stimulate learning

On top of the usual class time, your child would also develop curiosity, interact with surroundings as well as learn to explore and play freely beyond the classroom.

Hence, looking out for preschools that have an Early Learning Village or specially designed play areas and spaces that can help your child’s development would put you on the right track to making a decision.

Your child’s education journey starts here

Now that you’ve gained a clearer understanding of what to look out for, are you ready to make the decision for your little one’s preschool adventure?

At AIS, we are committed to providing your child with the best possible international school curriculum for your child’s preschool education, so that a strong foundation is built to help him or her to succeed in life.

Get started by booking your tour today!