Wondering when preschools in Singapore will hold their open house events?

Unlike primary and secondary schools, local preschools host school tours throughout the year.

How do we find out about preschool tours in Singapore?

Many preschools in Singapore offer the option of contacting them directly to schedule a visit at your convenience.

Below is a list of preschools you can reach out to, if you’re interested in a school tour:

What to look for during a preschool visit?

What makes a good preschool learning environment? Focus on the following when you visit a preschool in Singapore:

• Uncluttered walls: According to research, decorated classrooms can be distracting for children. You don’t need to look for blank walls or a minimalist aesthetic, but do consider how the decor of the classroom might help or hinder learning.
• Natural light: Studies have suggested that natural light can boost academic performance and mental health. When checking out preschool classrooms, look for large windows, but also proper shading — glaring light can impede learning.
• Greenery: At least one study has found that students with higher exposure to greenery displayed better performance in English and Maths. With this in mind, you can check if the classroom offers a green view from the windows, or, at the very least, a view of leafy indoor plants.
• Temperature: Some parents avoid air-conditioned learning environments, because contaminated AC units could aggravate the conditions of those suffering from asthma or allergies. For those who are not adversely affected by AC exposure, the recommended temperature for indoor spaces in Singapore is 25 deg C. But the best gauge is your child’s comfort levels. If they are too warm or too cold, they won’t be able to focus on learning.

Apart from the environment, you can also observe the interactions in the school:

• Communication: Observe how teachers speak to children, including your child. Do they engage in meaningful conversations, listening attentively to what children have to say? Are they sensitive to the needs of quieter or more introverted children?
• Curiosity: If you are visiting on a day where class is in session, see if teachers ask questions that spark curiosity and critical thinking. Look for open-ended questions that encourage children to explore ideas, rather than questions that simply test for knowledge.
• Energy: Pay attention to the overall vibe in the school. Do you sense an environment filled with joy, playfulness, and excitement? Are teachers calm, or do they seem stressed and flustered? Trust your instincts in assessing the mood of the school.

During your visit, you might have a short chat with the preschool principal or lead teacher. You probably won’t have a chance to ask too many questions, so prioritise your top queries, such as:

• How will the school ensure that children are adequately prepared for Primary 1?
• How are children encouraged to explore and learn on their own?
• How do teachers support children in building social skills?
• How does the school incorporate outdoor learning or nature-based experiences?
• How do teachers build relationships with children, especially introverted children?
• How do you cater to children with different learning needs?
• What role do parents play in the school community?

Want to chat with other parents about choosing a preschool? Join the conversation on the KiasuParents forum!