As a working parent, you’re concerned about how your young children occupy their after-school hours before family supervision is available at evening time. Enrolling them in a student care centre ensures that they’ll get some form of adult attention in the afternoons but will they be meaningfully engaged and is it worth the time and resources invested?
<a href="https://outofbox.com.sg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Out of Box Academy (OBA)</a> provides a meaningful environment to help busy parents nurture their children through their after-school hours. This leaves you with more precious family time for bonding and fun!
Addressing 5 major concerns that many parents have when looking for a suitable student care centre, OBA gives the assurance that your child will not only be spending after-school hours meaningfully but will also improve in academic results, discipline, social skills and more.
<h2>#1 I want my child to do his homework diligently in the afternoons and not procrastinate till late at night. Preferably a teacher can be on hand to guide him.</h2>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117881" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200375.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200375.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200375-320x240.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
At OBA, teachers will provide guidance and supervision to help students with their daily homework.
Having previously built and run a popular tuition and enrichment brand, OBA’s founders, who are also ex-MOE teachers, know what it takes to assist your child to succeed academically. Providing guidance and supervision to every child’s daily homework, the teachers will encourage students to gain confidence and responsibility towards their homework.
And when homework is duly completed at the student care centre, your child can catch up on other activities when they get home in the evening. This means more quality time for family bonding or more time for rest or sleep instead of fretting over unfinished homework.
<h2>#2 What more can the teachers offer in terms of nurturing my child to learn?</h2>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117882" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200173.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200173.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200173-320x240.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Should your child fall back in school, specialised academic programmes and teachers are in place to help them regain their footing and keep up with what’s being taught in school. Students can also sign up for extra tuition for any specific subject(s), if required.
But more than just helping with homework, OBA’s hallmark after-school curriculum is designed to enrich every student for the 21st century. Programmes for all OBA students are conducted in bite-sized daily activities from reading and writing, mandarin mastery, current affairs, technology and presentation skills.
<h2>#3 I’m worried that the environment at the student care centre isn’t conducive for my child, especially if he’s going to be spending multiple hours there each day.</h2>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117883" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Main-Area.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Main-Area.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Main-Area-320x240.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117884" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Casual-Area-2.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="444" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Casual-Area-2.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Casual-Area-2-320x203.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Each of OBA’s 34 islandwide centre locations is catered to your child’s holistic development. Bright and airy spaces are clearly segregated for learning, fun and creativity. Students can do their homework without disturbance in quiet study areas or have positive interactions with teachers in a non-intimidating, homely environment. They can relax with games and toys at the play areas or indulge in a good read at the library.
On average, there are 30 students per centre, with one teacher giving close attention to around 10 students each.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117885" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Rest-and-Play.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="395" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Rest-and-Play.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_Rest-and-Play-320x181.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
As students from different schools come together at the centre, your child will get to nurture new friendships and boost social skills.
<h2>#4 We hope our child will still get a balanced diet even though we can’t personally prepare his mid-day meal. </h2>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117875" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA7.jpg" alt="" width="706" height="518" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA7.jpg 706w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA7-320x235.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 706px) 100vw, 706px" />
Students are served a variety of nutritious, balanced and freshly prepared meals that are low in sodium and sugar and without processed foods. Feedback is also conducted to ensure that meals are palatable for your little ones.
<h2>#5 Play time inevitably means screen time for my child. I wish he can be engaged in a more diverse range of activities.</h2>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117886" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200473.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200473.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200473-320x240.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117887" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200599.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200599.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u36736/OBA_P8200599-320x240.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Lest you think that students only get outdoor activity, say at the basketball court near the student centre, OBA’s range of activities can offer so much more. It partners with PeopleUp Singapore for exciting and exclusive edutainment experiences, sports and holiday programmes such as urban farming, sports, design thinking, robotics and more!
These out-of-class programmes are routinely scheduled and students can choose their preferred outings, with feedback regularly obtained from both students and parents to better cater to their needs.
For example, some of the school holiday activities that have been conducted based on students’ and parents’ votes include Little Farm Explorers Urban Farm Tour, BloopBloop Net Fishing &amp; Aquatic Learning Experience and Dragon Kiln Pottery Experience.
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Find an Out of Box Academy near you and sign up now for 2023/2024 enrolment at <a href="http://outofbox.com.sg/">http://outofbox.com.sg/</a>. Families who sign up during this period will receive up to $2,000 off your first term!

5 Considerations in Choosing a Meaningful Space For Your Child’s After-school Hours

Looking for a student care centre in the eastern part of Singapore? Read on to find out what a local mummy blogger thinks about The Giving Treehouse Student Care Centre.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-74507 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/IMG-20190201-WA0072.jpg" alt="Giving treehouse" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/IMG-20190201-WA0072.jpg 1200w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/IMG-20190201-WA0072-320x240.jpg 320w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/IMG-20190201-WA0072-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Sprawling over a 62,200sqm site area is the Laguna Park where <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegivingtreehouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Giving Treehouse Student Care Centre</a> is located. The first impression I had when I visited the Centre was a sense of security since it is located inside a privatised HUDC compound. There is a guard house watching over visitors coming into the estate, and it is completely fenced up, so children are free to play in the greenery with no worries of traffic and strangers approaching them. Because it is nestled in a private estate, it is also quieter, making the environment conducive for learning. I already liked the location before I even stepped into the Centre.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-74351 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Giving-Treehouse.jpeg" alt="" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Giving-Treehouse.jpeg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Giving-Treehouse-320x240.jpeg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
As I stepped into the Centre, I was warmly welcomed by Sandy. Immediately, the 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey (son of Stephen Covey, who is the author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) pinned on the wall near the entrance caught my attention. Sandy was quick to observe that and she swiftly sat me down and explained to me the Centre’s philosophy.
The Centre uses the 7 Habits of Happy Kids to coach the children in their daily lives. For example, when 2 children quarrelled over a toy, the coach will use Habit #5 – Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood and Habit #4 – Think Win Win to mediate. Whenever the children start doing their homework, the coach will remind them on Habit #2 – Begin with the End in Mind. She said, constant practice of these 7 habits will help mould the children’s character, build better habits and fine-tune their behaviours. I couldn’t agree more.
As I toured around the Centre, I noticed this auntie who was preparing food. Sandy then brought up that the Centre has an in-house local auntiewho prepares lunch and snacks for the children. They do that to ensure the meals are well-planned and nutritious (the Centre serves fruits every day, btw). This auntie also helps to clean up the Centre, ensuring the overall cleanliness. This is a bonus, for I know some Centres have lunch outsourced, snacks are just processed food like biscuits, cookies and titbits, and the coaching staff have to double-up as cleaners to clean the Centre. Having clear and defined roles make everyone working here happier and each one can concentrate better on his/her core duties.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-74352 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Auntie-preparing-fruits.jpeg" alt="Giving treehouse" width="400" height="533" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Auntie-preparing-fruits.jpeg 400w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Auntie-preparing-fruits-320x426.jpeg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />
The Centre has 3 classrooms to house 15 children each, one for Primary 1 and 2, one for Primary 3 and 4, and one for Primary 5 and 6. There is also a spare room for ad hoc activities, and a separate dinning area. With my eyeball assessment, each classroom is about 30sqm, which is a decent size to house 15 children without feeling cramp. There is 1 coach in each classroom, helping the children with their school work. Every day, after lunch, the children will have a structured timetable to go through. Generally, they will be allocated 2 hours to do their homework and work given by the Centre (with guidance from their coaches), tea break, half an hour reading time and an hour of thematic programme (like art, current affairs, sports, etc) in the classroom or at the field just outside the Centre (still within the compound of Laguna Park).
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-74353 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Laguna-Park.jpg" alt="Giving treehouse" width="700" height="525" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Laguna-Park.jpg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Laguna-Park-320x240.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-74504 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/IMG-20190320-WA0019.jpg" alt="Giving treehouse" width="701" height="518" />
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-74503 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/IMG-20190201-WA0056.jpg" alt="Giving treehouse" width="703" height="529" />
As it gets common to having both parents working these days, other than leaving our children with helpers and grannies, the next best option is leaving them in a good Student Care Centre. I like what I saw in The Giving Treehouse – a secured compound to play in and a nurturing environment. If your children are studying around East Coast and that you are looking for a Student Care Centre, do contact The Giving Treehouse to arrange for a tour and a free 3-day trial. This is one of the best ways to assess if the centre is suitable for your children.
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-74354" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Change-maker-poster.jpeg" alt="Giving treehouse" width="700" height="359" srcset="https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Change-maker-poster.jpeg 700w, https://wp.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/Change-maker-poster-320x164.jpeg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
This coming 4-weeks June school holiday, The Giving Treehouse has a series of programmes to enrich the lives of the children. There will be interesting talks on the environment, meaningful activities like volunteering in a nursing home, be introduced to programming, an excursion, etc. 
There are flexible options for everyone:
<ul>
<li>3 full days</li>
<li>5 half days</li>
<li>5 full days at affordable rates from $180/week</li>
</ul>
<h5>Exclusive offer for KiasuParents readers: 
&#8211; $50 fee waiver for 2020 registration by 1st Jul 2019 
&#8211; Quote KiasuParents and get 10% off June holiday programme fees  </h5>
<img onerror="kspReplaceCdn(this)" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-74506 aligncenter" src="https://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/files/u133359/IMG-20190201-WA0004.jpg" alt="Giving treehouse" width="703" height="523" />
It is such a great relief for working parents to have their children engaged in meaningful activities like these during the school holidays. Less worry means more focus at work, it is a win-win for us, parents too. Do check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thegivingtreehouse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Giving Treehouse facebook page</a> for more details on their June school holiday programme or email them at: <a href="mailto:enquiries@givingtreehouse.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">enquiries@givingtreehouse.com</a>
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