Complete Guide to Preschool Open Houses in Singapore: What to Look For & Questions to Ask

Choosing the right preschool is one of the most important decisions parents in Singapore make for their child’s early development. With numerous options available across the island—from MOE kindergartens to Montessori schools, religious preschools to international programs—finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming.

Preschool open houses offer a valuable opportunity to go beyond brochures and websites, allowing you to experience the environment firsthand, meet teachers, and get a genuine feel for the school’s approach to early childhood education. But without proper preparation, these visits can leave you with more questions than answers.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about attending preschool open houses in Singapore. From the key elements to observe in the classroom environment to the critical questions that reveal a school’s true values, this article will help you make the most of these visits and ultimately find the perfect preschool match for your child and family.

When to Start Attending Preschool Open Houses

The competition for quality preschool places in Singapore is considerable, especially in popular neighborhoods. Ideally, parents should begin their preschool search when their child is around 18-24 months old, particularly if you’re planning enrollment at age 3.

Registration for many preschools opens a full year (sometimes more) before the enrollment date. Some of the most sought-after preschools may have waitlists extending several months or even years, especially for younger age groups where class sizes are smaller.

Beginning your search early allows you to:

• Visit multiple schools without time pressure
• Attend open houses during different periods of the year
• Compare options thoroughly before making decisions
• Secure a spot at your preferred institution
• Have backup options if your first choice is unavailable

Remember that preschool open houses typically happen periodically throughout the year, not just during a single “admission season.” Follow school social media accounts or sign up for Skoolopedia’s membership updates to stay informed about upcoming open house events.

How to Prepare for a Preschool Open House

Making the most of preschool open houses requires preparation. Before your visit, take these important steps:

Research Basic Information

Gather fundamental information about each preschool before visiting. Understand their curriculum approach, operating hours, fee structure, and location relative to your home or workplace. This preliminary research helps you focus your open house time on deeper questions rather than basic facts.

Skoolopedia’s directory makes this initial research simple by allowing you to filter preschools by MRT proximity or neighborhood, giving you a convenient starting point based on your location needs.

Prepare a List of Questions

Develop a consistent list of questions to ask at each preschool, allowing for easier comparison later. Customize these questions based on your family’s specific needs and priorities. Consider bringing a notebook or using your phone to record answers, as you’ll likely visit multiple schools over several weeks or months.

Consider Logistics

Plan your visit at a time when you can give it your full attention. If possible, arrange childcare for your little one during the initial visit so you can focus completely on observing and asking questions. Many schools offer separate parent-only information sessions followed by opportunities to bring your child for a classroom visit.

Consider the commute to the preschool during actual drop-off hours to evaluate traffic patterns and transportation feasibility as part of your decision-making process.

What to Look For During a Preschool Open House

Curriculum and Teaching Approach

The heart of any preschool is its curriculum and pedagogical approach. Singapore offers diverse educational philosophies, from play-based learning to more structured academic programs. During your visit, observe if the teaching methods align with your child’s learning style and your educational values.

Look at displayed student work to gauge age-appropriateness and creativity. Are children encouraged to express themselves, or is there a focus on conformity? Notice if classrooms feature diverse learning centers (reading corners, art stations, building blocks) that support different developmental areas.

Most importantly, watch how teachers interact with children. Do they get down to the children’s level? Do they ask open-ended questions that encourage thinking? The teaching approach you observe during an open house often reveals more than any marketing material.

Facilities and Safety Measures

A preschool’s physical environment significantly impacts children’s learning and well-being. As you tour the facilities, assess both indoor and outdoor spaces. Indoor areas should be clean, well-ventilated, and organized with child-sized furniture. Look for engaging learning materials that are accessible to children, promoting independence.

Outdoor play areas deserve special attention as they support physical development and nature exploration. Are there opportunities for both active play (climbing, running) and quieter activities? Is the playground equipment well-maintained and age-appropriate?

Safety measures are non-negotiable. Notice if all entry points are secured, if staff monitor who enters and exits, and if emergency procedures are clearly posted. Ask about teacher certification in first aid and CPR, and inquire about the school’s health protocols for illness outbreaks.

Teacher Qualifications and Student-Teacher Ratio

The quality of teachers fundamentally shapes your child’s preschool experience. During the open house, inquire about teachers’ qualifications, including their education, early childhood certifications, and experience level. In Singapore, qualified early childhood educators should have relevant diplomas or degrees and be registered with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).

The student-teacher ratio is equally important. Singapore regulations specify maximum ratios (e.g., 1:8 for Nursery 1, 1:12 for Nursery 2), but lower ratios generally mean more individualized attention. Observe how teachers manage their current groups. Do they seem overwhelmed or calmly engaged with the children?

Also note teacher turnover rates, as stability benefits young children. A preschool with long-serving staff often indicates good working conditions and consistent care for students.

Daily Schedule and Activities

Understanding how a typical day unfolds provides insight into the preschool’s priorities. Request a sample daily schedule and evaluate the balance between structured learning, free play, outdoor time, rest, and meals. Quality programs offer a mix of teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with smooth transitions between them.

Consider if the schedule accommodates different learning paces and energy levels. Are there opportunities for both active engagement and quiet reflection? For younger children, check if nap times are flexible to match individual needs.

The types of activities matter too. Look for evidence of hands-on, experiential learning rather than rote memorization or worksheet-heavy approaches. Quality preschools integrate learning across subjects rather than teaching topics in isolation.

Food and Nutrition Policies

Nutrition significantly impacts children’s development and learning capacity. During your visit, ask to see weekly menus and inquire about the school’s approach to nutrition. Do they provide balanced meals with fruits and vegetables? Are special dietary requirements accommodated?

If meals are prepared on-site, request to see the kitchen facilities. Are they clean and well-maintained? Ask about food safety protocols and whether staff have food handling certifications.

Also consider the social aspects of mealtime. Do teachers sit with children, promoting conversation and modeling good eating habits? Are mealtimes rushed or treated as opportunities for social development and learning?

Essential Questions to Ask During a Preschool Open House

Questions About Curriculum and Learning Philosophy

These questions reveal the school’s fundamental values about how children learn and develop. Listen for answers that show a thoughtful, developmentally appropriate approach rather than a one-size-fits-all program.

1. “Can you describe your educational philosophy and how it’s implemented in daily activities?”
2. “How do you assess children’s progress, and how is this communicated to parents?”
3. “How do you accommodate different learning styles and abilities in the classroom?”
4. “What is your approach to developing social and emotional skills?”
5. “How much emphasis do you place on academic preparation versus play-based learning?”
6. “How do you incorporate technology in the classroom, if at all?”

Questions About Teachers and Staff

The answers to these questions provide insight into teacher quality and the school’s investment in its staff. High-quality preschools prioritize professional development and supportive work environments that encourage teacher retention.

1. “What qualifications do your teachers have? What ongoing professional development do they receive?”
2. “What is your teacher turnover rate?”
3. “How do teachers handle challenging behaviors or conflicts between children?”
4. “What is your approach to discipline and classroom management?”
5. “How are assistant teachers or aides utilized in the classroom?”

Questions About Communication and Parent Involvement

Strong home-school partnerships benefit children’s development. Look for schools that view parents as partners and maintain transparent, regular communication through multiple channels (apps, emails, newsletters, in-person conversations).

1. “How do teachers communicate with parents about daily activities and milestones?”
2. “What opportunities exist for parent involvement in the classroom or school community?”
3. “How often do parent-teacher conferences occur, and what format do they take?”
4. “If I have concerns about my child’s development, what is the process for addressing them?”
5. “Do you have a parent support group or network?”

Questions About Practical Matters

While these practical considerations may seem secondary to educational quality, they significantly impact your family’s daily life and should align with your needs and circumstances.

1. “What are the total fees, including registration, deposits, and any additional costs?”
2. “What are your hours of operation, holiday schedule, and policies for late pick-ups?”
3. “What is your approach to toilet training? Must children be fully toilet-trained before enrollment?”
4. “How do you handle illness policies and medication administration?”
5. “What security measures are in place for drop-off and pick-up?”
6. “Do you offer any additional services like extended care or holiday programs?”

Red Flags to Watch Out For

While every family’s priorities differ, certain warning signs should prompt deeper investigation:

• Reluctance to allow classroom observation or limiting parent access
• Disengaged or overwhelmed-looking teachers
• Children who appear bored, unstimulated, or consistently distressed
• Excessive screen time or use of worksheets for young children
• Rigid, one-size-fits-all approaches that don’t consider individual differences
• Unclear safety protocols or unsecured facilities
• High staff turnover or inability to answer questions about teacher qualifications
• Disorganized environments or broken/unsafe equipment
• Resistance to answering questions about discipline approaches
• Pressure tactics during the enrollment process

Trust your instincts if something feels wrong, even if you can’t immediately identify the issue. The right preschool should make both you and your child feel comfortable and valued.

After the Open House: Evaluating Your Options

After attending multiple open houses, take time to systematically evaluate each preschool. Create a comparison chart with your priority criteria, noting how each school measured up. Beyond the tangible factors, also consider these less quantifiable aspects:

• How did the school “feel” when you visited? Could you envision your child thriving there?
• Did the children seem engaged, happy, and comfortable with their teachers?
• Were the teachers passionate about early childhood education and knowledgeable about child development?
• Did the school’s values and approach align with your family’s philosophy about education?
• How responsive were administrators to your questions and concerns?

Consider arranging a second visit, possibly with your child, to observe at a different time of day. A school might present differently during a structured open house compared to a typical morning.

Finally, speak with current or former parents if possible. Their firsthand experiences often provide insights that official tours don’t capture. Skoolopedia’s Parents’ Choice Awards can also give you insights into which preschools are highly rated by other Singaporean families.

Different Types of Preschools in Singapore

MOE Kindergartens

Ministry of Education (MOE) Kindergartens offer an affordable option designed to prepare children for Singapore’s primary education system. They follow the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) curriculum focusing on six learning areas including language, numeracy, and social-emotional development. MOE Kindergartens are gaining popularity for their structured approach and integration with nearby primary schools, potentially easing the Primary 1 transition.

PCF Sparkletots

Run by the People’s Action Party Community Foundation (PCF), Sparkletots is Singapore’s largest preschool operator with over 360 centers nationwide. They offer affordable, quality early education following the NEL framework, with consistent standards across centers. Their widespread locations make them convenient for many families seeking reliable neighborhood preschools.

Religious Preschools

Various faith-based preschools in Singapore integrate spiritual values into early childhood education. Common options include Catholic kindergartens, church-based preschools, and Islamic kindergartens. While religious teachings are incorporated, most maintain strong academic standards and follow MOE guidelines. These schools often appeal to families seeking education aligned with their spiritual values.

Montessori Preschools

Montessori preschools implement Maria Montessori’s educational philosophy emphasizing self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Children work with specialized learning materials at their own pace in mixed-age classrooms. True Montessori programs employ AMI or AMS certified teachers and provide uninterrupted work periods. These schools typically develop independence, concentration, and intrinsic motivation.

Reggio Emilia-Inspired Preschools

This approach from Italy views children as capable, strong individuals with rights rather than just needs. Reggio-inspired preschools feature beautiful environments considered the “third teacher,” extensive project-based learning, and documentation of children’s work processes. They emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful investigations led by children’s interests.

International Preschools

International preschools in Singapore often follow foreign curricula like British EYFS, American standards, IB Primary Years Program, or specific national approaches (Japanese, Australian, etc.). They typically feature more diverse student populations, foreign-trained teachers, and English plus additional languages. These schools may align with international primary schools for seamless education pathways but generally come with higher fees.

When attending open houses, pay special attention to how each preschool type implements its educational philosophy. The quality can vary significantly between schools even within the same category.

Tips for Applying After Finding Your Ideal Preschool

Once you’ve identified your preferred preschools, act promptly as popular programs fill quickly. Here’s how to navigate the application process:

Understand the Timeline

Most preschools open registration 1-2 years before enrollment. Create a calendar noting application periods for your target schools. Registration typically opens in specific months, with some prestigious preschools having application windows as early as January for the following year’s enrollment.

Prepare Necessary Documents

Typically, you’ll need:

• Child’s birth certificate and immunization records
• Parents’ identification cards
• Proof of address
• Recent photographs of your child
• Application fee

Waitlist Strategies

Apply to multiple schools, including at least one with higher acceptance probability. For highly sought-after preschools, express genuine interest through follow-up communications and attendance at additional events. Some parents find success by checking back regularly about waitlist status, particularly right before term starts when last-minute vacancies might appear.

Prepare for Interviews or Observations

Some preschools conduct parent interviews or child observations. These typically assess basic developmental readiness and family-school fit rather than academic achievement. Prepare your child by talking positively about school and arranging playdates with other children to build social skills.

Plan the Transition Thoughtfully

Once accepted, discuss with the school how to prepare your child for a smooth transition. Many offer orientation sessions or gradual entry programs. Establish a consistent goodbye routine and communicate positively about school to ease separation anxiety.

Remember that while you’re evaluating schools, they’re also assessing whether your family will integrate well into their community. Approach all interactions professionally and demonstrate your genuine interest in their educational approach.

Conclusion

Choosing the right preschool is an important decision that sets the foundation for your child’s educational journey. Through thoughtful preparation for open houses, asking insightful questions, and careful evaluation of options, you can find a preschool that not only meets your child’s developmental needs but also aligns with your family’s values and practical requirements.

The perfect preschool isn’t necessarily the most expensive or prestigious, but rather the one where your child feels secure, engaged, and valued. Trust both your research and your parental instincts in this decision-making process.

Remember that Skoolopedia offers additional resources to support your search, including a comprehensive directory of preschools searchable by MRT station or neighborhood, parent reviews, and expert advice. We also offer similar directories for enrichment centers and student care facilities as your child’s educational journey progresses. By leveraging these tools alongside the insights gained from open house visits, you can approach this important decision with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start looking at preschools in Singapore?

Ideally, begin your preschool search when your child is 18-24 months old if you’re planning for enrollment at age 3. Popular preschools often have waitlists, and starting early gives you time to visit multiple options without rushing decisions.

Are more expensive preschools necessarily better?

Not always. While higher fees may reflect additional resources, specialized curricula, or lower student-teacher ratios, many affordable preschools offer excellent early childhood education. Focus on finding the best fit for your child’s personality and learning style rather than making decisions based solely on cost.

What’s the difference between a childcare center and a kindergarten in Singapore?

Childcare centers typically offer full-day programs (7am-7pm) for children from 18 months to 6 years old, catering to working parents. Kindergartens usually provide shorter, half-day programs (3-4 hours) focused specifically on educational preparation for primary school, generally for children aged 3-6 years.

How can I tell if my child is ready for preschool?

Readiness varies by child and program requirements. Generally, basic self-help skills (feeding independently, communicating needs), some ability to separate from parents, and interest in social interaction indicate readiness. Many preschools, especially for younger children, will work with families on developing these skills.

What if my child has special needs or learning differences?

Discuss your child’s specific needs openly with potential preschools. Some mainstream preschools offer inclusive programs with support services, while others may recommend specialized early intervention programs. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) can provide resources for children requiring additional support.

Finding the right preschool through open house visits requires preparation, careful observation, and thoughtful evaluation. By understanding what to look for and which questions to ask, you can make a confident decision that supports your child’s unique developmental needs and aligns with your family’s values.

Remember that the best preschool for your child isn’t necessarily the most prestigious or expensive, but rather the one where they will feel safe, engaged, and valued as they begin their educational journey. Trust your instincts as a parent, and use the information gathered during open houses to make this important decision.

Skoolopedia is here to support you throughout this process with our comprehensive resources, school directories, and expert guidance. We understand that choosing a preschool is just one step in planning your child’s educational path in Singapore, and we’re committed to making that journey clearer and more accessible for all families.

Need personalized help finding the perfect preschool for your child? Contact us via WhatsApp for tailored recommendations based on your location, budget, and educational preferences. Our education consultants are ready to guide you through the preschool selection process.