Choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make as a parent. With Singapore’s diverse early childhood education landscape, finding a center that balances quality curriculum, nurturing environment, and practical considerations like location and fees can feel overwhelming. LeClare Preschool has established itself as a trusted name in Singapore’s childcare sector, offering multiple locations across the island and a curriculum designed to foster holistic development.

Whether you’re a first-time parent navigating preschool options or considering a switch to a center closer to home or work, this comprehensive review provides everything you need to know about LeClare Preschool. We’ll explore their educational philosophy, examine what programs they offer for different age groups, break down fees and available subsidies, and provide detailed information about each location. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the insights necessary to determine whether LeClare aligns with your family’s needs and your child’s learning journey.

About LeClare Preschool

LeClare Preschool operates as part of Singapore’s network of licensed early childhood education centers, providing care and education for children from infancy through kindergarten age. The brand positions itself as a community-focused childcare provider that emphasizes creating warm, family-like environments where children feel safe to explore, learn, and grow. With multiple centers strategically located across Singapore, LeClare aims to make quality early education accessible to families in various neighborhoods.

The preschool’s philosophy centers on recognizing each child as a unique individual with distinct learning needs, interests, and developmental timelines. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, LeClare’s educators work to understand each child’s strengths and areas for growth, tailoring activities and interactions accordingly. This child-centered approach aligns with contemporary early childhood education research that emphasizes the importance of responsive caregiving and individualized learning experiences in the critical early years.

LeClare operates under Singapore’s regulatory framework for early childhood centers, which means all locations must meet standards set by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) regarding teacher qualifications, child-to-teacher ratios, health and safety protocols, and curriculum quality. Parents considering LeClare can take comfort in knowing that the centers undergo regular inspections and must maintain compliance with national standards for early learning environments.

Curriculum and Learning Approach

LeClare Preschool implements a curriculum framework that draws from established early childhood pedagogies while incorporating elements that reflect Singapore’s multicultural context and educational priorities. The program balances structured learning activities with ample time for play-based exploration, recognizing that young children learn most effectively when they’re actively engaged and intrinsically motivated. This approach mirrors the pedagogical principles outlined in Singapore’s National Early Learning Framework, which emphasizes holistic development across six learning areas.

The curriculum addresses multiple developmental domains simultaneously. Cognitive development receives attention through age-appropriate math and literacy activities, problem-solving challenges, and science exploration that encourages curiosity about the natural world. Language and literacy development occurs through storytelling, conversations, vocabulary-building games, and exposure to both English and a second language, typically Mandarin, reflecting Singapore’s bilingual education policy. Social-emotional learning is woven throughout the day as children navigate friendships, express feelings, develop self-regulation skills, and learn to work collaboratively with peers.

Physical development receives dedicated attention through both gross motor activities like outdoor play, dancing, and movement games, and fine motor skill development through activities like drawing, cutting, and manipulating small objects. Creative expression finds outlets in art projects, music, dramatic play, and open-ended activities that encourage imagination. Finally, values education helps children develop respect, responsibility, resilience, and other character traits that form the foundation for future learning and citizenship.

Teachers at LeClare centers use observation and documentation to track each child’s progress and plan appropriate next steps. Rather than relying solely on worksheets or rote learning, the curriculum emphasizes hands-on experiences, real-world connections, and meaningful contexts that help children understand why learning matters. This approach prepares children not just for primary school academics, but for becoming confident, capable learners who approach new challenges with curiosity and persistence.

Programs Offered

LeClare Preschool structures its programs according to age groups and developmental stages, ensuring that activities and environments are appropriately matched to children’s capabilities and needs. Each program level builds on the previous one, creating continuity as children progress through their early years.

Infant Care (2-18 months)

The infant care program provides nurturing care for the youngest learners in a safe, stimulating environment. Caregivers maintain low ratios to ensure each baby receives individualized attention, responsive caregiving, and plenty of one-on-one interaction. The daily routine honors each infant’s unique schedule for feeding, sleeping, and active play time, while gradually introducing gentle structure as babies grow and develop more predictable patterns.

The infant environment includes dedicated spaces for sleeping, feeding, diaper changing, and age-appropriate play. Sensory experiences form a core component of infant programming, with activities designed to stimulate sight, sound, touch, and movement. Caregivers engage in language-rich interactions, describing daily routines, singing songs, reading simple board books, and responding verbally to babies’ coos and babbles. Tummy time, supported sitting, crawling exploration, and other motor activities support physical development milestones.

Playgroup and Nursery (18 months – 4 years)

As toddlers transition from infant care, they move into playgroup and nursery programs designed for increasingly mobile, verbal, and social young children. These programs maintain warm, nurturing environments while introducing more structured group activities, learning centers, and opportunities for peer interaction. Teachers guide children through daily routines that build independence skills like toilet training, self-feeding, tidying up, and following simple instructions.

The learning environment for this age group typically includes distinct areas for dramatic play, blocks and construction, art and creativity, books and quiet activities, sensory exploration, and manipulative toys that develop fine motor skills. Teachers plan thematic units that connect activities across the day, helping children make sense of topics like family, community helpers, animals, seasons, and other concepts relevant to their expanding world. Circle time, story sessions, music and movement, and outdoor play punctuate the daily schedule, providing variety and supporting different learning styles.

Language development accelerates during these years, and LeClare’s program provides rich vocabulary exposure through conversations, stories, songs, and language games. For bilingual development, teachers incorporate Mandarin through daily routines, songs, simple phrases, and activities, laying foundations for later language learning. Social-emotional development receives particular attention as children learn to share, take turns, express feelings with words rather than actions, and navigate the complexities of peer relationships.

Kindergarten Programs (4-6 years)

The kindergarten levels (K1 and K2) prepare children for the transition to primary school while maintaining playful, engaging learning experiences appropriate for young children. The curriculum becomes more structured, with dedicated time for literacy, numeracy, and other pre-academic skills, but continues to use hands-on, activity-based methods rather than heavy worksheet use.

Literacy development includes phonics instruction, sight word recognition, early reading skills, and writing practice that progresses from letter formation to simple words and sentences. Mathematical thinking develops through counting, number recognition, simple operations, patterns, shapes, measurement, and problem-solving activities. Science and discovery activities encourage observation, prediction, experimentation, and drawing conclusions about how things work.

Project work or thematic investigations allow kindergarteners to explore topics in depth, developing research skills, collaboration, and the ability to represent learning through various media. Teachers guide children in setting goals, planning approaches, working through challenges, and reflecting on what they’ve learned. These metacognitive skills—thinking about thinking—support children in becoming self-directed learners.

The kindergarten program also emphasizes school readiness in broader terms: following multi-step directions, working independently, managing materials and belongings, adapting to transitions, persisting through challenging tasks, and advocating for their needs. These executive function skills and learning dispositions often predict school success as effectively as academic skills, making them an important focus during the preschool years.

Facilities and Learning Environment

LeClare Preschool centers are designed with young children’s needs in mind, creating spaces that are safe, stimulating, and conducive to various types of learning. While specific features may vary slightly by location due to building constraints and center size, all LeClare facilities maintain core environmental standards that support quality early education.

Classrooms are organized into learning centers or activity areas that encourage exploration and choice. Child-sized furniture, accessible storage at children’s height, and thoughtful display of materials promote independence and ownership of the learning environment. Natural light, appropriate ventilation, and temperature control create comfortable conditions for learning and play. Safety features include rounded corners, secured cabinets for hazardous materials, covered electrical outlets, and gates or barriers preventing unsupervised access to stairs or outdoor areas.

Outdoor play spaces provide essential opportunities for gross motor development, sensory experiences, and the numerous benefits of nature connection. LeClare centers typically include outdoor areas with age-appropriate play equipment, shaded zones for sun protection, and surfaces suitable for active play. Some locations may have garden areas where children can participate in simple planting and care of plants, connecting to environmental awareness and science learning.

Specialized areas support particular types of learning and care. Meal and snack times occur in designated dining areas where children practice social skills and healthy eating habits. Rest areas provide quiet, comfortable spaces for naps and quiet time, particularly important for younger children. Hygiene facilities include child-sized toilets and sinks, diaper changing stations that meet safety standards, and handwashing areas that support health and self-care routines.

LeClare Preschool Locations

LeClare operates multiple centers across Singapore, providing options for families in different neighborhoods. Having several locations allows parents to potentially find a center near their home or workplace, reducing commute times and facilitating participation in center activities and events. Each location offers the core LeClare curriculum and philosophy while potentially having unique features based on the specific facility.

LeClare @ Admiralty serves families in the northern region of Singapore, offering convenient access for residents in Woodlands, Sembawang, and surrounding areas. The Admiralty location provides programs from infant care through kindergarten, with facilities designed to accommodate the full age range.

LeClare @ Sengkang positions the preschool in one of Singapore’s major residential towns in the northeast. This location serves the growing Sengkang community, with easy access for families in Sengkang, Punggol, and Hougang areas. The center’s programming spans all age groups, providing continuity for families as children progress through early childhood.

LeClare @ Woodlands offers another northern location option, strategically positioned to serve the Woodlands community and families in the north and northwest regions. This center provides comprehensive early childhood programming in facilities designed to support active learning and care.

When selecting among LeClare locations, parents should consider factors beyond just distance. Visit timing relative to traffic patterns, proximity to MRT stations for those using public transport, parking availability for those driving, and the specific features of each center’s facility can all influence which location works best for your family. If you’re exploring preschools near MRT stations for convenient access, you might find our guide to preschools near Singapore MRT stations helpful for comparing multiple options.

Fees and Subsidies

Understanding the cost of preschool is essential for family planning and budgeting. LeClare Preschool’s fee structure varies depending on several factors including the child’s age, program level, and whether parents are accessing government subsidies. Singapore offers substantial financial support for early childhood education through various subsidy schemes, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible families.

Basic Fee Structure: Monthly fees at LeClare typically differ between infant care, playgroup/nursery, and kindergarten levels. Infant care generally carries higher fees due to the lower child-to-teacher ratios required for this age group. As children move into playgroup, nursery, and kindergarten, fees may adjust to reflect the different staffing ratios and program features. Parents should contact specific LeClare locations for current fee schedules, as rates can be updated periodically and may vary slightly between centers.

Government Subsidies: Singaporean citizens can access the Basic Subsidy for full-day childcare programs, with subsidy amounts determined by household income levels. Working mothers may qualify for the Additional Subsidy, which provides further fee reduction. The Kindergarten Fee Assistance Scheme (KiFAS) supports families with children in kindergarten programs. Permanent Residents have access to some subsidies, though typically at different rates than citizens.

To maximize subsidy benefits, parents need to ensure their child is enrolled at a licensed center participating in government subsidy schemes (LeClare centers participate in these programs), and complete the necessary applications through relevant government portals. Subsidy amounts can substantially reduce monthly fees, making quality early education more affordable for families across different income levels.

Additional Costs: Beyond monthly fees, parents should budget for registration fees (typically one-time upon enrollment), deposits (often equivalent to one month’s fees), uniform costs if required, and potential charges for supplementary programs, field trips, or special activities. Some centers include meals and snacks in the monthly fee, while others charge separately, so clarify what’s included when comparing costs.

What Parents Say

Parent feedback provides valuable insights into the day-to-day experience of having a child enrolled at LeClare Preschool. While individual experiences vary based on factors like the specific center, teachers, and child’s needs, common themes emerge from parent reviews and testimonials that paint a picture of LeClare’s strengths and areas where experiences differ.

Many parents appreciate the caring and attentive teachers who develop strong relationships with children and families. The communication between teachers and parents receives positive mentions, with educators providing regular updates about children’s activities, developmental progress, and daily experiences. This transparent communication helps parents feel connected to their child’s day and supports continuity between home and school.

The safe and clean environment rates highly among parent concerns, particularly for those enrolling infants and young toddlers. Parents value centers that maintain rigorous hygiene standards, conduct regular safety checks, and create secure spaces where children can explore without unnecessary risks. The physical environment’s appropriateness for young children—including child-sized facilities, age-appropriate materials, and thoughtful space organization—contributes to positive parent impressions.

Curriculum and activities receive mixed feedback, as is common with preschools. Some parents appreciate the balance between structured learning and play, while others desire either more academic preparation or more free play, depending on their educational philosophy and priorities. The variety of activities, inclusion of creative arts, outdoor play opportunities, and bilingual exposure generally receive positive mentions.

Practical factors like location convenience, operating hours, and responsiveness to parent needs influence satisfaction significantly. Centers that accommodate working parents’ schedules, offer flexibility when possible, and maintain clear, consistent policies tend to receive higher satisfaction ratings. As with any educational decision, visiting centers in person, speaking with current parents if possible, and considering your family’s specific priorities will provide the most relevant information for your decision.

Enrollment Process

Enrolling your child at LeClare Preschool involves several steps designed to ensure the center is a good fit for your family and to complete necessary administrative and regulatory requirements. Starting the process early is advisable, particularly for popular locations or if you need care to begin at a specific time.

1. Research and Center Visit – Begin by researching LeClare locations near you and reviewing basic information about programs, fees, and schedules. Contact centers to arrange a visit, which allows you to tour the facilities, observe classrooms, meet teachers and administrators, and ask questions. Visiting during operating hours when children are present provides the most authentic view of the center’s daily environment and teacher-child interactions.

2. Application Submission – If you decide to proceed after your visit, complete the enrollment application form. This typically requires basic information about your child, family contact details, medical information, and emergency contacts. Some centers may require supporting documents such as birth certificates, immunization records, and proof of address.

3. Registration and Deposit – Upon acceptance, you’ll pay registration fees and deposit (typically equivalent to one month’s fees). These fees secure your child’s place and cover administrative costs associated with enrollment setup.

4. Subsidy Application – If eligible for government subsidies, complete the necessary applications through the relevant government portals. Center staff can often provide guidance on this process, but families are responsible for ensuring subsidy applications are completed and approved. Processing times vary, so starting early helps ensure subsidies are in place when your child begins.

5. Orientation and Transition – Before your child’s start date, the center typically conducts an orientation for parents to review policies, daily routines, communication systems, and expectations. Some centers offer a gradual transition period, particularly for younger children or those new to childcare, where attendance begins with shorter days that gradually extend to the full schedule. This eases the adjustment for both children and parents.

How LeClare Compares

When evaluating LeClare Preschool, it’s natural to wonder how it stacks up against other early childhood options in Singapore. The preschool landscape includes various types of centers—from large chains to smaller independent operators, from premium international programs to more affordable community-based options—each with distinct approaches, price points, and features.

LeClare positions itself in the mid-range segment of Singapore’s preschool market. It’s neither among the premium-priced international preschools with specialized curricula like Reggio Emilia or Montessori, nor at the most budget-friendly end. This positioning means LeClare offers reasonable fees (particularly after government subsidies) while maintaining quality standards, trained teachers, and appropriate facilities. For families seeking quality early education without premium pricing, this middle-ground positioning can represent good value.

Compared to anchor operators (large chains operating numerous centers), LeClare has a smaller network, which can mean more personalized attention and community feel, but potentially less brand recognition or fewer locations to choose from. The curriculum approach is broadly mainstream, aligning with national frameworks rather than following a specific alternative pedagogy, which makes it a good fit for families wanting solid preparation for Singapore’s education system without a particular pedagogical commitment.

When comparing options, consider what matters most to your family: specific location convenience, particular curriculum approaches, budget constraints, center size and atmosphere, teacher qualifications and turnover rates, and your child’s individual needs. No single preschool is universally “best”—the right choice depends on your priorities and circumstances. Platforms like Skoolopedia provide tools to compare multiple preschools, read reviews, and filter options by location, helping you make a well-informed decision. For comprehensive insights into Singapore’s top-rated programs, you might explore our Parents’ Choices Award winners to see how various centers compare.

Choosing a preschool requires balancing numerous factors—from practical considerations like location and fees to more nuanced aspects like teaching philosophy, teacher quality, and how well the environment suits your child’s temperament and learning style. LeClare Preschool offers a solid option for Singapore families seeking quality early childhood education at moderate price points, particularly when government subsidies are factored in. With multiple locations across northern and northeastern Singapore, LeClare provides accessibility for families in these regions.

The curriculum’s balance of structured learning and play-based exploration, emphasis on holistic development, and alignment with Singapore’s educational frameworks means children receive preparation for primary school while developing the social-emotional skills, creativity, and learning dispositions that support long-term success. The caring environment and attention to individual children’s needs create conditions for positive early learning experiences that can shape children’s attitudes toward education.

As with any significant educational decision, visiting LeClare centers in person, speaking with educators, observing classrooms, and considering your family’s specific needs and priorities will provide the clearest picture of whether it’s the right fit. Take time to ask questions, review policies carefully, and trust your instincts about whether the environment feels right for your child. The early years are foundational, and finding a preschool where your child will thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—is worth the investment of time in thorough research and consideration.