3 Days 3 Schools

For the past 3 mornings, we have been visiting childcare centres. Prior to this, I have already seen a couple of places (surprise visits). We did not want to overwhelm ourselves so we limited our visits to one per day.

The first one we visited was Raffles House Preschool. We love its philosophy, curriculum and demographics; it was a pity we did not get to talk to the teachers though. Judging from the way some of the toddlers cry, maybe they do not get to talk to the teachers much either. The principal was very young but clearly proficient in answering any possible questions I could have ever asked. In terms of facilities, we were quite disappointed. The place is quite rundown; the staff also left "dangerous" looking cardboard boxes around and their rubbish bin was easily accessible to the young toddlers. For such a "upmarket" preschool, I would expect the facilities to be a little more impressive. And of course, they are so far that their school bus does not come to our place. If we intend to put Sophie there, we must make Toa Payoh (my MIL's place) the pick-up/drop-off place.

The second one was Cherie Hearts Kids-At-Play (award-winning childcare centre). The location was much better (as in... nearer) and transportation via school bus can be arranged. This particular branch only opened last August, so the facilities are new, clean and pleasant. When we were there, we spoke to the branch director who was heavily pregnant. She told us that she could give us very good discount as we were "new" parents. Frankly, I like the place but the curriculum seems a little sketchy and too "flexible". For instance, everyone was at MacRitchie for a nature walk when we were there, a last minute arrangement due to CNY apparently. When they came back, we saw another heavily pregnant teacher. My first thought was that they would have staffing issue soon. And the children looked a little unkempt and bothered. Again, we felt disappointed, after all it is supposed to be "AWARD-WINNING".

The third one was Kinderland (Yio Chu Kang) which is an ideal location (very near... even if I have to drive...) for us. The school ground is HUGE! Their playground is really a playground (not just the front porch of a semi-detached or terrace house) and the children are playing happily. We got to see the actual playgroup and their teachers in action and I also spoke to both the principal and the teacher-in-charge. They looked candid and they answered my questions very honestly. I love the fact that the teachers have been working there for a long time (probably good work environment etc). However, the place is not as "upmarket" or impressive in terms of the classroom facilities. We did not really see any expensive toy kitchen, costumes or plastic bricks. Also, they warned me about mosquitoes (especially during rainy seasons) and the use of insect repellent.

Perhaps, there is still beauty in simplicity after all. I saw little happy faces at Kinderland and the staff seem more authentic and committed to their vocation than the previous two childcare centres. We still have not decided where we should go from here... We probably should visit a few more centres before we make up our mind. But after seeing Kinderland, I think I will not put Sophie in those small childcare centres at shopping malls (e.g. Little Skool House / Learning Kidz Eduhub at AMK Hub) or HDB lobby (e.g. Appletree Playgroup/Talent Plus Playgroup); even Learning Vision at The Grassroots' Club. Their centres are just too small even though they may have very attractive furnishings and excellent advertising.

I guess the search still goes on...