Hunting Spree

I have been hunting for a playgroup or childcare for Sophie since the beginning of the year. The task has proven to be quite exhausting and frustrating as well. Some of the centres were appalling in facilities and the quality of care-givers and teachers were not so impressive. I am not talking about their qualifications, I am sure they are armoured with all sorts of paper qualifications. 'Tis their dedication and professionalism that I question.

At one centre, I walked in uninvited and unannounced so I got to see the REAL DEAL so to speak. Around a huge table in a little room, sat about 10 young children and 2 teachers. One of them was on her cell phone, sitting in a very relaxed position (as if she was at home on her sofa...) with her legs stretched out and chatting happily. When she saw me, she quickly hung up to attend to my enquiry, but not before closing the door of the classroom.

The children were doing some colouring activities or worksheets (only caught a glimpse). I think we must be careful not to let these centres abuse "colouring activities" and treat them like some sort of filler activities. Colouring helps children develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and it allows children to express themselves creatively. In how many ways are the children encouraged to fill the spaces aka "colour the pictures"? Do they dot? Use lines (short/long or curly/straight/springy)? Are they given different medium, like pipe cleaners or even glitter glue? I guess I may sound a little harsh but hey, don't we all pay good money to them?

I spoke to someone in another centre and she told me the children in their playgroup do worksheets. Okay, so their selling point is "whole brain approach", whatever that may mean to them. Frankly, I immediately struck it out from my list. There is no better way of killing a child's natural enthusiasm for learning than excessive drilling at such a tender age. I hope Sophie will learn through play... as much as possible.

Then of course, many centres refused to give me much information about their curriculum, maybe they do not even know. And even more told me they were full at the moment, but wanted me to call again in April... Hmm... high turnover? I am so not happy about the childcare scene in Singapore. I managed to arrange a couple of visits during the Chinese New Year week (Papa on leave). My fingers are crossed.