Moving to a new country with a small child brings a long list of decisions, and preschool is usually near the top. Singapore's system is well organised, but it has its own vocabulary and timing that can confuse families arriving from overseas.

This guide explains the basics in plain terms, so that by the time you visit a school you know what the levels mean and which questions to ask.

Levels are set by birth year

The first surprise for many families is that children here are grouped by the calendar year they were born in, not by a mid-year cut-off. A child born in January and a child born in December of the same year will normally be in the same class.

The usual levels are:

  • Nursery 1 (N1): the year your child turns three.
  • Nursery 2 (N2): the year they turn four.
  • Kindergarten 1 (K1): the year they turn five.
  • Kindergarten 2 (K2): the year they turn six.
  • Primary One: the year they turn seven.

Below N1, names vary between schools. Some call it playgroup and others pre-nursery, and it usually starts from about 18 months. At Shaws we take children from 18 months, and our curriculum runs from Pre-Nursery through to K2.

Some families arriving from countries with a September start find their child is placed a level above or below what they expected. It is worth asking each school how they would place your child, especially if they have a birthday near the end of the year.

The school year starts in January

Local preschools and primary schools run on a January to December year, with a long break in November and December. Most children move up a level in January.

Childcare centres usually stay open through the school holidays, while kindergartens tend to follow the school calendar more closely. Shaws campuses are open from 7am to 7pm on weekdays all year round. The only closures are public holidays and six or seven staff training days.

You do not have to wait for January to start. Many preschools take children through the year as places become available. If you are arriving mid-year, ask about vacancies early, because popular classes can fill.

Childcare or kindergarten?

You will hear both terms. In broad terms, childcare centres offer longer days and year-round care, while kindergartens offer shorter sessions closer to school hours. We have written a fuller guide to choosing between childcare and kindergarten.

Within a childcare setting there is often a choice of hours. At Shaws, families can choose Full Day, Half Day (morning or afternoon) or Extended Day. Our core programme runs from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Who regulates preschools

Preschools in Singapore are licensed and regulated by the Early Childhood Development Agency, known as ECDA. You will see the name on forms and in school literature. ECDA sets standards for things like staff qualifications and staff-to-child ratios. At Shaws, all our teachers are qualified in line with ECDA guidelines.

Two languages are normal here

Singapore is officially multilingual, and most local preschools teach English alongside a second language, usually called the Mother Tongue. In many schools that means Mandarin.

If Mandarin is new to your family, do not worry. Young children pick up a second language with remarkable ease when it is part of their everyday routine. At Shaws, children learn English and Mandarin daily through play and stories, rather than through separate drills. Our article on raising a bilingual child when Mandarin is not spoken at home covers how to support it.

Thinking ahead to primary school

Even if Primary One feels far away, it helps to understand the options early, because they shape which preschool route suits you.

Local primary schools. Places are allocated through the Ministry of Education's Primary One registration exercise, held from June to August in the year before your child starts. Singapore citizens and permanent residents register in a series of phases. International students follow a separate process that comes before the final phase, so check the MOE website for the current steps if you are planning this route.

International schools. Many expatriate families choose an international school, which will have its own admissions process and timeline. Some have long waiting lists, so apply early.

Shaws children go on to both. Schools our graduates have moved on to include local primary schools such as Tao Nan and Maris Stella, along with international schools such as the Canadian International School and Stamford American.

Practical things to bring

  • Your child's vaccination records, translated if needed. Singapore requires vaccination against measles and diphtheria, and a local doctor can check whether anything else needs catching up.
  • Any medical or allergy information, ideally in writing from your doctor at home.
  • A sense of the heat. Children here need light, washable clothing and a sun hat. Pack a water bottle they can open themselves. Classrooms are often air-conditioned and the playground is not, so layers help.

Settling in a child who has just moved

A child arriving in a new country has a lot to absorb at once. There is a new home and a new climate to adjust to, and sometimes a new language as well. Preschool can become a steadying point in all of that, but give them time.

Keep the first weeks as predictable as possible. Bring familiar things from home, especially comfort items for rest time. Expect a longer settling period than you might have had before, and tell the teachers about the move, so they understand any tears or tiredness. At Shaws, we ask you to complete an 'All About Me' form before your child starts, and we set up a WhatsApp chat once they are settling so you can see how their day is going.

Fees and enrolment

Fees in Singapore vary widely between schools and campuses. At Shaws, enrolment involves a $500 non-refundable booking fee, one month's deposit, which is refunded on withdrawal, and one month's fees in advance. Monthly fees vary by campus and programme, so send us an enquiry for current figures and vacancies.

When to seek advice

If your child seems to be struggling with the move for many weeks, or you have any concerns about their development, speak to their teacher first and then your family doctor. Moving is a big change, and it is always fine to ask for help early.

Shaws Preschool has welcomed families from all over the world across the East Coast and Serangoon since 1989. Come and see what a Singapore preschool day looks like: book a tour, or ask us about a virtual tour if you are still overseas.