Choosing the right infant care centre in Singapore is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child.
As a parent, you need to ask a lot of questions in order to make an informed decision that will impact your little one’s growth at such a crucial stage.
The best way to feel confident that you’re picking the right infant care centre in Singapore is by scheduling a visit and making a list of questions to ask!
To help you get started, here are some essential questions to ask a prospective infant care Singapore during your visit!
General Questions
What is your general philosophy on teaching children?
It’s important to ask about an infant care centre’s approach to taking care of and teaching children to know if it aligns with your parenting style
What are your rates?
This is a common question received by infant care centres, so it will be easy for them to provide you with a quotation. You don’t want to go beyond your budget but at the same time you want the best for your child, so make sure to check if their rates are commensurate with the quality of childcare they’re giving.
Are you a licensed centre?
All early childhood education centres in Singapore are required to obtain a licence from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). It’s the agency that oversees, facilitates and supports the local early childhood education sector, making sure that every child is under the care of qualified educators and caregivers.
How do I get updates about my child?
Find out how a centre keeps every parent updated. Some infant care centres in Singapore hold regular meetings with parents, while others use digital tools or applications. Either way, it’s important that a centre has a system for communicating with parents.
Policy Questions
How do you handle sick children?
Children at infant care centres spend a lot of time playing with each other, so viruses can easily spread. Find out if children can come in if they’re sick as long as they don’t have a fever. You might also want to ask if you have to pay if your child is sick and can’t come in for the day.
What is the staff-to-children ratio?
To make sure that your child receives ample attention at the centre, ask about how many children each teacher handles per class. According to ECDA, the ideal ratio is 1:5, so you want something close to this.
What qualifications do your staff have?
As a parent, you only want qualified teachers to look after your child. Ask this to know whether their staff is experienced and licensed and was put through an extensive background check. It’s also a good sign if their staff is certified in first aid or CPR, or at least has some experience.
How do you discipline children?
It’s not only important for an infant care staff to know how to discipline children, how they discipline children regardless of their behaviour should align with your parenting views.
Do you have off-campus trips?
Exploring the outdoors is crucial in any child’s development, so it should be included in an infant care centre’s curriculum. Find out how often they go to parks and go on field trips. You might also want to know their transportation methods and rules.
Do I need to provide snacks and lunches for my child?
If an infant care centre provides food, ask what the daily menu looks like. Do they give children a balanced meal during lunchtime?
