Download the checklist (PDF) Find centres on the map
Before you visit
- Check vacancies for your child's level and the months you need. Look at the next six months, not just this month.
- Confirm the centre is licensed by ECDA, and note its scheme (Anchor or Partner Operator) and whether it is SPARK-certified.
- Ask for the full list of fees, deposits and optional charges in writing, before you visit.
- Check the journey from home and from work, including pick-up and drop-off at your usual times.
- Book a visit on an ordinary day, and ask to see the class your child would actually join.
Safety and health
- How are children signed in and out, and who is allowed to collect them?
- Are entrances secured, and how are visitors checked?
- Are rooms clean, furniture safe, sockets covered and outdoor areas secure?
- How are illness, medication and allergies handled? When must a sick child stay home?
- What happens in an emergency, such as a fire drill or an accident? How are parents told?
- Is there CCTV, and who can view the recordings?
Teachers and class size
- What is the teacher-to-child ratio in the class my child would join? ECDA sets minimum ratios by age, so ask how the centre meets them.
- What are the teachers' qualifications, and how long have they worked here? How often do teachers leave?
- Who would be my child's main caregiver? Is there a key-person system?
- Who covers when a teacher is away?
Learning and the daily routine
- Can I see a typical daily schedule, including play, meals, naps, outdoor time and screen time?
- How much of the day is play-based, and how much is structured learning?
- How are second languages (Chinese, Malay, Tamil) taught? Are they compulsory?
- How does the centre help a child who is shy, new or has additional needs?
- How does the centre handle settling in, separation anxiety and toilet training?
Food
- Who prepares the meals? Can I see a sample menu?
- Are halal, vegetarian or allergy-friendly options available? If MUIS-certified halal matters to you, ask to see the certificate.
- What do I need to bring each day (milk, bottles, nappies, change of clothes)?
Communication with parents
- How will I hear about my child's day: an app, photos, a daily report, a communication book?
- How do I reach teachers or the principal, and how quickly do they usually reply?
- How often are there parent-teacher meetings or progress updates?
- How are invoices sent, and which payment methods are accepted (PayNow, GIRO, card)?
Fees and contracts
- What is the monthly fee after subsidies for my child's category, and what does it include? Is GST charged?
- Which charges are one-off (registration, deposit) and which are optional (insurance, uniform, enrichment, field trips, concerts)?
- Is the deposit refundable, and when? What is the notice period if I withdraw?
- How are fee increases announced? What happens to fees on school-closure days and public holidays?
- Does the centre help apply for subsidies, and what documents are needed?
Your gut check
- Did the children seem happy, busy and comfortable with their teachers?
- Were staff warm and open when answering your questions, including the difficult ones?
- Can you picture your child here on a bad day, not just a good one?
Score and compare
Straight after each visit, score the centre from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) on each area. Comparing numbers a day later is much easier than comparing memories.
| Area | Centre A | Centre B | Centre C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety and cleanliness | |||
| Teachers and ratio | |||
| Learning and routine | |||
| Food | |||
| Communication | |||
| Fees and terms | |||
| Location and hours | |||
| Gut feeling | |||
| Total |
Next steps
- Preschool map with vacancies
- Shortlist worksheet for your area
- Typical registration fees and deposits
- Anchor Operator preschools
- SPARK-certified preschools
Preschool details come from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) “Listing of Centres”, “Incidental Charges” and “Licence History” datasets on data.gov.sg, under the Singapore Open Data Licence version 1.0. Vacancies and fees change quickly, so confirm with each centre.