Kindergartens: Why small is better when it comes to preschool

If you’re scouring the preschool circuit for your child aged 2-6 years, you’ll no doubt have heard about Raintrees Kindergarten in expat circles, and with good reason. With a maximum capacity of 80 children, parent and toddler sessions for children below the age of 2 and a large outdoor garden with play house, this independent international kindergarten, nursery and preschool has earned a solid reputation for being fun, friendly and family-focused. The nurturing play-based environment is just what kids need to foster a lifelong love of learning and develop confidence, imagination and independence. Big school can wait!

Plus, its location on Kheam Hock Road, just off Bukit Timah Road, is perfect should you fancy a stroll around Botanic Gardens and a coffee from Cluny Court after drop-off. Not that we’re suggesting your preschool selection be swayed by great flat whites and walking paths, but we’re just saying.

So, let’s talk curriculum. Established in 1999, Rain Trees follows an international topic-based curriculum underpinned by the UK Early Years Foundation Stage. It’s a hands-on, play-based approach that’s carried out by Rain Tress’ highly qualified teaching team (all of whom have international qualifications and experience) both in the classroom and the ‘garden classroom’. The focus is on nurturing the development of the whole child so they can grow to their full potential – just like a rain tree, Singapore’s signature trees!

And there won’t be any shoo’ing of parents away from classrooms here. If you’re able and have the time, they value the close involvement of parents in school life, from reading to the children and organising a craft activity, to accompanying a class trip, baking for a charity cake sale, or making costumes for a play or concert. In fact, there are many well-documented advantages to Mom and Pop’ playing an active role in the educational process of their children, so save speedy drop-offs for when they’re older and pop into the class before the bell rings each morning to chat to parents, teachers and your child’s peers.

Your little learner will join Busy Bees if they’re aged 4+, Dragonflies or Fireflies if they’re between 3 and 4 years old and then there’s Butterflies for those aged 2-3. If your little one has not yet blown out the candles on their second birthday cake and you’d like to prepare them for preschool or get a feel for Rain Trees, sign up for Ladybirds, the parent and toddler session ($25 per class) held on a Wednesday and Friday morning from 9.15-11.15am. The programme includes activities such as music, art and play and a small session of singing in Mandarin. Head along to meet other parents and let your little one show off those social skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Want to find out more about the magic of Rain Trees? Head to their website at raintreeskindergarten.com to arrange a visit or request fee or programme information.

60 Kheam Hock Road, 298824; admin@raintreeskindergarten.com; +65 6474 6181