Nursery Programs That Fit Your Child’s Needs
Instilling good habits and acquiring knowledge should begin in a child’s early years, as it was scientifically proven that human brains are most absorbent when the children are younger. The early childhood education or preschool program in Singapore is classified into four grades. They are N1, N2, K1 and K2. Nursery programs falls under N1 and N2 grade, for children aged between 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 respectively. K1 and K2 are kindergarten grades for those aged 5 to 6 years old. Schooling below these years is called playgroup where social and independence skills are learnt, and it is less academically inclined.
Benefits Gained from Nursery Programs
Celebrating the opportunity to give the best for their young, many parents decide to send their children to structured learning centres as early as possible. When children attend these nursery programs, they get the opportunity to develop useful habits, interact with their peers, learn alphabets and additional vocabularies, get acquainted with books, gain sensorial experiences and be involved in physical activities beyond their ordinary environment. It enumerates many aspects on how nursery schools in Singapore prepares children, not only for primary schools, but for their entire life.
Socio-emotional Growth
As nursery is likely their first experience outside home, children can learn more about themselves, other people in their community, and their society. Familiarity with common rules, structure and routines like greeting others, saying thank you and goodbyes are good social experiences. This encourages them to connect with others socially, rather than being restricted only to knowing immediate family members and confined to their home environment.
Based on the school’s curriculum of choice, they will be learning and playing daily with their friends and classmates. Also, it is common for nurseries in Singapore to allocate alone time for children to work on their own. This is important to develop self-confidence and self-learning.
Growth in Cognitive and Motor Skills
Physical activities at nurseries are also aimed specifically to develop children cognitively and physically. By no means is this meant to downgrade parents’ involvement and learning environment at home, but good nurseries usually operate based on proven learning methods and have objectives that they need to achieve in the physical development of the child. Specific play activities are planned to help children harness control over their body parts and to perform actions like catching, throwing and running around during exercise classes. Likewise, brain development activities and toys are available for the children to interact with.
Take Time Getting to Know the Preschool and Nursery Centres
It is advised to ask several different caregivers or early childhood education providers some questions about their services before choosing which nursery to send your child to. An overall assessment on teachers and schools is important. Try to find honest testimonies or go by word-of-mouth and reviews from existing or previous parents who have had children enrolled in the school. The schools must have a high cleanliness standard and be safe and friendly for young children.
With a proper checklist of all basic information, parents should have no regrets later when faced with any shortcomings or even unforeseen challenges. Enrolling their children in nursery will also help working parents feel more secure and contented about the safety of their children, knowing that their children are looked after by certified caregivers and the time in nursery is filled with useful activities.
As a parent, ensuring your child’s needs are met and learning occurs is your priority. A good nursery school curriculum will help your child on his education journey and set a strong foundation for his future. Working closely with the centre’s teachers and caregivers is a bonus to finding the most suitable nursery program for your child.
To find out more about our Nursery Curriculum, contact us here.