6 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling Your Child in a Playgroup in Serangoon

One of the most important steps in picking the right playgroup in Serangoon for your child is knowing which questions to ask!

That’s how you find the most suitable playgroup for your family. As you tour your prospects, you should be prepared with questions to ask teachers, administrators, and support staff.

To help you get started, below are some essential questions to ask your shortlisted centres about their playgroup programmes in Serangoon.

Question 1: Do you follow a specific early childhood teaching philosophy or approach?

This is perhaps one of the most important questions to ask any early childhood education centre in Singapore. That’s because it can help you determine whether their approach to caring for and teaching children is aligned with your own values as a parent.

For most playgroups in Serangoon and other nearby areas, their teaching philosophy is often heavily centred on cultivating creativity, fostering an early love for learning, and building relationships with peers.

Question 2: What are the qualifications of your staff?

As a parent, you wouldn’t want to leave your child to someone with neither experience nor the right qualifications in early childhood education.

That’s why it’s critical to ask questions about staff’s background, training, and qualifications, especially in terms of handling emergency situations and health precautions.

Specifically, you might want to ask about the carer’s certifications and their knowledge of various early childhood curricula.

Question 3: How much are your fees?

The monthly fees usually vary depending on which playgroup in Serangoon you ask. Make sure to ask for an estimate that includes their weekly or monthly fees, as well as any additional fees along the way.

As a parent, you don’t want to go over your budget, but at the same time, you want a high-quality playgroup for your child.

The good news is that there are government subsidies available for early childhood education that can help you defray some of these costs.

Question 4: What is the teacher-to-student ratio?

This is a critical question that can help you determine whether a playgroup has enough teachers to handle the number of children in a class.

According to the Early Childhood Development Agency, the ideal ratio for playgroups in Singapore is 1:8 or 1 + 1: 12 if there’s an assistant carer or teacher present.

A good staff-child ratio allows carers to spend as much time with each child and closely monitor their progress. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the carers to identify and accommodate each child’s needs adequately.

Question 5: How do you communicate with parents?

As a parent, you want to receive updates about your child when you’re not together. That’s why it’s crucial for playgroups to have a system of communication with every parent.

Ask the playgroup how and how often they give updates to parents or guardians. Some playgroups hold regular meetings with parents, while others use digital platforms to send daily updates to parents.

Either way, parents should receive regular updates about their children’s day while at the playgroup.

Question 6: How do you handle sick children?

The moment your child goes to a playgroup and spends time with children and other adults, they become susceptible to various illness-causing viruses.

Ask about what their policy is if your child is sick. Some playgroups may ask you to keep your child at home until they’re fully recovered or a doctor clears them to return to school.

If you’re looking for a high-quality playgroup in Serangoon that can look after your child while you’re at work, get in touch with the Blossom Edugroup team!