Preschool Curriculum

[kwcllf]

Hi elmomo,


I understand your frustration perfectly…keep changing childcare centres maqy not be the solution as you may encounter the same lousy services elsewhere. In the meantime, I suggest you continue to "feedback" on service lapses or teachers’ unacceptable behaviour to them. As long we we have the facts, they will not dare do anything drastic. At the same time, it will make them wary that they are being "watched".

I will like to share with you one recent incident. On one particular day, they had Chicken rice for lunch. But when I examined what my kid was served, it contained such tiny morsels of chicken that it was practically "camoulflaged" by the rice. When I pointed out to them, the auntie said there was vegetables that my kid did not want. But I retorted that even with the vegetable, the amount of chicken was grossly disproportionate. The auntie just walked away and refused to do anything. Then I saw one of the teacher walking past and I asked her to be a witness and she said she would top it up with more chicken and "it should not be a problem". Still, the auntie had the cheek to complain that my kid did not want to take the vegetable. Asnyway, there was already vegetable soup and that was why I let my kid be.

Well…I have proof of the whole incident. And if they wants to be ridiculous, I will not let the matter rest just like that.

by the way, changing to a Kindergarten with 3 hours session daily may not be a bad idea if you have someone to look after your kids after classes. My daughter was once in a Kindergarten and the 3 hours she spent there was well-utilised. In a childcare centre, alot of time is wasted by "free-play" and uninspired teachers just going through motion.

[Diveera]

Hi Insider


I’m in a dilemma. I’m not exactly pleased with the way my daughter Full Day CC is operating. I’m searching for alternative and there aren’t a better one near home and the fee is also higher. Am I expecting too much from a CC monthly fee of $300+ after subsidy?

She recently enter N1. I don’t have a list of daily schedule, what time for bath, lunch, lesson, etc. I don’t know what’s their weekly meals. No idea what is her class size. I have request for these information though. I know who is her English teacher, never met her Chinese teacher. Total number of children for N1 is more than 20 and I’m not sure if they split to 2 classes for lesson.

Have asked for their curriculum, was told it is theme base and what theme for which term but didn’t give in-dept of how will it be carried out and no presentation of worksheets.

In your opinion, what is the full day CC monthly fee for N1 I should be prepared to pay for a decent curriculum with good teachers? If the CC is not so good, will it be better to place her in 3 hours kindergarten instead?

[kwcllf]

Hi Diveera,



The following are the Teacher-Child Ratio stipulated by MCYS.

AGE OF CHILDREN PROGRAMME STAFF-CHILD RATIO
2 months - 18 months = 1:5
Above 18 months - 30 months = 1:8
Above 30 months - 3 years = 1:12
Above 3 years - 4 years = 1:15
Above 4 years - below 7 years = 1:25


For the curriculum, if it is theme-based, then they must tell you what is the theme for the month or term. You should demand from them the information and also its time-table.

As for childcare fees, $300+ after subsidy is in the average range, in my opinion.

[elmomo]

Hi kwcllf,


thanks for the advice.

After i wrote in last yr’s feedback that i would like to see more "creative play" than more TV time, i actually realised for the past three days, the kids are in groups playing or reading. Hope will continue this way. My girl also told me they had started Maths and English lesson this week.

Some mummies also told me 3 hrs kindy more productive lor…will see how it goes. Thanks for all the advices.

[Diveera]

Hi kwcllf


Thanks for the information. I’m now waiting for them to provide me the menu and daily schedule.

[buds]

Heyya elmomo & diveera,


I’m ALL for 3 hours kindy!!!
Other than it being cheaper,
(cos no inclusion of the care part in
childcare, ie. shower, b’fast, lunch,
snack, sleep, "free play", tv, etc…)
it is solely 3hrs academic time.

At most once a week, playground
opportunity for the children… and
also indoor play - which has learning
corners for children to indulge in…
This kinda play is purposeful play.

If in childcare esp if child is full day,
i dislike the idea of having boxes and
boxes of blocks or lego being thrown
to the children to play till like forever!
Some teachers delay proper lesson
hour by just dumping those toys! This
is not constructive. We parents, can
reali jolly well do that for free at the
comfort of home…

Of course for parents who are both
working full time with no alternative
caregiver, no choice but to opt for
full day childcare. Full day children
tend to have their activities dragged
till end of the day. By right, full day
children should learn more things than
those attending half day to make it more
worth with the $$$ paid to the centre and
not just plain baby sitting…

Diveera,
A good centre will provide all the information
upon the child’s promotion to next level.
Everything from menu, timetable, themes
and whatever nots… They shud already have
that filed in when they started, so shudn’t be
too hard to provide information much less a
delayed one…

[buds]

Heyya insider,


You’re right! The centre most likely doesn’t have anything to
show for. I can’t tolerate these kinda set ups, man. So
unprofessional. Money all take but nothing to give.

Diveera,

Will you mind sharing which centre this is?

[Diveera]

Hi Insider and Buds


Thanks and truly grateful for your reply. I’m seriously working out my options on whether to place her in another CC or Kindy.

Buds, at this stage not comfortable to reveal the CC. I will do so when I am comfortable. Honestly, I’m disappointed that till now the in-charge have not acknowledged receipt of the letter I submitted to her via the hand of the principal. But have not found an alternative so can’t be hard on her. Having said that, I will sure call her next week to follow up.

[buds]

Heyya Diveera,


Yup, follow up is good. Good for you.
Revelation of centre not so important,
but good if other parents are aware &
won’t make the same mistake. Your
sharing of the goings-on of the centre
is revelation enuf for other parents to
reflect on their own experiences or
issues with other centres.

Hopefully, sharing is lightening the
burden of your thoughts…

Discuss with your hubs/family as to
next move… Pre-empt certain replies
you’re likely to receive from the centre
and the possible decisions you may have
to make, to ensure your money is well
spent. Amount may seem puny to some,
cos they can afford it. To me, personally…
So much can be done with that $700, than
on a centre that doesn’t satisfy yours and
your child’s needs…

Hang in there ya.
Hopefully, things will sort itself fine once
you get the answers you are waiting for.
Fingers crossed.

Take care.

[buds]

Heyya kwcllf,


Good observations on your part..

Pssst...
I know (too!) of centres that shortchange on menu promised
on their monthly roster. Child can come back each day
saying that they just ate biscuits, when it is supposed to be
roti prata, or french toast for the day. And at times, no milk
or milo as promised, but only plain water..

Very bad like that isn't it..
Sigh..