[Bukit Batok/Chua Chu Kang/Yew Tee] Preschools

[sashimi]

IMPORTANT NOTE: 7 Dec 2009 - Gentlelove Schoolhouse no longer exists. This is mainly due to the fact that a new \"management\" has taken over, renamed the school, and most importantly, principal Ruth has left. The review below is now history - it is a reflection on Ruth's good work, and nothing to do with the present school in GL's former premises.

jedamum:

mahes_gopal:

Hi any feedback on this cc. I intend to put my son there. Thanks.

do read sashimi's comments http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=130&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=45.

I'd like to highlight again GentleLove Schoolhouse at Bukit Batok. http://gentlelovesh.com/ . I don't work for them; my DD is there. I feel compelled to support the school because:

Last Sunday, I received an SMS from the school's principal, informing me that over the last few days there had been several kids falling ill, including vomitting, diarrhoea, etc. She advised us to keep away until the situation is better. Her staff disinfected the school over the valentine weekend. The reason why she bothered to sms us on Sunday? Because \"if I inform you any later, you may not have time to arrange for alternative care for your child.\" I was both impressed by her concern for the kids (something she has demonstrated repeatedly), and her concern for parents' schedules. I understand also that for this week she even went to the trouble to change the entire centre's meals menu to light meals, no fried stuff, to keep the children in good shape. She's also keeping them away from the sun (playground) as it's been so hot of late.

I have other stories relating to HFMD too. One involving (if I heard correctly) chastising a GP for certifying a HFMD case as non-HFMD and sending the child back to the centre. The principal knew better than the useless PhD.

I must add that, perhaps, because of the vigilance of the staff and principal, the spread of diseases in this centre is often limited in number and very short-lived.

The Friday before CNY, the centre invited parents to the centre for a reunion dinner. Many turned up and we all did pot-luck, lo hei, and the kids did song and dance. Instead of going home to prepare for CNY, the centre staff stayed late on a Friday night for this - this is what I call family.

Last week when I planned to pick up my DD from the centre I told her I might be late - she said, \"It's ok, you can come later\" - she loves staying back to play.

This Monday past I bumped into one of the centre's ex-teachers on the way to work. She told me what she felt about the principal: kind to staff and a very responsible person.

So, those of you in Bt Batok, if you're looking for a good childcare centre, consider GentleLove, it has my highest recommendation.

[lims]

Hi Sashimi,


Yes totally agree with you !!!..my boy was there since mid of 2007 untill today…my boy just loves to go school.

I’m very happy that they have wonderful dedicated teachers especially the supervisor - Ms Ruth.I think she did more than jus the supervisor’s role.
Whenever i need advise anything related to my kids she will be my 1st person in the list that i will ask/seek adv fm.

I’m really happy to see my son is enjoying cum learning in such a wonderful enviroment.

Planning to send my girl there…got to wait a bit longer coz she is quite weak…can’t wait to put her in too

[sashimi]

Hi lims! It’s a small world! Your boy is what level now? My girl is in BASC.


Yes, Ruth is simply amazing.

[onemoreparent]

Dear ChiefKiasu,

I did see a mention about this montessori in this thread.Did you get any fedback from your coach regarding this center. Iam considering this center for my son who is in K1 right now.
Please kindly give me your feedback ASAP.

Requesting other parents to give in their comments regarding the school.

thanks in advance.

[sherl]

Hi everyone,


DD is turning 3 next year and I’m now looking for a suitable kindy for her. Have so far narrowed my search to two kindys in the area:

1) Gracefields @Teck Whye
2) St Joseph’s Church Kindergarten

Am looking for feedback on both kindys, though more on No. 1 as there is really very little information on it!

Any mommies with children there who can comment?

I’ve been down to the place to take a look, and I’m quite attracted to it as the teachers and students all looked very happy. The student:teacher ratio also seems to be quite small. However, my gripes about it are the really old building (though maintenance-wise it is ok) and the slightly high price.

[blaqueroses]

There is a new school coming up in Bukit Batok. Its call The Moral Childcare Ctr. They are from Viking Road. Thinking of putting my daughter there cause it is so convenient for me. So far i have read good reviews about them.

[buds]

carolsoh:

Dear all,


Any of you have tried or now with Wharton Junior Childcare? How the programme & the teacher?

Hope to get advice from you all.

Thanks
Carol

Hi carolsoh,

Have you gone down to visit them?
I went around recce-in early within
Bukit Panjang, Teck Whye, Bt Batok,
CCK, Yew Tee and Bt Timah cos i'm
from the west. I suppose you are too.

I dunno if this helps.. My visit to
Wharton was a few years back
when my younger girl was 8 mths old.
Ya, i very kiasu so i start recce early
in order to have more choices..

Wharton is located under the stadium
at CCK. A little dim for me upon entry.
Space is clean and learning areas quite
defined. Children having lunch break
were all independent, none crying but
none smiling nor talking either... its like
a really quiet lunch with friends. Teachers
were attentive to watch out for 2nd helping
requests from any students or spillage.
Food i heard, they simply observe no pork
no lard. Mostly Chinese children i saw, not
many from other races. Only spoke to the
administrator so cannot be a judge on the
teaching strength - didn't get to see a class
in session.

Administrator brought us in to a special room
with a multimedia board used as a learning
tool if i'm not mistaken leased from the creative
people at Town for Kids. It is an interactive
learning board, very visual - teachers and kids
can use a magnetic marker to point to right
answers for phonics and maths questions and
will receive compliments from the prgm software.
I liked that. The prgm designed to even work with
music and movement with cartoon characters
dancing or exercising and children will follow the
actions.

The entire space is air-conditioned. There seemed
like a lot of children to a small space. Though not
cluttered some may find it claustrophobic especially
for parents who are more inclined to big wide space
kinda set up. They have their own playground..
Their set up is childcare and last i asked they
do not offer flexi programme.

Forgot abt the fees already but if you're interested
you can call them up to make appointment to see
the place. Bring your child along. It is helpful to
receive feedback here but ultimately you have to
like the place you selected too, and being there
gives you the opportunity to assess the environment,
the teaching staff, safety measures, curriculum and
menu plus not forgetting the transport arrangements.

Not sure if you were looking for childcare or enrichment
programme or kindergarten and not sure of your child's
age either... so i hope this brief commentary on the plc
from sometime back can give you a rough idea of the
place anyways..

Cheerios.

[buds]

carolsoh:

Dear buds,


Thanks for your update, it's really help. Actually i'm looking at childcare for fullday. My child now is with Kinderland N1, overall is quite good but it's just that they don't have phonics at N1. They started at N2. As i know wharton Jr have phonics since N1. Seen quite good.

You're most welcome, hope it didn't come too late as i didn't keep up
with this thread in a while until it came up again today. :oops:

carolsoh:

You didn't mentioned that all kids can't talk at their breakfast, lunch...etc then my child can't make it already co's he like to talk alot.

Once again, thanks for your info, appreciated.

Cheers,
Carol

Hahaahaaa! I am not sure if the kiddies weren't allowed to speak at all
(by the teachers)... but it sure was an awfully quiet and orderly lunch
and we're talking small kiddies form Playgroup to K2 you know... So
mebbe i was too sensitive, but that was my honest observation for u.

Your child can't make it part sure tickled me lah!

Cheerios to you!
:celebrate:

[buds]

carolsoh:

Dear Buds,


Ya :lol: , your updates really helps co's i also don't like dim centre co's it give people a low-spirited feeling. But i just like their phonics session. Maybe just stick to Kinderland 1st.

Actually from your view, for a 3 year old child what they should know. I mean by end of the year is it a must that they should know full set of A-Z, how to count 1-10 or 30, hold the pencil, phonics etc. Sorry for been asking you so many question :oops:

Cheers,
Carol

Heyya carolsoh,

No worries on the questions. I'm cool with it.
We're all here for sharing, aye.

3-year old still quite young, if pincer-grip (for holding pencil)
ie. thumb, pointer, tall man - mebbe can for jumbo crayons
and pencils. If fine motor of child is more advance can do with
usual sized pencils, crayons and other tools for colouring, writing
or painting.

Yes, good if the school and home involvement is covering the
numbers from 1 to 20 at least - recognition of quantity and the
written form and also the recognition of letter a-z (small caps
mastery first preferably) but aniwaes, in N2 (4-yrs old) they
will still revise the same during the first half of the year.

As for Phonics - Kinderland doesn't cover that?
How long has your child been there, and if he's
there for a few mths and happy stay put first lor
and see how the curriculum goes. Talk to the
teacher and supervisor on your doubts k. Always
good to hear from the horse's mouth and not
hearsay. More concrete and will ease your doubts.

Yes, i think dim can be cosy with more yellow lights.
But dim as in eye-sore is kinda a dampening environment.
Mebbe that time of my visit it was lunch time - they
may be exercising \"bill-control\" ie. no need to on so
many lights, can see food and not choke on any fish
bone should be ok liao. Hehehehee..

[buds]

Heyya carolsoh,


From your observations, then i think Kinderland is doing fine.
In 4-mths thats an acheivement on its own being in N1... No
separation anxiety, library visit initiatives (fantastic!) and
already quite a few field trips under your child's belt! Not
bad..

I personally prefer children to learn the letters of the alphabet
first and then followed by phonemic awareness as well... similar
to Kinderland's intent. Better for pre-writing ability and yes also
less confusing.

Town for Kids is good and they have creative methods too plus
the fun and interactive multimedia board approach. But since
your child is happy since the 4mths there, give Kinderland a
chance to show how your child can grow with them and their
curriculum unless other uncomfortable issues arise. And plus
poor thing grandma may be inconvenienced if having to fetch
your child at another centre further up than the current centre.

Just my opinions, decision still yours to make.
No harm visiting Town for Kids for recce sake.
If you need to make the switch eventually, then
by N2 or K1 your child should be older enuf not
to worry abt taking school transport and giving
grandma a break..

Cheerios.
:celebrate: