<![CDATA[is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak?]]>Hi all,


My daughter turns 11 months now. Appreciate ur input on whether it is good to send her to CC ard 18 months? I was thinking sending too early, especially before she can speak, might not be good?

thanks
nedved

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/39221/is-it-good-to-send-the-kid-to-cc-before-he-can-speakRSS for NodeMon, 04 May 2026 01:38:49 GMTWed, 15 Aug 2012 05:16:38 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:44:50 GMT]]>

nedved:
Interesting Imami, your kid adapts really quickly.


I hv heard cc like Little Skool House offers flexi 3hrs program. Is it a good starting point before switching to half day or full day ones?
Do you have someone at home to take care of the child presently?

You seem to hesitate alot. I sense that 1) you have a choice - your child has someone to take care of her even without childcare and that 2) you really have little faith in cc. Now why the lack of faith? In order for us here to share the relevant experience/opinion, you need to help us understand your concern.

I personally don't have good Impression of little skool house. went to view two ctr, but decide not to out my child with them. A close friend puts her kid at one of the branches but is always complaining about them.

Wrt 3hr flexible class, will full day cc be your eventual aim? If not, then go for kindergarten. If you are going to out your child in a full day cc eventually, then I don't see the point of 3hr child care.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824413https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824413Thu, 16 Aug 2012 14:44:50 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:27:20 GMT]]>Interesting Imami, your kid adapts really quickly.


I hv heard cc like Little Skool House offers flexi 3hrs program. Is it a good starting point before switching to half day or full day ones?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824186https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824186Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:27:20 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:31:35 GMT]]>

straffan23:
Childcare, playgroup, infantcare etc offers structured playtime. IMHO, Learning to play is important because playing is fun, and it sets the foundation for all other forms of learning. I regretted not doing a pre-registration for my DS2 for playgroup - we had to wait until he was 27 mths before being offered a place. The difference can be seen from the end of first week onward. Being in a group of children also automatically teaches them things that they haven't quite figure out yet - monkey see, monkey do - there's pros and cons but I cannot keep on protecting him.


Be prepared for incidents such as pushing, falling down, scratches... and my daughter even got bitten once, and got her face mauled once. But these type of incidents are often skin-deep, and I am cool about it. Some parents are very courteous and they seek you out to apologise; others don't. My daughter learnt 2 things - one, run away when being attacked, and two, scream for the teacher! :boogie:
Nice post. Indeed, I totally agree on the monkey see, monkey do. Stopped short of saying that earlier because some parents, especially those who are uninitiated/in two minds about cc, may misconstrue my intended meaning. When I look back at the same group of babies who were with my child, indeed – nothing described them better than “monkey see, monkey do”. When my child started walking, all of them around the same age group all began to cruise/wobble soon.

The biting/hair pulling/slapping episodes are to be expected too. children all come from different backgrounds and are exposed to different elements. Some may take to biting due to stress/insecurity (e.g. a new baby in the family). Hair pulling/slapping may be picked up from the tv, digested by the children but not guided appropriately by the parents (sometimes parents didn’t know that their kids had picked up such thigns). Children are amazing little people, they adapt fast. There was a big size biter in my child’s infant group. This boy was 4 months older and a lot bigger (my child was around his shoulder level and when my child stood behind that boy, you could not see my child). He tailed after my then 6 months old just so to bite him. One day the teacher told me that my child was bitten by another infant and his shin had a ‘jaws bite mark’. The mark didn’t go away until one week later and my child was limping around becos he was so badly bruised at the shin by the bite.

I was naturally very worried since my kid was much smaller than Jaws. I tried to check on my child from the teachers, after having heard from several parents that Jaws also attacked their kids. One teacher was very nice, she said my child learned his lesson fast. When my child saw Jaws coming, he would try to move away and if he could not, he would “flap” his arms around to deter Jaws (because coming too close, jaws would end up being slapped by my child hahahah).

So yes, they would adapt. Stay chill, even though the first time may be horrible.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824071https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/824071Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:31:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:57:15 GMT]]>Childcare, playgroup, infantcare etc offers structured playtime. IMHO, Learning to play is important because playing is fun, and it sets the foundation for all other forms of learning. I regretted not doing a pre-registration for my DS2 for playgroup - we had to wait until he was 27 mths before being offered a place. The difference can be seen from the end of first week onward. Being in a group of children also automatically teaches them things that they haven't quite figure out yet - monkey see, monkey do - there's pros and cons but I cannot keep on protecting him.


Be prepared for incidents such as pushing, falling down, scratches... and my daughter even got bitten once, and got her face mauled once. But these type of incidents are often skin-deep, and I am cool about it. Some parents are very courteous and they seek you out to apologise; others don't. My daughter learnt 2 things - one, run away when being attacked, and two, scream for the teacher! :boogie:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823922https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823922Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:57:15 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:54:42 GMT]]>Actually I always thought being in a childcare centre setting accelerated my child’s development. He waved goodbye at 7 months, walked (really walk, not wobbling/cruising) at 9 months, talk at 12 months (two to three words/syllabus at one go), ran at 15 months, toilet trained at 22 months, self feed at 28 months… not trying to show off here but I sincerely believe that the childcare centre my child attended played a huge role in my child’s development.


But of course, it takes two hands to clap. How much/fast a child can develop is difficult to determine. The same bunch of kids who went to the same cc around the same time as my child developed at different rate even though they did everything together. Now that all of them are 4 years old, some still babble (only the parents understand what they are talking about), some still dunno how to wear shoes. Some can dress themselves up already – zip, button, shoe Velcro etc. Some toilet trained – day and night.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823680https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823680Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:54:42 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:53:36 GMT]]>Actually I always thought being in a childcare centre setting accelerated my child’s development. He waved goodbye at 7 months, walked (really walk, not wobbling/cruising) at 9 months, talk at 12 months (two to three words/syllabus at one go), ran at 15 months, toilet trained at 22 months, self feed at 28 months… not trying to show off here but I sincerely believe that the childcare centre my child attended played a huge role in my child’s development.


But of course, it takes two hands to clap. How much/fast a child can develop is difficult to determine. The same bunch of kids who went to the same cc around the same time as my child developed at different rate even though they did everything together. Now that all of them are 4 years old, some still babble (only the parents understand what they are talking about), some still dunno how to wear shoes. Some can dress themselves up already – zip, button, shoe Velcro etc. Some toilet trained – day and night.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823679https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823679Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:53:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:17:55 GMT]]>Just sharing, I sent my ds1 when he was 17 months. He was unable to walk properly and has yet to speak. A month into school, his first word was "more" (meaning: more food) and he starts to interact with other children.


He was happy there and once he starts talking. He can’t stop.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823625https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823625Thu, 16 Aug 2012 02:17:55 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:56:30 GMT]]>

Shoe:
IMHO,it would be around 3+ to 4 before a child can relate an incident. That is late for sending a kid to school. Even at that age, they may not be able to clearly articulate what happens. And if someone asks a child a leading question, the answer may be yes even though it may not be true.. For e.g. \" did your teacher hit you? Is that why you're crying?\"


I think possibility of abuse should not be a concern. Just have to find a school you trust and go with it.
Yes, fully agree. For a typical 3-5 year old, they are also easily imtimidated hence further lowering the chances of speaking up.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823534https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823534Thu, 16 Aug 2012 00:56:30 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:49:54 GMT]]>IMHO,it would be around 3+ to 4 before a child can relate an incident. That is late for sending a kid to school. Even at that age, they may not be able to clearly articulate what happens. And if someone asks a child a leading question, the answer may be yes even though it may not be true… For e.g. " did your teacher hit you? Is that why you’re crying?"


I think possibility of abuse should not be a concern. Just have to find a school you trust and go with it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823492https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823492Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:49:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:49:48 GMT]]>IMHO,it would be around 3+ to 4 before a child can relate an incident. That is late for sending a kid to school. Even at that age, they may not be able to clearly articulate what happens. And if someone asks a child a leading question, the answer may be yes even though it may not be true… For e.g. " did your teacher hit you? Is that why you’re crying?"


I think possibility of abuse should not be a concern. Just have to find a school you trust and go with it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823491https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823491Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:49:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:03:25 GMT]]>When my DS was 2.5years old, he could hardly speak a proper word.

We sent him for assessment by a speech therapist who recommended the enrichment centre her daughter attended.
After enrolling him in their 1.5 hours program for a month or more, my DS started pronouncing words and soon by the end of 3 months, he was TALKING.
Interacting with other kids opened his speech ability.
He is 4 and half now and he talks fluently and clearly.
So no worries, some kids start late but they will surely pick up very quickly.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823400https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823400Wed, 15 Aug 2012 16:03:25 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:52:22 GMT]]>I sent my DD2 to infant care when she was 3 months old. Adapt very well and learn to walk at 10 months. 1 year old can say daddy, cat, dog, aunty, uncle, flower. She’s now 1.5 years old and has recently been "upgraded" to playgroup and can say even more words. Good motor skills. Her speech and motor skills development is much better than her older siblings who were sent to CC at 20 months old.


Try to find a childcare with good reputation, ask feedback from people on the childcare centres of your choice. I’m pro sending at early age as they can learn to socialise and have playmates. Learn to share too.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823399https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/823399Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:52:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:12:52 GMT]]>A reasonably reputable cc should be ok, wrt abuse. Reputable cc should have some framework to adhere to wrt to recruitment, training and SOPs. There may also be CCTV etc.


There is a stipulated T:kid ratio. Infants is 1T:5infants, that’s the guideline set by MCYS. Some ifc have lower ratio. The one my child went to was maintained at 1:3.

With regards to changing diaper – my take is there is little concern. If the diapers are not changed prompt enough, there would be leakage/diaper rash. If leakage, you would be bringing home soiled pants/rompers more than necessary. That is a tell-tale sign. Parents are required to supply diapers. On average, each day would need around 4-6 diapers depending on how long your child is at the ifc/how frequent your child poo poo. How frequent you top up the diaper is another key. There would also be a daily log where T would fill up – what time milk feed/diaper change/meals etc. This daily log is something you should look out for. The more frequently heard complaint about diaper changing is that ifc changed TOO often.

If you are thinking 2 yr old is better, than my take is – after toilet trained is better.

I think your concern is “kid cannot talk so I wont know”. Rest be assured that if you try to observe and take note, even if the kid cannot speak, you can still gather the needed information. If there is a abuse, your kid will ‘tell you’. My child was roughly handled by one T when he was 4 months old. Whenever that particular T wanted to take over our child (when we bring him to the centre in the morning), my child would turn towards us – hug me and refused to let go. But if it’s other Ts, he gladly be passed over. This speaks loudly enough right?

Even after a child is able to speak, the child may not be able to answer/narrate the incidence. So being able/unable to articulate should not, to me, be a show stopper when deciding when to send the child to cc/ifc.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/822752https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/822752Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:12:52 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:56:27 GMT]]>Yes, some concerns are,


1) abuse
2) not enough care from the teacher who might hv many kids to look after? plus the kid cannot speak, will the teacher check wet diaper promptly like what we do at home?

Would it be better to send her to cc around 2 years old?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/822724https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/822724Wed, 15 Aug 2012 06:56:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to is it good to send the kid to cc before he can speak? on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:30:25 GMT]]>My child was sent to the infant care at 2.5 months old. Definitely cant speak yet at 2.5 months old 😄


Seriously, what is your concern about sending her to cc when she is not being able to speak yet?

If it is about safety/against abuse etc, going to a bigger centre should reduce the chances to the minimum. In my opinion, having more caregivers at the same centre provides a check on each other. Cannot be all turn blind eyes to illtreatment/poor service level right?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/822577https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/822577Wed, 15 Aug 2012 05:30:25 GMT