Preschool Checklist Singapore 2026: A Parent's Complete Guide

Reviewed by Ms Wang
Centre Director, MapleBear Jurong West — B.Ed Preschool Education, 13+ years Singapore ECE

Choosing the right preschool is one of the most important decisions parents make. Here's a complete preschool checklist for Singapore parents to help you evaluate centres and make an informed choice.

ECDA Licensing & Safety

• Is the centre ECDA-licensed?
• Are all teachers ECDA-registered?
• What are the teacher-to-child ratios? (Ideal: 1:3 infant, 1:5 toddler, 1:8 playgroup, 1:10 nursery, 1:12 K1, 1:15 K2)
• Is the facility childproofed? (CCTV, secure entry, first aid, fire safety)

Curriculum & Learning

• Does the curriculum align with the ECDA NEL framework?
• Is bilingual learning offered (English + Mother Tongue)?
• Are there phonics, numeracy, and STEM components?
• Is play-based learning integrated into daily routines?

Fees & Subsidies

• What are the monthly fees (before and after subsidies)?
• Does the centre accept CDA (Child Development Account) and CCFA subsidies?
• Are there registration fees or deposits? (Typical: S$200 registration + 1 month deposit)
• Check your subsidy eligibility at msf.gov.sg

Daily Operations

• Operating hours — standard full-day is 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Meal provision — in-house kitchen vs outsourced catering
• Nap time arrangements and sleep policies
• Transportation and school bus availability

Documents Needed for Enrolment

• Child's birth certificate (original + copy)
• Immunisation records (up to date)
• Parent's NRIC or FIN
• CDA account details (if applicable)
• Passport and visa/dependent pass (for international families)

First Day of Preschool Tips

The first day of preschool can be overwhelming for both children and parents. Here are proven tips to make the transition smoother:

• Visit the centre beforehand — Book a tour so your child is familiar with the environment
• Establish a morning routine — Practice waking up, dressing, and breakfast at the same time as school days
• Pack a comfort item — A small toy or family photo helps with separation anxiety
• Keep goodbyes brief — A quick hug, a smile, and a confident "See you later!" works best
• Trust the teachers — Most children settle within 1-3 weeks with consistent routines

Read our complete age guide for when to start preschool in Singapore for more guidance.

Enrolment Timeline

In Singapore, preschool enrolment is typically year-round, but popular centres have waitlists. Recommended timeline:

• 6-12 months before — Research centres, book tours, compare fees and curricula
• 3-6 months before — Submit enrolment forms, provide birth certificate and immunisation records
• 1-3 months before — Receive acceptance letter, pay registration fee (S$200) and deposit
• 2-4 weeks before — Attend orientation, prepare school bag and supplies