When looking for a Woodlands preschool for your child, it is common to wonder if preschool and nursery schools are the same. After all, both are private schools that prepare children for elementary school.
The term “preschool” commonly refers to care facilities for 3- to 5-year olds, while “nursery school” often applies to those for 2-year-olds up through age 4 or 5 years. This quick guide explains the differences between preschool and nursery schools and how to know which one is the best for your child.
What are the Similarities between Preschool and Nursery?
Preschool and nursery schools may not be the same, but they do share some similarities. Here are a few top examples of what a typical Woodlands preschool and nursery schools have in common:
- Preschools and nursery schools serve children aged two years old or older: Some institutions may also provide care for infants under two, but these are more commonly thought of as daycare facilities.
- Preschools and nursery schools charge tuition: Both preschools and nursery schools ask families to pay a fee in exchange for their child’s education. It is not uncommon for fees to increase with age, with some institutions charging more per year based on your child’s current age.
- Similar rules govern the administration of vaccines and illness management for both preschools and nursery schools: Preschools and nursery schools often require children to have up-to-date immunizations. Many institutions may also ask parents to monitor their children closely for signs of illness, typically asking that they stay home from school if they show any symptoms.
What is it that Makes Nursery Schools Different?
There are a few ways in which preschools and nursery schools differ. Here are a few top examples of how a Woodlands preschool would differ from a nursery school:
- Age groups served: While both types of institutions usually serve children between the ages of two and five years old, some preschools may accept children under three or older than six years old; this depends on the institution itself. Most nursery schools, however, only serve children between the ages of two and four years old. If you are interested in nursery schools for your child, it is best to inquire about the institution’s specific age groups.
- Curriculum taught: While both preschools and nursery schools provide children with an education, the curriculum of each type of school tends to differ. Preschools are more likely to focus on playtime, providing your child with ample opportunity for creative learning through games and activities. On the other hand, nursery schools may offer a combination of playtime and academic lessons tailored towards language development or skill-building.
- Daycare vs. education: Most nurseries also function as daycares during off-hours, meaning that families can drop off their children early in the morning and pick them up after work at around 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm. In addition, many nurseries will also offer before and after school care to students. Preschools do not typically offer these services.
- Entry requirements: While most preschools do not have a strict set of entry requirements, nursery schools may have a few prerequisites for consideration or enrollment. For example, some institutions may require parents to show proof of income in the form of pay stubs or tax forms before they can enroll their child in full-time classes; other types of requirements may include transportation documentation or an up-to-date vaccination record from your doctor.
How do I know which one is best for my Child?
As you can see from the points above, there are several factors that play into which type of institution your child should attend. To determine which type of school is best for your child, consider their age and developmental needs, as well as the hours you will need childcare services. If you have any questions about either preschools or nursery schools, be sure to ask a staff member at the institution in question.
How do I Choose the Best Preschool or nursery school for my child?
Choosing the right Woodlands preschool or nursery school for your child can be difficult, but there are several important factors to consider that will help you in your search. First of all, find out if the institution requires a formal application process and an orientation session before admission.
This is a sign that it takes its selection process seriously and cares about finding the best possible match for each student. You should also check to see if any pre-reqs need to be met before your child starts at the facility, such as proof of income or signed health forms from a doctor.
In addition to this basic research, consider the types of activities offered by both schools to determine which type better fits with your family’s lifestyle and parenting philosophy. For example, if you are an active family who enjoys nature programming or outdoor playtime, a nature-based Woodlands preschool would suit your needs. On the other hand, if your home life is somewhat more sedentary and language-oriented activities are more important to you, perhaps a language-focused nursery school would be better for you.
For added peace of mind, look for schools that are Baby Bonus approved, registered with ECDA and overseen by the MOE. This type of approval indicates that the institution has met certain quality standards set forth by this prestigious organization.
Do you Want a Preschool or Infant Care for your Child in Singapore but Unsure where to Start?
If you’re looking for a preschool or nursery school that will suit your child’s needs and personality, we hope to be the one. Our staff members are passionate about children and make sure they have an enriching environment where their cognitive and social skills can develop in tandem with their physical abilities.
We offer many different activities like science experiments, outdoor playtime, and arts & crafts so our students can learn through all senses. Each day, from creating art projects to learning how plants grow from seedlings, is full of excitement at our institution. If you want more information on what makes us such an excellent choice for kids who love to explore the outdoors and those who prefer time indoors alone reading books, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today! Call: +65 6365 6535.
First Steps Preschool @ Admiralty
701 Woodlands Drive 40, Singapore 730701
+65 6365 6535
