How to Apply for Preschool Places in Singapore: Step-by-Step

Choosing the right preschool is one of the best things you can do for your child. The system in Singapore is set up so that every child can get a good education, but for many parents, the administrative steps can be a bit too much. There is a lot to think about, like how to understand registration cycles and how to get the different types of subsidies.

Bright Kids believes that starting preschool should be easy for kids and parents. We made a guide to help you prepare for this exciting new chapter by showing you how to get through the application process in Singapore.

Step 1: Know When It Is

If there is a spot open, preschools in Singapore usually accept registrations all year long. But if you're looking for a popular center or a specific time of year (like the start of the new year in January), you should start your search at least six to twelve months in advance. You can put your child on a waiting list through the LifeSG app or the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) portal if a center is full.

Step 2: Do some research and make a list of your top choices

Every preschool is different, just like every child. When you look for a school, think about things like the style of the curriculum (for example, inquiry-based vs. traditional), the number of students per teacher, and how close it is to your home or work.

We always tell parents to go see the centers they are interested in in person. You can see how the kids interact with their surroundings, meet the teachers, and see the environment for yourself on a physical tour.

Step 3: Look for subsidies

The Singapore government gives a lot of help to keep preschool education affordable. Every child who is a citizen of Singapore can get a Basic Subsidy. You might also be able to get an Additional Subsidy if your household income and job status meet certain requirements. Knowing early on if you can afford your child's education helps you plan your budget.

Step 4: Get the papers you need ready

After you pick the right fit, you'll need to get a few papers ready for the formal registration. These usually include:

●       Birth Certificate of the Child

●       Records of immunizations, especially for diphtheria and measles

●       Parents' NRICs or re-entry permits

Step 5: Make sure you get your spot

The center will confirm your child's placement after you send in your application and pay the registration fee. After this, you will have an orientation to learn about your child's first day and daily routine.

Why Choose Bright Kids as Your Child’s Preschool?

Our team is here to help you every step of the way as you start this journey. We started in 1995 and have spent decades improving an educational approach that focuses on the whole development of each child.

The ECDA has made us a Partner Operator (POP), and we are proud of that. This status demonstrates our commitment to maintaining our programs accessible and cost-effective for families, all while delivering top-notch care and education. The four main parts of our curriculum are Explore, Experience, Engage, and Empower. They are meant to help students become confident, curious learners and prepare them for the future. We make a safe space for your child to grow by balancing academic basics with creative play and character building.

We invite you to visit our centers and see for yourself how our community cares for and supports your child's growth. Become a part of the Bright Kids family today! We are now accepting new applications for our infant care and preschool programs at all of our centers. If you are exploring preschool or infant care options for your child, we warmly invite you to connect with us. Our team will be happy to guide you through our programs and help you find the centre that is most convenient for your family. You can explore all our locations across Singapore and find your nearest preschool here. If you would like to speak with our team or arrange a visit, feel free to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you and your child into the Bright Kids community and supporting the first steps of your child’s learning journey.