All parents know that a child’s early years are the most crucial. These formative years shape their personalities so it is important that young children are exposed to the most stimulating and challenging of classroom learning environments.

In Singapore, kindergartens and child-care centres offer early childhood programmes to the pre-primary children. The early years sector is a highly competitive environment with many local providers, and more recently, global education enterprises, entering the childcare industry.

Undaunted by this increasing level of competition, Mrs Ng Gim Choo, Founder and Group Managing Director of EtonHouse has stated: “This is good for the early childhood sector as it will force all providers to raise the standards and quality of services provided.”

Mrs Ng has further stated: “EtonHouse is committed to providing a high standard of educational excellence in this region. As such, we are investing in pedagogical support and the professional development of our teachers to stay ahead of our competitors.”

EtonHouse Pre-Schools in Singapore offer places from pre-nursery (18 months) to 6 years of age.

At EtonHouse, children receive an education that is truly international in its curriculum, approach and classroom delivery. EtonHouse educators are recruited from all over the world and hold qualifications that reflect their internationalism and breadth of experience.

The curriculum is richly stimulating and designed to develop students physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. The Early Years Program (Nursery to Kindergarten) is inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational project of northern Italy and the International Baccalaureate inquiry-based learning philosophy.

The Reggio Emilia approach uses a child-responsive, play-based Inquire- Think-Learn pedagogy. Children are encouraged to be active, responsible participants in their own learning. Skills in exploration, discovery, investigation, research, collaboration and teamwork are fostered in a relaxed and nurturing environment that is supported by qualified, caring, professional teachers. As a result, students graduate from EtonHouse as tolerant, open-minded and confident learners.

EtonHouse Pre-School at Broadrick, EtonHouse Pre-School at Newton and EtonHouse International Pre-School at Orchard are all authorised International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme World Schools. EtonHouse Newton and EtonHouse International Pre-School Orchard are the first stand-alone preschools in Singapore to be granted this World School status.

Learning experiences are carefully planned for the children, facilitating in-depth studies of concepts and ideas. Children are immersed in both large and small group work as the educators carefully construct groupings based on each child’s skills and strengths. Children are then encouraged to listen, critique, negotiate, hypothesise, predict and solve problems in group settings. As children learn at different rates, EtonHouse provides small class child to teacher ratios to facilitate each individual’s learning and progress.

In this increasingly globalised society, children need to be well-equipped to function in cross-cultural settings in which language is no barrier.

EtonHouse is a leader in language provision. Excellent language programmes are offered daily as either timetabled lessons or through language teachers working side by side with the children’s class teachers. Languages offered include Mandarin, Japanese and Hindi. A Pre-Sap Immersion Mandarin programme is also offered allowing children to consolidate their Mandarin language skills and Chinese cultural understanding.

EtonHouse International Research Pre-School commenced operations in January 2011. This latest addition to the Singapore EtonHouse Pre-School ‘family’ is sited in beautiful renovated, historic premises at 718 Mountbatten Road.

Mountbatten 718 will offer programmes for children from Pre- Nursery to Kindergarten Two.

The site features aesthetically designed, contemporary classroom spaces created to stimulate each child’s sense of wonder and curiosity. The outdoor learning area is filled with places for the children to explore and interact with the natural environment. Opportunities will abound for energetic physical exercise, the cultivating of flowers, vegetables and herbs/spices, and the observation of insects, birds and animals.

An “atelier” i.e. a dedicated art room, is a major feature of the preschool allowing children to express their feelings and ideas through art.

The Centre also has on-site research facilities that will provide continuous professional development for EtonHouse teachers. This research facility will further add to quality research-based best practice for all EtonHouse teachers in their respective education settings. The choice of an EtonHouse Pre-School for your child’s education will certainly provide him/her with a wonderful start for life’s learning journey.