Parent-to-Parent Guide: Finding the Right Educational Centre for Your Kids!

Navigating the educational landscape for your primary school child in Singapore can be both exciting and overwhelming. With numerous educational centres offering a variety of programs, it’s essential to find the right fit for your child’s unique needs and learning style. This guide aims to provide parents with valuable insights and considerations to make an informed decision when selecting one.

1.  Understanding your child’s learning style:

Every child learns differently! It took me awhile to realize this, as I initially enrolled both of my sons in the same math class for convenience. However, I soon discovered that my younger son was not benefiting from the lessons as much as his brother. Before considering educational centres, take some time to understand your child’s learning preferences, strengths, and areas for improvement.  Are they independent learners who thrive in flexible curriculum and self-paced learning? Or do they prefer structured, traditional teaching methods? Identifying your child’s learning style will help you narrow down your options and find a class or program that caters to their individual needs.

2.  Assess Teaching Quality, Credentials and Resources

The caliber of teaching staff will significantly impact your child’s educational journey. Check on the qualifications, experience and teaching methodologies of the educators. Look for teachers who are passionate about fostering learning and growth in their students. My son once attended a science class where the teacher, with a full-time job, taught at the centre twice a week in the evenings. Unfortunately, it was evident that the teacher was visibly fatigue and merely fulfilling a duty.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the teacher, although sometimes it feels like it’s largely based on luck. My elder son had previously attended lessons at an English Enrichment Centre and was progressing well. However, when there was a change in teacher, the dynamic changed drastically. Instead of focusing on the curriculum, the majority of class time was spent on unrelated anecdotes and stories. I promptly withdrew him from the class.

3.  Importance of program curriculum

You would be able to find it on most websites, but if you don’t, make sure to ask for it. Ensure that the curriculum aligns with your child’s learning objectives and goals and for academic classes, the curriculum should also be aligned with MOE. A well-rounded curriculum should cover a variety of topics and skills, providing students with a holistic learning experience. Look for programs that offer opportunities for personalized learning and individualized support. I once enrolled my son in an art class because I noticed his keen interest in drawing. However, I soon discovered that the majority of class time was dedicated to colouring activities since coloring is indeed a part of art. Needless to say, I withdrew my child from the class. Hence, be sure to check the full curriculum to confirm that it aligns with your child’s interest and goals. 

4.  Assessment and Feedback:

It’s important to inquire about the assessment methods used in the curriculum and how feedback is delivered to both parents and students. Programs that implement regular assessments to track student progress and provide constructive feedback for improvement shows a genuine commitment to helping students improve. Additionally, sharing students’ progress with parents is highly beneficial, as it enables us to support our child in areas where they may need reinforcement.  In my son’s current Chinese program, the teacher goes above and beyond by personally texting weekly updates on what is covered in class. Additionally, the teacher provides prompt feedback whenever my son needs additional support, and this has been instrumental in helping my son excel in his Chinese language learning journey.

5. Seek parental feedback and reviews:

Reading online reviews can be a valuable source of information when researching enrichment centers, although their authenticity may be questionable, especially if they’re testimonials on the center’s own website.

I’ve noticed that some centers incentivize positive reviews by offering rewards or lucky draws, which can influence the feedback provided. In such cases, it’s understandable that many parents may feel obliged to highlight only the positive aspects of their experience. For more reliable insights, I’ve found that recommendations from friends, family, or parent forums tend to be more genuine and trustworthy. These firsthand accounts offer valuable perspectives based on real experiences, helping to make more informed decisions when choosing an enrichment center for your child.

6. Ask your Child or Observe

 Trust your instincts. Pay attention to your child’s reactions during visits, trials or interaction with the staff or teachers. Ask your child to share how the class was conducted and whether the lesson is benefiting them. Take a look at the notes, homework or resources that have been given to them to get a gauge. Of course, it is also important to choose one where your child feels comfortable, motivated and supported.

Finally, one of the best tips I’ll like to share is to sign your child up for holiday classes at the education centre that you’re considering! These classes usually consist of a few sessions, providing an excellent opportunity to determine if the centre meets your needs. By attending these sessions, you can interact with the teacher and review the notes or work that your child completes, allowing you to make an informed decision. Just one or two sessions is good enough for you to do an evaluation!