Good Kindy?

It never occurred to me finding a good pre-school is a headache. Well, I did say it's not my primary concern (compared to finding a reputable primary school). So, I guess, I have to painfully swallow my own words.

I haven't really looked for one, by that I mean go for a visit and talk to the principal. But from the online research that I have made, there are not many options at my place. Since I attended 3 different kindergartens (my parents really made me a guinea pig), I clearly know what kind of early education I need for my children.

I was so frustrated that so far, none of the kindergartens close by fit the bill.

Perhaps I have sky high expectations, but seriously, I have seen more and more kindergartens are going too much academic. Yeah, it is a competitive world these days yadda yadda, but a kindergarten without playground, without sand pit and only classroom-based?

That sounds like a college to me.

I'm going for a kindy hunt very soon (hopefully by that time my energy level will return to normal too) and here are some points that I have in mind :

* Medium of instruction - English
I have to browse the books they use at school and also hear how the teachers communicate. I want proper English, not Manglish....you know, with "maaaa..." or "lorrrr...." at the end of the sentence.

* Method
Montessori, Waldorf, etc. I have to admit I am not well-versed on this early education teaching method thus I suppose to equip myself with some knowledge before a visit.

*Subjects
Besides the basic like Maths, English, etc, I prefer art classes, Islamic education and Mandarin classes are included or at least as available options.

*Toys
Kindergarten without a playground is major turn-off for me ! If the kindy claimed as montessori, then the toys should also be education-based, not some el cheapo from the night market.

*Students
Since we live in a multi-racial society, I feel that my kids should mingle with other races too to develop their social intelligence.

*Management
Of course, I am comfortable if the principal is a Muslim because the food is rest assured halal. By the management, I hope I can also tell whether the kindy is there with genuine intention in education or just a profit-raking entity.


Above all, everything boils down to dollars and cents. There's saying goes, "if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys".

I can't afford to pay with a golden apple, so we'll see what about banana...