For most parents, the best student care centres in Singapore are those within their children’s schools or those closest to their homes. Singapore has hundreds of student care centres, and several factors influence a parent’s decision to use one student care centre over another.
Location
Student care centres in Singapore are classified into two: school-based and community-based student care. As the name suggests, school-based student care centres are located within the schools, while community-based centres are in different locations, such as community centres and shopping malls. In some cases, student care centres in Singapore are close to your home, other times, they are further away. The question is, which is most convenient for you?
If you don’t want your child to move from a regular school to a community-based student care service, consider the school-based student care services at your child’s school. Alternatively, you may choose a community-based student care centre near your workplace.
The decision depends on how convenient it is for you and the child. Some community-based student care centres offer transportation to ease the movement of the kids from school to student care centres in Singapore.
Operating Hours
Student care centres in Singapore are centred around providing a safe place for children to stay while their parents work. Typical operating hours are 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm on school days, but these hours differ from one student care centre to another. Most offer flexible operating hours to accommodate parents who need their children at the student care earlier or later.
Community-based student care centres in Singapore are more flexible than school-based ones. The primary reason is that school-based student care centres use the school’s facilities, so they can’t open earlier until regular school ends.
They are also closed on weekends, unlike community-based student care in Singapore which offer half-day and full-day programs to accommodate parents with different schedules.
Teacher Qualifications
Unlike childcare centres, student care services include homework support and other programs designed to provide a holistic education for children of different ages. While looking at teacher qualifications, you should consider your expectations from the student care services.
School-based student care centres often focus on homework support and in some cases, tuition. The staff are qualified teachers with speciality in specific subjects for different levels.
Community-based student centres also employ qualified personnel, including retired teachers. The difference is these student care centres offer additional programs, such as enrichment classes. If you want your child to learn different skills, a community-based student care centre is the best choice.
The Learning Environment
Even though the primary task of student care centres is to provide a secure place for kids to stay as they work, the fact that the kids will still be learning during this period is a bonus. Your child will be spending hours in this environment, at least five days a week, and you want a comfortable space for them to thrive.
Do you find the school environment fulfilling, or would you rather have a specially built student care centre (community-based student care centre) with facilities missing in schools? Your child’s developmental needs and age will help you determine if the student care centre facilities will help them showcase their skills.
Testimonials from friends and family will help you choose the best student care centre for your child. Your budget also matters, so you shouldn’t overlook after-school care costs because it will impact your choice.
