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Kindergarten classes should be made part of Singapore’s public school education system.

That was the opinion of 72 per cent of 1,395 parents who responded to an online survey conducted by ADVERTISEMENT

the Lien Foundation on Singapore’s preschool education in the second half of July this year.

“This finding correlates with a question parents frequently ask me: Why is preschool education not
like primary school education? Isn’t it something that the government provides too?” said Geraldine
Teo-Zuzarte, Deputy Head (Academic) of SEED Institute and Centre Director of The Caterpillar’s
Cove.

When asked what they thought could be done to improve preschools in Singapore, most of the
respondents felt that the government should firstly, increase subsidies to help parents, secondly, raise
the qualifications, pay and status of preschool teachers and, lastly, regulate school fees.

Done as a follow-up to the Foundation’s two other studies on preschool education in Singapore called
“Starting Well” and “Vital Voices for Vital Years”, the online survey noted a general dissatisfaction
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among parents with the preschool education sector.
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“The voices of parents are vital to any review of preschool education,” said Lee Poh Wah, Chief
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“Not only are they the children’s first and foremost teachers, their values and expectations influence differ? Health Xchange - Fit to Post Health
the choice of their children’s preschools and shape the face of preschools to come. Any wished-for ‘Want more babies? Change mindset towards
improvements in preschool education is likely to draw a better chance of success with the support of less educated’ Andrew Loh - SingaporeScene
parents,” he said. Code of conduct ‘within the realm of
possibilities’: MLC chief Andrew Loh - SingaporeScene

A major concern for the respondents was the varying standards and fees among the preschools. Show More

One respondent said, “The differences in quality among the preschools are too huge now. A parent

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/parents-call-for-‘greater-government-involvement’-in-pre-school-sector.html[18/8/2012 7:52:47 PM]

Parents want preschool education covered by govt: survey - Yahoo! News Singapore

who wants to send the child to a quality preschool has to fork out a lot of money to do so, and even LATEST SPORTS BLOG POSTS
then, this is subject to the availability of spaces.”
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Another respondent also echoed the same sentiment, “There is so much variation in terms of physical
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environment, curriculum and teachers’ qualifications or capabilities from preschool to preschool.” performers from London 2012
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An alarming rate of 88 per cent also feel that the fees are costly or very costly, with some respondents Michael Phelps strips down for Louis Vuitton ad
explaining that the costs are so high that they are “put off” from having more children. Read more stories »

This perception of costly fees arises despite the fact that the average fees paid by the respondents is
lower than the average fees paid in Singapore.

Respondents also expressed concern that the lack of uniformity among preschools would lead to some
children being more prepared then others for primary school.

To address this, one respondent suggested greater alignment and cooperation between preschools DAILY DEALS
and primary schools or the Ministry of Education.
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Parents want preschool education covered by govt: survey - Yahoo! News Singapore

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118 comments Popular Now Newest Oldest Most Replied

Tinny • Toronto, Canada • 2 hours 52 minutes ago

I am really glad that someone decided to turn this into a proper survey and tell the
government what needs to be done.

While 4 months maternity leave is always better than 3, what the government needs to
do now is to address the difficult question whether is that the real solution to the crux of
the problem. I think it is going to be a resounding “No” - especially for mummies who are
looking to rejoin the work force. Furthermore, family building (or not building) decisions
are not often made based on the difficulties that are to be encountered in the first few
months of birth… many recurring long term expenditures that come up when the baby is
between 6 months to 5 years old are what is bothering many parents who found
childcare expenses beyond their means.

IMO, the government cannot continue to “tweak a system that doesn’t work”. What
needs to be done is a broad-base policy and administrative revolution that would directly
lowers the social-economic cost of Singapore family in having more children!
Institutionalize the base-load demand of child-care and allow free market to take care of
product differentiation e.g. Montessori, and whatever fancy named childcare system you
can Google off the internet.

Now is that so difficult?

Sarah • 5 hours ago

The PAP ideology remains the same, the people have not. Higher education, a more
affluent lifestyle and exposure to the values of the western societies, have created a new
generation that is not satisfied with the quantitative paradigm but looks beyond it to a
larger qualitative one that most certainly includes matters of the heart, soul and spirit.
While idealism, charisma and image have a special appeal for the young, feeling in
general is an essential element in everybody’s life, occurring at the deepest and most
basic level of human need.
The absence of this affective dimension in the PAP framework is what has alienated the
people from their leaders. It is easily seen that the main criticisms levelled against the
PAP point to a style deficient in human sensitivity and feeling – “dictatorial”, “arrogant”,
“impatient”, “unforgiving”, “vindictive”.
It is the equation of the PAP with Singapore. While in other countries, political parties
come and go, but the country remains the rallying point for the people’s feelings, in
Singapore, the Government has become synonymous with the country.
Indeed, Singapore is often seen as the creation of the PAP, made to its image and
likeness. Hence, dislike of the PAP, even though it does not translate into dislike of
Singapore, effectively blocks out any spontaneous outpouring of patriotic emotion. The
best evidence is in the attitude towards the national flag. Singaporeans continue to be
reluctant to put it up in their homes on National Day for fear of being thought PAP
supporters and sycophants.

Souless 1 hour 15 minutes ago

Taxi, that is a lot of fantastic imagery and some absolutely titillating expressions.
You have aroused the boiling pits of my patriotic bosom, to the very marrow of
my fiduciary spirit as a citizen of this country.

I feel from the depths of my soul and heart, perhaps more than my mind, that

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/parents-call-for-‘greater-government-involvement’-in-pre-school-sector.html[18/8/2012 7:52:47 PM]

Parents want preschool education covered by govt: survey - Yahoo! News Singapore

you should become a writer.

Souless 1 hour 22 minutes ago

GEN Y, you mean you don't trust PAP anymore... forever and ever.

Taxi 3 hours ago

The loss of trust, faith and believe in Singapore's leadership. The PAP is fraying
badly going down the street of moral materialistic decay & its blinkered view from
its rose tinted glasses. It just maybe, what they think we should have may not be
what we want to have.They have forgotten that it is their duty to serve their
people and not our people serving them. The heart and soul is perhaps more
important than the mind. There are far too many mediocre Indian chiefs in
government and no Indians.

More Reply

YahooUser • 3 hours ago

i tell you what parents actually want la. They want the govt to cover the cost of the
hospital fee for childbirth, cost of accessories and food for the child until the age of 3 ie
prams, milk powder, toys, learning blocks.... then to go even further they want govt to
cover cost for aids to concieve baby.... then cover marriage cost... dating cost... and so
on and on and on... :D

T 8 minutes ago
@Siew. Having kids is a personal choice. Nothing to do with govt in my opinion.
Time with your kids can be enjoyable too. If freedom is top of your priority &
personal sacrifice is a no no, then no kids is best for you no matter what the
govt comes up.

Souless 1 hour 31 minutes ago

You don't really need the govt to teach you that.

Siew 2 hours 2 minutes ago

The government is asking for more births, so must help to pay for the living
costs. The parents also put in a lot of time and effort to take care of their kids,
no time to enjoy their freedom.

More Reply

Edmond • Singapore, Singapore • 3 hours ago

I agree that pre-school needs more standardization, starting with more subsidy from
government. The Minister need to understand that this is different from making the
learning curriculum more rigid and less fun. In fact education at primary school level need
to be more fun with emphasis on discovery and exploration. This will create a solid
foundation for our kids to learn innovation and life-long learning. At the moment we are
really testing the hell of our kids without really teaching them the joys of learning. We
need a balance, please!!

T 13 minutes ago
@Pang. Personal Sacrifice is needed. Not easy but you get used to it.

Pang 50 minutes ago

In this rat race, how are parents going to find time to play with kids, teach kids,
discover meaning & joys of parenthood.

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/parents-call-for-‘greater-government-involvement’-in-pre-school-sector.html[18/8/2012 7:52:47 PM]

Parents want preschool education covered by govt: survey - Yahoo! News Singapore

T 3 hours ago
These responsibility ahould fall more on the parents, not govt. such reliance is
no good at all. Nowadays most parents are educated.

Tan • 18 hours ago

I thought PAP already has a monopoly in the kindergarten sector?

Dwayne 4 hours ago

I recommend free compulsory education only for local born singaporeans.
preschool to university. the foreigners must pay 1000% if they are interested to
stay here. but priorities only to singaporeans.

Park 7 hours ago

... covered for kids whose father served national service only

Aiyo 15 hours ago

well said subra.....waiting for 2016

More Reply

Jagendran • Bandar Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • 5 hours ago

Pre School, Primary School education, Secondary School education n tertiary Should be
feasible to all classes of life........education is something we have it till we breathe our
last, education provides food on the table.....so in whole Education in Singapore Must be
Reviewed by the Goverment and not increase the Education Fees@School
Fees...............Please Dont Include Edcucation in your Business............Education is Not a
Business!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave • 3 hours ago

You all know what is the problem? The higher the subsidy, the higher the pre-school fee
as those money-sucking educational providers will find ways to suck up any increases.
Plus we have a number of rich new immigrants and FT here having pushed up the fees
to $1000 up. This is nonsensical as in Singapore, there are many families whose earning
is $2000 and below a month and they needed to pay for very high living expenses

T 14 minutes ago
My first skool

Merkz 2 hours 18 minutes ago

@T
which sch is dat? can i know?

T 3 hours ago
I am paying about $850 after subsidy for 2 pre school kids with acceptable
standard. You pay what you can afford. Those $1k & up are for those high
earners.

More Reply

Busybody No.1 • 2 hours 21 minutes ago

Free pre-school or no more children for Singapore... (simple as that)

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/parents-call-for-‘greater-government-involvement’-in-pre-school-sector.html[18/8/2012 7:52:47 PM]

Parents want preschool education covered by govt: survey - Yahoo! News Singapore

Booboo • 4 hours ago

I came across this tuition centre in United Square, only recruit top students from top
schools,. Those students who do not pass the entry level test are rejected ! I thought
Tuition centres are established to assist weak students to make the mark. But parents
are spending thousands of dollars to push and pressure their children who are already
doing very well in school to do better. What has Singapore turned into?
1) Are there problems with our current education system?
2) Is the danger of elitism coming in ?
3) Is Meritocracy misinterpreted by parents?
4) Are the rich and better off parents getting the obvious advantage ?
5) How about students who fall behind and did not make it in the main education stream,
condemn them to "ITE" which many interprets as "Its the End" ?
We must understand the different phases of deveopment a child goes through during
childhood, some may excel earlier and some later, why must we stream them and
condemn them and choose a fixed path for them as such a young age?
We should revert to the days where students can repeat Pri.6 to Pri 7 and 8, and repeat
O'levels And N'level for those interested students and nuture them to become better and
remain on the main stream. We should give our future generation more chances and
"really" leave no one behind.

JJ • Singapore, Singapore • 2 hours 32 minutes ago

yes education to children starts from the moment he is born. nonetheless, his progression
should be placed in proper perspective of what's best for these young minds based on
proven and accepted standards. it's good to regulate pre-schooling - it gives some level
of comfort and peace of mind to parents.

Jason • Singapore, Singapore • 4 hours ago

Since the numbers of true blue Singaporeans is dwindling, education should be free to at
least tertiary level to ensure our survival against the massive influx of FTs

Diana • Singapore, Singapore • 4 hours ago

NO $$$$, NO kiddies......

Andy • Singapore, Singapore • 5 hours ago

If they make it free, there'll be other ways to recoup their loss. Don't be naive.

THERAN • Singapore, Singapore • 4 hours ago

for a country doing exceptionally well in world charts i don't see why can't the garmen
cover just the nursery educations? esp we have so many corruption cases involving big
amounts those ill used (tax) money could hv been used for something gd of the country
men.

Lizzie • Singapore, Singapore • 4 hours ago

All aspect of education should be reviewed by the government and lending/providing help
to all the races. Take a look at the Dutch system where they were there for the children
from you til getting their Masters. They are allowed 8 years to complete their Masters or
Undergraduate degrees. It's really the basic level of human need; education and this can
only be more fruitful if the government takes a more proactive role in helping.

Hayati • Singapore, Singapore • 1 hour 51 minutes ago

high cost living... SP bills ridiculously high, infant care / playgroup fees are also high,
transportation cost, babies/toddlers necessities damn high also (eg. baby milk $75++ for
1 container!!!)

Poor Singaporean • 4 hours ago

http://sg.news.yahoo.com/parents-call-for-‘greater-government-involvement’-in-pre-school-sector.html[18/8/2012 7:52:47 PM]

Parents want preschool education covered by govt: survey - Yahoo! News Singapore

time not to deprive any single singaporean kids !!! PR kids & foreigners shd not taken
places @PCF subsides meant for citizens !! For admission, gov shd not allow its pre-sch
to follow the model of Primary Sch due to the limited resources and Quota given to each
centres !!

Bill • 3 hours ago

Thank you, Yahoo for giving us the opportunity to freely express our suggestions and
ideas.

Our Government need more BABIES to be born, encourages Singaporean to give birth to
4 or more children, but there is no provision to take care of the newly born. If the
Government wants more baby, then they should provide more benefits to these innocent
newly born, the baby bonus giving out $4 to $6K is not enough to cover the expenses of
raising the newly born infants, cost in maintaining and raising a child is getting very high;
this is main reason newlywed couples does not intend to have kids and even if they do,
1 is enough for them. Our Government should starts from the very day the infant is born,
FREE pre-delivery checkup, Free Maternity Wards including Medical Doctors and surgical
needs if necessary or high subsidy up to 75%, beside the Baby Bonus, our Government
should do more like FREE nursery up to kindergarten if not at least 75% subsidy, this
will take heavy load of our young Singaporean parents. If there is any Singaporeans who
disagrees with me now, let him/her do it NOW!!!
Raising a child is no easy task when both parents are struggling to maintaining their
career, high cost of housings, transportation and living expenses which weighs down the
young parent and discourages them to have babies.
I sincerely hope who ever heads this department of the Government takes this note
seriously as Mr. Lee Kuan Yew who have been trying to encourage Singaporean to give
birth to more babies which can reduces the intake of immigrants.
There are always solutions to every problem, it is finding the right and best WIN-WIN
solution intelligently, and it can be done and must be done NOW!!!!

Thank you and God Bless Singapore!!!

Beevi • Singapore, Singapore • 5 hours ago

review maid levy also.due to higher cost of employing maid,singaoreans do not want to
give birth.

M • 3 hours ago
I hope it will truely come true for Singapore - hope the government should integrate the
K1 and K2 education system into Primary Schools - this will help younger couples to start
a family earlier - instead of waiting till 30+yrs old for their salary to be able to afford a
child.

If I am not wrong, Britan and USA are practising this system?

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