Choosing a preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Preschool provides a foundation for lifelong long learning, shaping social and emotional development. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation highlights notes that children with a good educational foundation tend to reach their full developmental potential as adults.
The choice for many parents often begins with deciding whether to opt for a public or private preschool. Each type of institution is different in their own right; it’s best to understand how they differ in order to make an informed decision. If you’re standing at the precipice of making such a choice, then we’ve got just the thing for you. In this article, we’ll provide a breakdown of public vs private preschool to help you decide what’s best for your child.
Cost and Accessibility
The most obvious difference between public and private preschools is the cost of tuition. Government preschools are generally more affordable compared to private preschools. Part of this is due to new initiatives proposed in light of growing awareness around the importance of early childhood education. Examples include educational subsidies in government-supported preschools.
Private preschools, however, as we will soon demonstrate, have unique advantages despite being more expensive. Advantages that may play an influential role in determining whether private or public preschools are the right choice for your needs.
Class Size and Teacher-to-Student Ratio
Class size and teacher-to-student ratio play a crucial role in determining the quality of education and individualised attention your child receives. The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) stipulates that a preschool must maintain a 1:12 staff-child ratio. Public preschools, because they are more affordable, may have larger class sizes and higher teacher-to-student ratios compared to private preschools. For example, MindChamps teacher-student ratio currently sits at 1:7 for our preschools; this allows our teachers to provide each child with the attention and support that they need.
Curriculum and Educational Philosophy
Another key consideration is the curriculum and educational philosophy embraced by public and private preschools. Public preschools typically adhere to state-mandated curriculum, focusing on fundamental skills and preparing children for formal schooling.
While that is commendable, private preschools have the flexibility to implement specialised curricula tailored to addressing a wider range of developmental needs. For example, at MindChamps PreSchool, we believe in the need to nurture children to become young champions by empowering them to have no fear of the challenges that await yet be fully aware of the rights and opinions of others.
Our S.M.I.L.E.S methodology is uniquely designed to enhance seven key areas essential for an all-rounded development, including Sensory, Motor, Intellectual, Linguistic, Emotional, and Social.
Facilities and Resources
The facilities and resources available at a preschool can significantly impact your child’s learning environment and overall experience. While the government has invested resources in order to ensure quality facilities are accessible to all, private preschools by virtue of their funding models and flexibility in spending, often have superior or more advanced facilities.
For example, MindChamps PreSchool centres are spacious and full-equipped with a plethora of child-friendly facilities such as a soft-padded indoor gym, dedicated reading corners, mini libraries to foster a love of reading, open concept kitchens, and much more.
Conclusion
By carefully evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of public vs private preschools, you can select the preschool that best aligns with your child’s developmental needs and sets a solid foundation for their educational journey.
For an experiential approach to learning and development, consider enrolling your child in our MindChamps PreSchool program. Utilising our S.M.I.L.E.S.™ Methodology, we provide a nurturing and safe environment where children can develop their Sensory, Motor, Intellectual, Linguistic, Emotional, and Social skills through highly experiential classroom activities.
Visit our website to explore our curriculum further, or book a centre visit for a firsthand look at how we can support your child’s development.