Skool4kidz to add 900 places with more heartland childcare centres opens registration for its Large Childcare Centre in the northern part of Singapore, Yishun

Mr Robert Leong (Director of Skool4kidz) briefing Mr Tan Chuan-Jin (Minister for Social and Family Development) and Mr Eugene Leong (CEO of the Early Childhood Development Agency)

Since its appointment by the Singapore Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) in January 2014, to operate quality, accessible and affordable childcare services in the heartlands, Skool4kidz has been collaborating closely with the government statutory board to set up eight childcare centres at Woodlands Ring, Woodlands Crescent, Marsiling, Senja, Yishun, Tampines, Punggol and Sengkang.

A member of the Crestar Education Group, Skool4kidz will be adding another estimated 900 places to its enrolment capacity in 2016 as part of its continued commitment as an anchor operator.

On 16 January, Skool4kidz launched registration for 300 places in its new two-storey Skool4kidz large childcare centre (YLCCC) in Yishun Avenue 11 that is scheduled to start operations in the middle of the year.

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development, officiated the launch at a Carnival organised by Skool4kidz at Block 415 adjacent to the site of the new YLCCC. More than 100 parents have since signed up for their children through the Registration Management System (RMS) on ECDA’s website.

With a built-up area of 1,990 sqm, which is three times the size of the average childcare centre, the new two-storey Skool4kidz YLCCC will have an abundance of covered and outdoor spaces to support its Integrated Thematic Curriculum.

A specially-designed Atelier inspired by the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia approach will allow children to use various art materials, as well as other mediums such as recycled and natural materials to express their ideas in a “hundred languages”.

“In addition, a “painting” wall just outside the Atelier will give more space for the children to indulge their senses through texture, colour and self-expression,” said Dr Jane Ching-Kwan, Director of Skool4kidz.

A plethora of play areas in the centre has been designed to stimulate exploring, experimenting and learning, including an innovative playhouse and a fun water-play area in the atrium. In addition, a community herb-garden and a rain garden will give children real-life lessons on botany and agriculture.

Skool4kidz children will be involved in harvesting herbs and vegetables, helping to prepare ingredients and observing first-hand how food is prepared and cooked. Freshly-cooked nutritious meals will be served to the children at the al fresco dining area adjoining the kitchen.

Also in the plans are a rock climbing structure, a large sand pit, as well as a soundscape area, to further extend learning opportunities for the children.

A 155 sqm Multi-Purpose Room (MPR) on the second level has an extra high ceiling that provides the spatial outdoor sky like volume above running tracks, play structure and obstacle-courses, and allows large group activities to further support and complement learning and growing at Skool4kidz.

Skool4kidz Pte Ltd is a consortium formed by Kinderland Educare Service Pte Ltd and Dr Jane Ching-Kwan, an early childhood expert. Kinderland, a member of Crestar Education Group, is a pioneer in the industry with over 35 years of experience nurturing and educating young children in Singapore. Dr Jane Ching-Kwan is a leading figure in Singapore’s private early childhood (EC) education sector, an area in which she has been involved since the 1980s. She has a Ph.D. in Child Development & Family Studies with a specialisation in Children and Technology and a Master of Science in Education in the area of EC Education, and has been assisting the Group in curriculum development and teacher training since the 1980’s.