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In Singapore, most of the preschools adopts one of the following teaching methods:

Focus: Learning through play.
Method: Engages children in self-directed, open-ended play to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills.
Environment: Flexible and child-centered, allowing children to explore and make choices.
Outcome: Builds creativity, problem-solving, and social skills through hands-on experiences.

Focus: Learning through specific themes or topics (e.g., "seasons," "community helpers").
Method: Lessons and activities are organized around a central theme, integrating multiple subjects to explore a topic from different perspectives.
Environment: Structured around the theme, fostering connections between different areas of knowledge.
Outcome: Helps children understand how concepts are interconnected and deepens knowledge about a particular topic.

Focus: Independence and self-motivated growth.
Method: Uses specially designed materials and a prepared environment for self-directed learning.
Environment: Structured yet flexible, allowing children to choose activities and work at their own pace.
Outcome: Develops independence, concentration, and respect for others; children learn through hands-on discovery.

Focus: Child-led exploration and collaboration.
Method: Emphasizes project-based, collaborative learning with a focus on the child’s interests.
Environment: Rich in materials and resources, with a strong emphasis on aesthetics, collaboration, and documenting the learning process.
Outcome: Encourages curiosity, collaboration, and a love of learning through projects that engage the child’s interests.

Focus: Developing curiosity and questioning.
Method: Starts with a question or problem, encouraging children to investigate, research, and find answers independently.
Environment: Open-ended, with teachers acting as facilitators, guiding children in their exploration.
Outcome: Fosters critical thinking, curiosity, and independent research skills.

Focus: Whole-child development (cognitive, emotional, social, and physical)
Method: Combines various teaching strategies to address multiple areas of development, not solely academics.
Environment: Supportive and nurturing, fostering each child’s unique abilities and needs.
Outcome: Aims to develop well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individuals, focusing on life skills alongside academic knowledge.

Each approach brings a unique focus and method to early childhood education, tailored to different aspects of a child’s growth and learning style.

As stipulated by ECDA, the minimum qualified staff-child ratios during programme hours are as follows:

Class level (Age of Children)	Staff to Children Ratio	Staff to Children Ratio (with an additional Assistant Educarer/Teacher)
Infant (18 months and below)	1:5	Not Applicable
Playgroup (Above 18 – to below 3 years old)	1:8	1 + 1 : 12
Pre-Nursery (Children who turn 3 years old during the year enrolled)	1:12	1 + 1 : 18
Nursery (Children who turn 4 years old during the year enrolled)	1:15	1 + 1 : 20
Kindergarten 1 (Children who turn 5 years old during the year enrolled)	1:20	1 + 1 : 25
Kindergarten 2 (Children who turn 6 years old during the year enrolled)	1:25	1 + 1 : 30

Table 4: Stipulated Staff Child Ratio

(a) If the weather allows, many air-conditioned centers will refrain from using their air conditioners.

(b) Many non-air-conditioned centers are equipped with portable air conditioners that can be used under specific weather conditions.

Pros and cons of having air-conditioned classroom in child care centres in Singapore.

Pros	Cons
Air-conditioning provides a comfortable environment for students, reducing discomfort caused by heat, especially during afternoon classes.	Prolonged exposure to air-conditioning can cause dry skin, respiratory issues, and aggravate symptoms for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. The lack of ventilation can also lead to poor air quality over time.
Cooler temperatures can enhance focus, as students aren’t distracted by the heat	Students may become overly accustomed to an air-conditioned environment, potentially making them less adaptable to outdoor activities or classrooms without cooling.
A cooler environment helps students feel less tired, maintaining energy levels and reducing drowsiness, especially in longer classes.	Air-conditioning significantly increases electricity usage, adding financial pressure on schools for maintenance and energy costs. The cost will ultimately be borne by the parents.
Protection from External Noise
Air-conditioning can reduce the impact of allergies by filtering out dust and pollen

Table 5: Pros and Cons of Having Air-Conditioned Classroom