Small Wonder pre-schools to open in Punggol and Yishun

SINGAPORE - Two new pre-schools will be launched this month in Punggol and Yishun - estates with high demand for pre-school places - under a brand that disappeared from consumer eyes in 1996.

Small Wonder, established in 1989, was consolidated in 1996 into Learning Vision, another pre-school brand under private operator Knowledge Universe.

Knowledge Universe said in a statement today that the two new Small Wonder pre-schools are in tandem with the Government's push for affordable and quality early childhood education.

The curriculum at the new schools "capitalises on children's natural inquisitiveness" with a strong focus on activity-based learning, and classrooms in the school are organised into dedicated activity spaces that encourage hands-on learning, said Knowledge Universe.

The pre-schools have places at three levels - infant care (two to 17 months), early years (18 to 30 months), and pre-school (four to six years).

A report last month in The Straits Times said that Knowledge Universe intends to charge $735 a month for places at the two new pre-schools. This is apparently lower than fees at childcare centres under Knowledge Universe's other brands. Fees for full-day childcare are usually more than $1,200 in those centres, none of which are in Housing Board estates.

Small Wonder at Punggol Ripples in Punggol Walk will be conducting an Open Day on July 12, between 10am and 2pm. The school at Adora Green in Yishun Avenue 11 will conduct its Open Day on the following Saturday, July 19.

Knowledge Universe said that over 600 parents have expressed interest in the new pre-schools, and about 250 have signed up for these centres.

Parents who want to know more can also visit the Small Wonder website.

Open Day at Punggol Ripples
Address: Block 211A Punggol Walk #01-623, Singapore 821211
Date: July 12, Saturday
Time: 10am to 2pm

Open Day at Adora Green
Address: Block 348A Yishun Avenue 11 #01-557, Singapore 761348
Date: July 19, Saturday
Time: 10am to 2pm

sinsh@sph.com.sg