Quick answer: These seven childcare centres in Singapore each bring something a little different to the table — a literacy programme that got parents talking, a Montessori method that lets shy ones find their voice, bilingual immersion that doesn’t feel like hard work, and warm teams who genuinely know your child. Mulberry Learning and Little Green House stand out for their structured, award-winning frameworks. Raffles Kidz and KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse lean into inquiry-based discovery. Brighton Montessori keeps things calm and individualised. My First Skool offers an accessible, dependable option. The Schoolhouse blends decades of experience with 21st-century skills.
Mulberry Learning
Mulberry Learning sits on Namly Crescent — one of those names that keeps popping up when parents talk about holistic programmes done right. It is a childcare centre for little ones aged 2 months to 6 years, running a blend of Reggio Emilia principles, Habits of Mind™, and Multiple Intelligences across its infant care and preschool groups. What makes it worth the trip is the way they weave these global methodologies into everyday play, so a toddler’s morning might mean sensory discovery in a beautifully designed nook, and an afternoon could be building bilingual vocabulary through the Chinese Preschool track.
Multiple parenting publications have voted it Singapore’s “Best Holistic Learning Programme” for consecutive years. When you hear parents say their child now asks to go to school, you get a sense of why this place has a steady following.
Address: 36 Namly Cres, Singapore 267551 (More branches available here)
Phone: +65 6653 8082
Operating Hours: Mondays – Fridays 7:00am – 7:00pm
Website: Mulberry Learning
This is the centre for parents who want a thinking child, not just a precocious one. The focus on habits of mind — persistence, wonder, empathy — means the learning sticks long after preschool is over. If you like the idea of your kid rolling up their sleeves for messy, guided exploration and coming home with new Mandarin phrases, this is a solid fit.
This list is editorial, not advertising. Run something similar? Tell us what you do and we will take a look.
Raffles Kidz International
Raffles Kidz International, with its flagship centre in Yishun, mixes Montessori calm with inquiry-based energy for children from 18 months to 6 years. The programmes cover half-day and full-day options, and the focus sits squarely on building literacy, numeracy, and social confidence — not by drilling, but by letting kids explore at their own pace in spacious indoor and outdoor zones. They hold the “Best School for Building Strong Academic Foundation” award, and the vibe you hear from families is that their child’s reluctance at drop-off turned into eagerness surprisingly fast.
Address: 1 Yishun Ave 7, Singapore 768923 (More branches available here)
Phone: +65 6235 4009
Operating Hours: 7am – 7pm (Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays)
Website: Raffles Kidz International
If you want your child to ease into primary school with a strong academic footing and a real sense of independence, this one is worth a visit. The bilingual immersion and the warm, unhurried environment make it a steady choice for working parents who want their kids to be adaptable and self-assured.
Brighton Montessori
Brighton Montessori runs multiple locations, including one at Crystal Court on River Valley Road, and all centres hold SPARK certification. The Montessori approach here is the real thing — hands-on practical life exercises, sensorial activities, and language and maths work that respects each child’s rhythm. They take in children from 18 months to 6 years, and with low teacher-child ratios, the guidance is genuinely personal. The centre also opens on Saturdays from 7:00am to 1:00pm, which can be a lifesaver for some families.
Address: 456 River Valley Road, #01-01, Singapore 248342 (More branches available here)
Phone: +65 6588 3883
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday: 7:00am – 1:00pm
Website: Brighton Montessori
It was named Parents’ Choice Preschool/Childcare 2024, and parents often mention how a shy toddler gradually became a confident little leader here. If you have a child who thrives on gentle, self-directed learning and you value a calm, structured environment, Brighton Montessori is a natural fit.
My First Skool
My First Skool has been around for over 40 years, and many Singaporeans grew up walking through its doors. They care for babies as young as 2 months all the way up to 6-year-olds, with a play-based approach that uses learning corners and hands-on experiments to build problem-solving and communication skills. One parent mentioned their child’s speech improved noticeably after starting here, which says a lot about the daily interactions. The centre at Pasir Ris Street 12 is just one of many; the network is wide, and subsidies can make this a sensible option.
Address: Blk 197 Pasir Ris Street 12, Singapore 510197 (More branches available here)
Phone: 6509 7887
Operating Hours: Mon – Fri: 7:30am – 7:00pm, Sat: 7:30am – 2:00pm
Website: My First Skool
If you want a trusted, no-frills choice with deep roots in the community, My First Skool delivers that quiet assurance. The facilities are airy, the staff are professional, and the programme is designed to gently prepare your child for big school. If your little one seems sian about separation, the weekday morning routine here often becomes something they look forward to.
The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees
The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees — formerly Pat’s Schoolhouse — operates out of Still Road South and other spots, with 35 years of heritage behind it. The curriculum for ages 2 months to 6 years is built around inquiry-embedded play, where music, art, maker spaces, and environmental awareness all find a place. It is the kind of curriculum that tries to prepare a child not just for Primary 1 but for a world that keeps changing, by encouraging creativity, compassion, and critical thinking alongside tech literacy.
Address: 26 Still Road South, Singapore 423935 (More branches available here)
Phone: +65 6781 2288
Operating Hours: 7am – 7pm (Mon–Fri), 7am – 2pm (Sat)
Website: The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees
Parents who pick this centre tend to value bilingual immersion and a nurturing, almost homely feel that still pushes the child forward. If you want a forward-thinking preschool that feels grounded rather than gimmicky, this one is worth a look.
Little Green House
Little Green House is the one to call if you are a bit kiasu about literacy — in a good way. Their Literacy SMART™ framework has won Best Literacy Programme four years running from Parents World, and they start building vocabulary, poems, and idioms from 18 months up. Located at Bukit Batok and other branches, the centre also runs a Chinese immersion programme that feels like a natural extension of play, not formal lessons. Infant care here takes babies from 2 months onward, so it can be a long-term home from the early days.
Address: Blk 373 Bukit Batok Street 31, #03-244 Singapore 650373 (More branches available here)
Phone: 6653 7146
Website: Little Green House
When parents talk about their children eagerly reciting poems or showing kindness to others unprompted, it is clear the programme does more than build vocabulary. It builds confidence. If you want a balanced bilingual foundation and a place that keeps you involved in your child’s progress, this is a steady bet.
KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse
KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse on Clemenceau Avenue North designs its spaces to spark curiosity — themed classrooms, vast outdoor areas, and an inquiry-based approach that pulls imagination right into daily learning. They take infants through to 6-year-olds, with every age group encouraged to explore, ask questions, and work together. The centre feels like a second home to many families, and the community bonds run deep; you will often hear parents describing the team as warm and supportive, which matters a lot during those early drop-offs.
Address: 420 Clemenceau Ave North, #01-02, Singapore 229492 (More branches available here)
Phone: Check with the business
Website: KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse
This is a good match for families who want resilience and leadership to blossom through discovery, not instruction. The bright, purposeful environments help even reserved children find their footing, and the programme’s balance of play and school readiness feels both modern and reassuring.
This list is editorial, not advertising. Run something similar? Tell us what you do and we will take a look.
How to choose
Picking a childcare centre is rarely just about proximity. Start by matching your family’s daily routine to their hours — some open as early as 7:00am and run on Saturdays, which can help if you have a packed schedule. Then look at the educational approach: do you want your child developing thinking habits and creativity (Mulberry Learning), working through Montessori independence (Brighton Montessori), or building a rich bilingual foundation with a strong literacy tilt (Little Green House)? Each centre here has a clear identity, so it pays to visit, see the teachers in action, and ask about class sizes and ratios.
Fees vary widely and aren’t always listed upfront, so call and check. Subsidies may apply at some centres, but eligibility depends on your child’s citizenship and the programme. While you weigh up options, remember that a good fit also means your child feels settled and happy; pick a place where the daily rhythms match your child’s temperament, not just your aspirations. If you need a breather after all the school visits, check out our guide on Restaurants in Dempsey for a well-earned meal. And if your child is a little older, our roundup of English Tuition Centres in Singapore might come in handy down the road.
Comparison
| Centre | Age Range | Curriculum Focus | Operating Hours | Price Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulberry Learning | 2 months – 6 years | Reggio Emilia, Habits of Mind, Multiple Intelligences | Mon–Fri 7am–7pm | Check with the business |
| Raffles Kidz International | 18 months – 6 years | Montessori + inquiry-based, bilingual immersion | Mon–Fri 7am–7pm | Check with the business |
| Brighton Montessori | 18 months – 6 years | Montessori, low teacher-child ratio, SPARK certified | Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 7am–1pm | Check with the business |
| My First Skool | 2 months – 6 years | Play-based, learning corners, experiments | Mon–Fri 7:30am–7pm, Sat 7:30am–2pm | Subsidies available; check with centre |
| The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees | 2 months – 6 years | Inquiry-embedded play, multiple literacies, maker spaces | Mon–Fri 7am–7pm, Sat 7am–2pm | Check with the business |
| Little Green House | 2 months – 6 years | Literacy SMART, bilingual immersion, Chinese programme | Check with the business | Check with the business |
| KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse | Infants – 6 years | Inquiry-based, themed classrooms, outdoor exploration | Check with the business | Check with the business |
Summary
Each centre on this list has a clear way of nurturing young children, from structured literacy frameworks to quiet Montessori classrooms. The right one is the one where your child feels seen and you feel at ease. Ring up a few, book a walkabout, and let their teachers show you what a typical day looks like — you will know which one clicks.
Disclaimer: All details are accurate at the time of writing based on publicly available information. Operating hours, fees, and programmes can shift, so please confirm directly with the centre before deciding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of childcare in Singapore for these centres?
Fees are not published uniformly and can differ by programme, age group, and location. You will need to contact each centre directly for a precise quote, and some offer subsidies depending on eligibility.
Do all centres offer infant care?
Most do. Mulberry Learning, My First Skool, The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees, Little Green House, and KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse take infants from 2 months old. Raffles Kidz International starts at 18 months, and Brighton Montessori at 18 months.
Which centre is best for a child who is shy?
Brighton Montessori’s low teacher-child ratio and calm, individualised pace often help reserved children open up gradually. KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse also gets notes from parents about children finding their confidence in its nurturing environment.
Are there centres with a strong Chinese language programme?
Yes, Mulberry Learning runs a Chinese Preschool track, and Little Green House has a Chinese immersion programme. Both build vocabulary naturally alongside their core English programmes.
Can I visit the centres before enrolling?
All seven centres welcome visits. Call or check their website to arrange a tour, and use the visit to see how the teachers interact with children and how the space feels during a normal day.
Do any centres offer Saturday care?
Brighton Montessori and My First Skool open on Saturdays until early afternoon. The Schoolhouse by Busy Bees also has Saturday hours. Confirm directly with the branch you are considering, as hours can vary.