Singapore Guide

Preschool Curriculum in Singapore

Everything school owners, directors, and teachers in Singapore need to know about preschool standards, licensing, funding, and choosing a curriculum that meets local requirements.

Talk to our Singapore team How to start a kindergarten in Singapore
National framework
Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework
Regulator
Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)
Age range
18 months to 6 years
Typical ratios
1:5 for 18mo-2yo

Singapore early learning standards

The official curriculum framework for preschools in Singapore is the Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework. Read the full standards on the official site.

IPC maps to all six NEL learning areas and supports Singapore's bilingual mother-tongue requirement.

Public funding programs in Singapore

Basic Subsidy
Up to SGD 600/month for working mothers at ECDA-licensed centres.
Additional Subsidy
Means-tested top-ups for lower-income families.
KiFAS (Kindergarten Fee Assistance)
Subsidy for AOP kindergartens for Singapore Citizen children.

How IPC fits preschools in Singapore

IPC gives Singapore preschools 20,000+ ready-to-teach activities, lesson plans, parent reports, and assessment tools that map to Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework. Trusted by 20,000+ schools and 60,000+ teachers across 98 countries.

Talk to our Singapore team Compare preschool curricula
Opening a new setting?

Kindergarten startup guide for Singapore

From licensing and ratios to choosing a preschool curriculum, our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to open a kindergarten in Singapore and align it to Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework.

How to start a kindergarten in Singapore

Frequently asked questions

What preschool curriculum is required in Singapore?
Singapore preschools follow Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework. IPC maps to all six NEL learning areas and supports Singapore's bilingual mother-tongue requirement.
Who licenses preschools in Singapore?
Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) oversees early childhood settings in Singapore.
What public funding is available for preschool in Singapore?
Basic Subsidy: Up to SGD 600/month for working mothers at ECDA-licensed centres. Additional Subsidy: Means-tested top-ups for lower-income families. KiFAS (Kindergarten Fee Assistance): Subsidy for AOP kindergartens for Singapore Citizen children.
Can IPC be used as a preschool curriculum in Singapore?
Yes. IPC is trusted by 20,000+ schools across 98 countries. Activities, lesson plans, and assessments map to Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) Framework.

Related guides for Singapore

Compare preschools and childcare centres in Singapore How to start a kindergarten in Singapore Compare preschool curriculum models How to start a kindergarten (global overview) Preschool homeschool curriculum