Childcare?

[NewToSing]

I have been reading a lot in this forum, and the maid/nanny question seems to be an infectious topic. As a newcomer to Singapore I was wondering how the other childcare possibilities are like? Is there anything equivalent to kindergarten? and in that case, from what age? What are the monthly costs?

Another more classic question is: where do most families with kids live? Since we only have a small toddler, living close to any school is not necessary. However, it would be nice to live somewhere where you have access to some green areas to take strolls in. All suggestions are most appreciated, since we at the moment are just looking confused at the map. We made a stop-over in Singapore a year ago, but only had our “tourist eyes” open, and only visited down town… :-I

[Nannycam]

My kids are slightly older so I haven't had to go down the nursery and childcare route thankfully, but I see lots of kindergarten places around, which seem to advertise from 3 months upwards!  Not sure of costs though.

Families with kids live everywhere here. The place is very kid friendly from what I've experienced, with kids being accepted almost as fixtures and fittings in most restaurants.  There are little playgrounds and parks tucked away all over the place, but they don't tend to come alive until early evening when the sun starts to go down.  

If you are looking at condos, while it'd be worth checking them out in the day time, it'd also be a good idea to go back again at about 6.00pm because that's when the kids all appear to play, and you'd be able to see how many potential play mates there'd be if you moved there.  

There are some expat magazines around which have adverts in for nanny agencies and kindergartens, so it might be worth trying to pick on of those up and looking through it.  

Hope this helps.

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 03-12-2003).]

[Hello there]

There are all sorts of childcare options in singapore for toddlers covering the spectrum from a couple of half days a week to 7am till 7pm in the evening.

Most singaporean families are dual career so some kids stay in day care/nursery all day.   I'm sure that you'll be able to find an option that suits your needs.  When you get here buy a coy of a local magazine called "Young Parents" it has a complete listing up the back.

As far as living goes, think about a Condo to start with.  I have a toddler myself and her life revolves around the playground, the pool, the areas to run and play and all her little mates.  There are other people's dogs to pat, other kids toys to play with, and an instant network for the Mum as well.

When it rains (as it does a lot) you can go from flat to flat in the condo visiting little friends instead of staying at home and going stir crazy.  I've chosen a location where we can walk to a shop for a coffee and wander without having to worry about cars or taxis.

Singapore is a lovely place and I'm sure you'll be very ahppy here.  All thebest

[babes]

if u want to be near the greenery for walks and yet be in the city (near malls), try the Tanglin/Grange Road area as it's near the Botanical Gardens.

Or live out on the east coast where there are accommodations stretching from Tg Rhu/Fort Rd/Meyer Rd area (nearest to the city) to Bedok (nearer to the airport).

I wld highly recommend Siglap area (like a village) and if u choose a strategic location to stay, u are walking distance to the beach.

In terms of childcare, there are plenty of choices: live-in maids, nannies, childcare centre.

If u r not working, there are some playgroups (mums support group) esp. for people like u - settling in to singapore with kids.  U'll get to meet many other expat families here.

Other than playgrps, there are the established franchise such as Gymboree, Kindermusik to bring your toddler for activities.

Otherwise, depending on where u r coming from, it's having summer all year round.

good luck.

[newtosg]

I have a 1yr old and live just off Holland Rd.  I'm 15 min walk to Tanglin and 15 min the other way to Holland village.  I can also walk to the Botanical Gardens which is great with a little one.    We live in a condo where there is a swimming pool and playground for the kids.  I think it's a great area if you've got children of any age.

[NewToSing]

Thanks,
I feel so encouraged to read that Singapore is a good place for kids.

[Tanglin]

Hi,
Have a look at Tanglin Park condo - lots of families with kids, great playground and pool. You can walk to town from there even though it's very green around there. You can also take nice strolls behind on Ridley Park towards Dempsey road and also to Botanical Gardens.
For kindergartens (i.e. where you can leave your child), most start for 18 month olds. Otherwise, lots of activities and so forth, like the others already have mentioned. Good luck!