Searching for a Childcare Centre

In the last 2 weeks I have been diligently looking for a childcare centre for my girl.

The search is no easy feat.

First I have to look for information to find out where these centres are. Thank god there is MCYS, which list all the centres in whole of Singapore.

Then, I need to look through and see which ones are near my home, and whether or not they provide such services for Toddlers. Dun be surprised when you call up to enquire, some may tell you that they no longer provide for Toddlers cos the demand is "low". Or some may even tell you that they are full until next year and that the waiting list is very long even if you wish to do so.

After selecting a few ones, I checked for more info on their websites. Some look really good on the pictures, and sound impressive about the things they say about themselves. The fees at these centres are higher than norm. Naturally, we being consumers, would think that these must be the good ones, since good ones do not come cheap.

To my shock, when I visit these centres, what I saw was far from the truth. One of them in particular, looks messy and badly run. The staff looks like your aunties who live next door. They are dressed shabbily and speak in broken English.Their outdoor playground also looks like it has not been touched for years!

The second one I visited, though not as messy as the first one, but it is really small and cramp. Can't imagine how it is like when all the kids are housed under the same roof!

Excuse me, these two are located in country clubs, and the fees are the steepest of all in my area.

After much search, I have finally found the one. It is not very exp, in fact it is even cheaper than those two I have mentioned here. This centre is reputed. True to its name, the place is big, spacious,clean, neat and tidy. And the staff look more professional too.

After going through what I have gone thru, my advice to parents like me, is to go and see the place for yourself. Dun depend on hearsay or advertisements. Dun think like I did, that big names or high fees means better. Seeing is believing. Nothing can deceive your eyes.

Thank God, I am glad to have found the perfect place for my girl! :)