Why Choose a SPARK-Certified Preschool?

As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their early childhood education. Selecting the right preschool is a critical decision, and understanding the standards that define quality is essential. Among these standards, SPARK certification stands out as an important indicator of excellence in preschool education.

At Little Skool-House, we take pride in all our centres being SPARK-certified. But what exactly does SPARK certification mean, and why should it matter to you as a parent? Let’s explore.

What exactly is SPARK certification? 

The Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework (SPARK) is a rigorous quality assurance framework introduced by the Ministry of Education and is under the purview of the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA). 

SPARK aims to provide support for educators and preschool leaders in their teaching, learning, administration and management processes. It serves as a benchmark for preschools to evaluate and enhance their standards of education and care.

SPARK certification is more than just a badge of honour—it’s a testament to a preschool’s commitment to excellence. Preschools that achieve SPARK certification are recognised for their dedication to providing high-quality learning and holistic care for their students, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.

How are preschools assessed under the SPARK framework?

The SPARK framework assesses preschools across 4 tiers:

Tier 1: Registration and Licensing

• Ensures that preschools meet the minimum operational standards required by registration and regulation/ licensing measures 

Tier 2: Self-Appraisal

• Preschools conduct annual self-evaluations to identify strengths and areas for improvement, and to enhance their services.

Tier 3: Quality Rating 

• Once preschools are ready to have their self-appraisals validated, external assessors will evaluate the quality of the preschool and its structures and processes: Leadership, Planning and Administration, Staff Management, Resources, Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Health, Hygiene & Safety. 
• These external assessors will then assign the preschool a quality rating based on rigorous criteria, which will reflect the preschool’s ability to foster children’s holistic development, eagerness to learn and well-being. 

Tier 4: SPARK Accreditation

• Preschools that excel in their assessments and have a high quality rating will be able to apply for SPARK accreditation. 
• SPARK certification is valid for 6 years, which encourages SPARK-certified centres to continually improve their systems and curriculum in order to maintain their accreditation.

While all preschools in Singapore must meet Tier 1 requirements, achieving SPARK certification is voluntary—a choice that reflects a preschool’s dedication to going above and beyond. 

At Little Skool-House, we are committed to continuous improvement of our services, investing in our programmes, facilities, and educators to deliver exceptional early childhood education. 

How will a SPARK-certified preschool benefit your child? 

Choosing a SPARK-certified preschool like Little Skool-House ensures your child benefits from:

• Strong teaching and learning practices
• A well-designed, integrated curriculum
• Effective pedagogies
• A conducive learning environment
• Positive developmental outcomes

With SPARK, parents can also expect consistency and excellence in preschool education, as each SPARK-certified preschool strives to maintain their accreditation which lasts for 6 years.

With all our centres SPARK-certified, you can trust that your child is in the best hands at the Little Skool-House. Our science-backed methodologies and curriculum are not just intended to prepare your child for primary school, but are designed to optimise learning in each young child and develop a love for lifelong learning. We also empower our educators through an ongoing professional development programme that fosters teaching mastery in early child education. 

Choosing the Right Preschool for Your Child

Choosing a preschool goes beyond SPARK certification. We encourage parents to consider the preschool’s curriculum, teaching approaches, educators and values to ensure it aligns with your child’s learning needs and preferences.

At Little Skool-House, we combine the assurance of SPARK certification with a proven bilingual curriculum designed to nurture your child’s holistic development, with equal emphasis on academic excellence, character development and creative expression. We’re committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for your child, with highly-qualified teachers who are dedicated to fostering your child’s growth.

If you value the assurance of a SPARK-certified preschool and seek a quality early education experience for your child, Little Skool-House is here to support your journey.

Choose from 20 Conveniently-Located Centres

For over 27 years, we’ve been helping more than 6,600 preschoolers in Singapore build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. With award-winning teachers, a well-rounded bilingual curriculum and diverse enrichment programmes, Little Skool-House is committed to delivering a quality preschool experience that prepares your child for the future. 

Find A Little-Skool House Near You

Frequently Asked Questions about Little Skool-House

What are the types of programmes available at Little Skool-House?

At My Little Skool-House, we offer full-day and half-day preschool programmes for children aged  18 months to 6 years old, as well as infant care services for infants aged 2 to 17 months. 

What is the curriculum offered at Little Skool-House?

We offer 2 types of curricula designed to allow your child to reach their physical, social and emotional, language and cognitive potential:

• Relationships-Based Curriculum (2 months to 3 years old):
  We believe that our youngest children need good, positive and secure attachments and relationships in order to develop life-long positive learning dispositions. We focus on nurturing your child’s confidence by supporting them in routines for the development of independent self-help skills. We provide quality experiences and exploration opportunities so that your child can construct their own knowledge and apply their learning.
• Literacy-Based Curriculum (4 to 6 years old):
  We believe that stories shape how children see the world, introducing them to far-flung places, extraordinary people and eye-opening situations. Through bilingual, guided reading, writing, listening, speaking and problem-solving activities, we equip your child with the skills and knowledge they need to develop positive learning habits that will last a lifetime.