What age groups does The Orange Tree Preschool cater to?

The Orange Tree Preschool offers programs for children from Playgroup (PG) through Kindergarten 2 (K2), typically catering to ages 18 months to 6 years.

Is the curriculum bilingual?

Yes, The Orange Tree Preschool provides a bilingual curriculum in English and Mandarin, featuring 'Unique Language Days' for immersive language experiences.

What is the teacher-to-child ratio?

The preschool maintains low teacher-to-child ratios to ensure personalized attention: 1:6 for Playgroup, 1:8 for Nursery 1, 1:10 for Nursery 2, and 1:15 for Kindergarten levels.

Yes, nutritious meals are prepared in-house daily, emphasizing balanced nutrition to support children's growth and development.

How can I enroll my child?

To enroll your child, you can schedule a tour or contact The Orange Tree Preschool directly through their official website at https://orangetree.com.sg/.

Teacher encouraging kids during classroom coloring activity.

Preschool Age in Singapore: What’s the Right Time to Enrol Your Child?

01 August 2025

Key Takeaways

Children in Singapore typically start preschool between 18 months and 3 years, depending on their developmental readiness.
Each stage—Playgroup, Nursery, and Kindergarten—supports growth in language, motor skills, and social development.
Having a good understanding of the preschool age range and key developmental milestones can help parents make informed decisions regarding their child’s early education.

Choosing the right time to enrol your child in preschool is undoubtedly an important decision, as it sets the stage for the rest of their academic journey. In Singapore, preschool age generally begins from 18 months, with various stages catering to a child’s growing needs. These early years are not just about letters and numbers; they are also about building the foundation for lifelong learning, social interaction, and emotional development.

Every child grows at a different pace, but there are common indicators that can help parents determine their readiness. Understanding the preschool age range and how it pertains to your child’s developmental milestones can guide you towards the right starting point.

1. Understanding the Preschool Age Range

Baby playing with educational toys on colorful mat.

Singapore’s early childhood system offers different stages for various preschool ages to support each phase of a child’s development:

Infant Care: For children below 18 months. Infant care is mainly focused on basic care needs and nurturing environments.
Playgroup: 18 to 30 months. Playgroups encourage early language use, movement, and simple social play.
Nursery: 3 to 4 years old. This is where structured routines and age-appropriate learning through play are introduced.
Kindergarten: 5 to 6 years old. Kindergarten prepares children academically and socially for life in primary school.

Having structured preschool ages ensures that children receive the right support at each stage. Rather than pushing them to achieve ahead of time, each level is designed to match their natural growth, both physically and cognitively.

2. Key Developmental Milestones by Stage

Children playing with colorful wooden blocks in class.

Recognising your child’s developmental milestones can help you assess whether they are ready for preschool and what kind of programme suits them best.

Playgroup (18–30 months)

At this stage, children typically:

Begin to form basic sentences and pick up new vocabulary.
Show improved coordination, such as walking confidently, climbing, and stacking blocks.
Start engaging in parallel play and show emotions like joy, frustration, and affection more clearly.

Playgroups provide a space where toddlers can express themselves, observe others, and begin to understand group settings. They are essentially the early building blocks of communication and independence.

Nursery (3–4 years)

By this age, children are usually:

Speaking in longer sentences and following simple instructions.
Developing fine motor skills like colouring within lines and cutting with child-safe scissors.
Feeding and dressing themselves, using the toilet with minimal help, and engaging more cooperatively with peers.

This is when the Nursery curriculum starts to introduce more structured learning. While still play-based, it begins to include activities that promote problem-solving, emotional regulation, and group participation.

Kindergarten (5–6 years)

At the Kindergarten stage, children tend to:

Communicate thoughts and feelings with clarity.
Recognise letters, numbers, shapes, and patterns; begin basic reading and simple arithmetic.
Show greater self-control, take turns, follow classroom routines, and prepare for primary school expectations.

Here, lessons focus on helping children apply their knowledge and social skills in more complex situations. They also learn to manage emotions and transitions, which is critical for ensuring a smooth transition into formal schooling.

Determining the right preschool age for your child is more about timing and readiness rather than age. Whether your child joins a Playgroup, starts in Nursery, or enters Kindergarten, what matters most is that the experience supports their growth. Each stage offers unique benefits, tailored to their developmental needs and aimed at building the foundation for lifelong learning.

Here at Orange Tree Preschool, we offer age-appropriate programmes designed around your child’s well-being, curiosity, and growth. Our curriculum supports every child’s journey through early childhood with dedicated care and expertise.

To learn more about our programmes and facilities, please schedule a tour with us today.