1.  What sets Cambridge Child Development Centre apart from other preschools?

Every child is treated special.  Our teachers have only morning set of students, unlike other preschools which offer morning and afternoon sessions.  Therefore, they are able to get to know each child individually better.  The manner we prepare our Communication Report on CD medium already speaks of how much time we devote for each child.  The ambience that we have established in the center makes every family feel at home.  There is transparency in school, parents are informed of their child’s activities in school and communication is very open between the parents and the teachers.  Below are some of our prominent features:

·       International curriculum – Cambridge has more than 40 centers worldwide in 7 countries.

·       Personalized Goals – Academics is taught one-on-one.  This way, kids who are good at something are given a chance to excel, and those who have difficulty in a particular area or concept are given the opportunity to master the basics.  This eliminates the need for a tutor – the teacher takes care of the one-on-one!  Not only that – each child has set goals and objectives for both academic and non-academic areas that address the child’s level, pace of learning as well as learning style.

·       Low teacher-student ratio

·       Eclectic teaching methods  - Montessori, Piaget, Vygovsky, Gardner, Reggio Emilio, traditional – we take the best from these teaching methods and approaches, this arrangement is best for your child!

·       Continuously updated teaching curriculum, methods, and materials – Research and study is continuously conducted world-wide to find out the new approaches that work best in teaching preschoolers

           2.  How safe will my child be in school?

The furniture and equipment found in the classroom are all child-friendly.  The materials found in each classroom are carefully chosen for that group’s specific age.  This child-proofing extends to the pathway to the garden/playground.  All railings in the 2^nd floor were improved upon to prevent inadvertent jumps.  There are separate entrance and exit driveways manned by a security guard.  The school is designed as a comfortable, safe and secure 2^nd home for your child.

           3.  What do you teach?

The programs offered in CCDC promote and encourage social interaction with children and adults.  It fosters children’s exploration and inquiry, rather than focusing on “right” answers or “right” ways of doings things.  Below are the programs integrated in their daily routine:  Language Arts, Math, Music, Drama, Sports, Computer, Cookery, Arts and Crafts, Dance, Science Discovery, Gardening, Care for Self, Care for Pets, Practical Life Exercises and a solid English program.  Aside from this, we have optional Chinese classes and enrichment programs. 

           4.  What is the age range of the students in CCDC?

CCDC is structured to meet the needs of children aged from 1 year 6 months to about 6+ years old, and aims to provide learning experiences that address the total needs of the child encompassing the academic, the physical, the social and the emotional.

           5.  What are the teaching methods used in CCDC?

CCDC uses the integrated Project-Based Ecological Model (PBEM) approach and Individualized Instruction.  We believe that children should be able to connect with others without compromising their individuality.  This is why we have 2 methods of teaching in practice.  The first hour of the day is spent for Individualized Instruction wherein the teacher has specific objectives for every child and prepares activities that will either help the child who is advanced to excel, or guide those who are not yet confident in that area.  With this method, the children feel successful in every learning block that they face.

Furthermore, the Group Instruction is also given importance as this allows children to exchange ideas with their peers and teachers without the risk of being embarrassed.  The topic for the terms are carefully chosen, close to the child’s heart, and are seen and experienced everyday, such as Hands and Feet, Trees, Light and Water.  Learning becomes even more meaningful when other subjects are integrated to the topic to help reinforce concepts.  For example, learning numbers becomes more exciting when children realize its practical use.

           6.  Isn’t it too early for a 1.6 or 2-3 year old child to go to school?

If parents are able to provide stimulating activities for the child at home and there is a program that can touch on all aspects of his/her development, then there is no need to send the child to school at a very early age.  However, if the parent doesn’t have the luxury of staying at home to prepare all these for the child, then watching TV and playing alone will not be enough to develop the child’s skills and talents.  It would be best to put the child in the care of people who can help bring out the best in the child.

           7.   What is the classroom ratio?

Toddler – 2 qualified teachers for a class of 10 or 12

Nursery – 2 qualified teachers for a class of 14 or 16.

Kinder – 1 qualified teacher for a class of 16 or 18 (in preparation for big school; children must now assert themselves more and be able to do tasks independently)

           8.  What are the routines you have in school?  What is a day like?

We definitely have a balanced morning!  A typical morning’s activity will include:

·       Free Choice – allows the children to visit learning centers of their own interest as they warm up early in the morning

·       II – activities suited for each child are put on a tray for them to work on

·       Teaching in Group – children come together to discuss and share ideas;’ they also sing, dance and do table activities

·       Outdoor Play – we balance distribution of Teacher-directed and Child-Initiated activities

           9.  Are the kids allowed to have free time, or is a rigid schedule always imposed?

CCDC allows children to warm up early in the morning by providing various activities that will stimulate their interest.  Teacher-directed activities and child-initiated activities are balanced in our everyday routine.

           10.  How is the child’s progress communicated or made known?

We have several ways of communicating to parents their child’s progress.  The teachers, Asst. Directress and Directress are always ready to welcome parents in the morning and if the parent has time, a short chat is entertained.  This is the same when picking up their kids.

We also have our website, where parents are constantly informed of what’s going on in school.  So even if parents are out of the country, they can easily log on to the website (which has a secure password) and see what’s going on in school.

Teachers are available throughout the year to discuss children’s progress with parents. Parents desiring to make an appointment should let the class Teacher know so that a mutually convenient time can be arranged. Arrival and departure times are not the best times for Parent-Teacher discussions as these times are extremely difficult to supervise and we do not want to jeopardize the children’s safety.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are held every end of Term (3-4 months).  This provides an opportunity to evaluate the child’ progress and work on future target objectives for the child’s over-all development. Parents are given a comprehensive report of their child’s development in 3 -4 months’ time.  And of course, we have our quarterly Communication CD, where we put our narrative reports along with pictures of the child in a PowerPoint presentation to document the progress of the child.  It is something that only CCDC has!

There are room notice boards in each room and a notice board in the foyer. We encourage parents to check these every day for new information, and to let us know of interesting events in the child’s life. This will help us plan for individual children and build co-operation between home and the school.

If a Teacher is concerned about a child’s readiness for the next level (e.g., Grade 1), the matter will be discussed with parents the soonest possible time and progress will be monitored to assist parents in the decision-making process.

Should a parent feel the child’s needs are not being met and meeting with the Teacher has not resolved the situation, they may contact the Directress to arrange a meeting to address the concerns. It is the aim of this Centre that concerns be addressed by the people involved before they become problems.

           11.  What are the preschool and center hours?

Preschool hours are 8.00am to 11:15 or 11:30 am depending on the level, up until 3.00pm for Kinder 2 level.  Outside of these hours, Tutorials are available.  The office is open until 4:00 in the afternoon.

Children who are picked up 30 minutes after dismissal will be charged for 5 incidents in a month. Staff has commitments to program planning and preparation and children will be placed in Child Care outside of session times to allow staff to perform these duties.

           12.  How much are the school fees?  When should these be paid?

Fees are dependent on the class level and any optional programs that the student is enrolled in.   Fees must be paid within 5 days of billing date. Checks should be made payable to CCPD. Any unpaid, returned cheques and associated bank charges will be added to the parent’s account.

            13.  What is the background of CCDC’s teachers?

Our teachers are graduates of four-year courses, namely:  Education, Psychology, Biology, Business, Political Science, and Mass Communication from reputable schools.  We like to have a variety of fields in the team, and in this way each is able to contribute something new to the development of the school.  All teachers are encouraged to work on their units in education.  And quite a number have pursued their masters in Education.

Our teachers’ educational background is essential and it is a must for them to be able to communicate effectively both in oral and written English, and at the same time, we look for teachers who are always affectionate and patient.

The CCDC staff understand the needs of children and their development and attend in-service courses and have appropriate child-free preparation times each week. We also recognize the individuality of each child and family and observe a policy of acceptance regardless of race, creed, gender, ability, class or culture.

            14.  Do teachers get regular training?

CCDC uses its own unique system in teaching.  It is a requirement for all the teachers, experienced or not, to attend our regular specific trainings.  This is to ensure that the teachers use acceptable practices and methods.  Aside from that, we have on-site and off-site trainings for the teachers as per our Training Plan and according to our training needs.  We keep the high quality of our teachers consistent.