For parents of children with special needs, finding the right preschool in Singapore can be a journey of exploring options that best support their child’s unique developmental requirements. There are several specialised preschools that focus on providing tailored programs for children with various developmental, learning, and sensory needs. This guide provides a list of well-regarded special needs preschools in Singapore, along with insights into how early intervention programs can help children adapt better to school.
1. AWWA School for Early Intervention
AWWA School offers programs for children from ages 3 to 6 with mild to moderate disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. Their curriculum emphasises social-emotional development, communication, and adaptive skills through structured play and individualised attention.
- Specialised Services: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioural intervention
- Approach: Each child has a personalised intervention plan to address specific developmental needs.
2. Rainbow Centre Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children (EIPIC)
Rainbow Centre operates a specialised early intervention program (EIPIC) focused on children with developmental challenges, such as autism, Down syndrome, and other neurological conditions. EIPIC targets kids from infancy to 7 years, with the goal of preparing children for either mainstream or special education environments.
- Specialised Services: Multi-disciplinary support from special education teachers, therapists, and psychologists
- Unique Feature: Family support is integrated into the child’s learning, enabling parents to continue effective practices at home.
3. Mulberry Learning Preschool Programme
Mulberry Learning provides full-day and half-day preschool options from pre-nursery all the way to Kindergarten 2. With 19 preschool centres across Singapore, Mulberry Learning is one of the top preschools in Singapore.
- Specialised Services: Kaleidoscope Therapy Centre supports whole school screening for children in N1 through K2 to identify children who need additional support. For children who need more support, Kaleidoscope conducts Speech & Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy in the school premise to help the children integrate with their natural environment better.
- Approach: Uses a multidisciplinary approach of child-led, family-focused and strength-based to support the children.
4. KidzRock Preschool by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS)
KidzRock Preschool caters to children with cerebral palsy and other motor and neurological impairments. Their programs focus on supporting children’s physical, social, and cognitive development in a nurturing environment.
- Specialised Services: Occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physiotherapy
- Program Focus: Maximising functional independence through adaptive skills training.
5. St. Andrew’s Mission School (SAMS)
St. Andrew’s provides education for children on the autism spectrum. The school adopts a customised curriculum that emphasises language development, behavioural skills, and sensory integration.
- Specialised Services: Social-emotional learning, adaptive skills training, and personalised behaviour plans
- Unique Feature: Emphasis on a low-stress, low-sensory environment conducive to autistic children’s needs.
How Early Intervention Programs Benefit School Readiness
Early intervention programs, especially those integrated into or prior to preschool, can be transformative for young children facing learning difficulties or social challenges
At Kaleidoscope, we offer an early intervention programme for preschool children with varying degrees of needs. From low-intensity to high-intensity. If your child needs a school readiness programme before transitioning fully to primary school, contact us for more information on our programmes or visit our site here.
By helping children develop essential skills before they enter school, early intervention programs offer an empowering start to the educational journey, allowing each child to maximise their potential and enjoy a positive, inclusive learning experience.
