Preschool Questions Most Parents Forget to Ask

Most parents remember to ask about fees, curriculum, and class sizes when touring a preschool. Fewer think to ask about what happens when things don't go as planned, like withdrawing early or the centre facing unexpected changes.

This guide covers the questions that often get missed, so you're not caught off guard later.

The Questions Everyone Already Asks

Before getting into the overlooked ones, here's a quick recap of the basics most parents cover.

• What curriculum framework does the centre follow?
• What are the monthly fees, including registration and deposit?
• What is the teacher to child ratio?
• Is the centre ECDA-licensed and how long is its licence tenure?

These matter, but they're only part of the picture.

Money Questions Beyond the Fee Chart

Fee charts rarely explain what happens if your plans change midway through the year.

• How much notice is required before withdrawing your child?
• Is the deposit fully refundable, or only under certain conditions?
• What happens to the deposit if notice is given late?
• Are there charges for transferring between centres within the same group?

Many preschools in Singapore require one calendar month of written notice before withdrawal, and deposits are often refunded only if that notice period and outstanding fees are properly settled.

Asking this early avoids confusion later, especially if your family's plans shift unexpectedly.

What Happens If Things Change

It's uncomfortable to think about, but centres do sometimes close or restructure.

• What happens to my deposit if the centre closes down?
• Will I be helped to find another centre if this one shuts?
• How often does the centre experience teacher turnover?
• Is there a backup plan if my child's main teacher leaves?

On average, about 70 preschools in Singapore cease operations each year, making up roughly 3.8 percent of all centres, according to parliamentary data shared by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

This isn't meant to alarm parents, but it does explain why asking about contingency plans is worth the awkward moment.

The Everyday Details That Get Overlooked

Daily routines matter just as much as big-picture policies.

• What happens if my child falls sick during the day?
• How are food allergies or dietary needs handled?
• What's the actual daily schedule, not just the marketing version?
• How is progress communicated to parents, and how often?

The Question Worth Asking Twice

Among everything else, one question tends to matter more than parents expect: "Can I see this in writing?"

Verbal reassurances are easy to give during a tour, but written policies are what actually protect your family later.

• If a centre hesitates to put fee or refund terms in writing, that's worth noting.
• If the handbook doesn't clearly state the withdrawal notice period, ask for clarification before enrolling.
• If staff turnover isn't something the centre tracks or shares, it may still be worth asking around informally.
• If everything is documented clearly, it usually reflects a well-run centre overall.

Asking for documentation isn't about distrust. It simply saves a lot of back and forth if circumstances change later.

Overlooked Questions to Ask

FAQs

1. Is it rude to ask about withdrawal terms before enrolling?

No, it's a standard and reasonable question for any preschool.

2. What if a preschool refuses to share its policies in writing?

This is worth treating as a caution sign before committing.

3. Should I ask about teacher turnover even if the centre looks well-established? Yes, since staff consistency affects your child's daily experience.

4. Can I request a copy of the centre's handbook before enrolling?

Yes, most centres are willing to share this upon request.