In Singapore, student care centres are either school-based or community-based. School-based student care centres are usually located in schools and their programs are aligned with the MOE curriculum. On the other hand, community-based student care in Singapore is located in various places, including community centres and shopping malls. Their curriculum is also flexible and broad.
Some parents prefer school-based student care centres while others swear by community-based student care services in Singapore. This can be confusing for a parent sending their kids to a student care centre in Singapore for the first time. Read on to understand the similarities and differences so you can choose what’s best for your child.
Location
Most parents opt for school-based student care centres in Singapore because they are within the school premises. The children don’t need to leave the school after regular classes. This is convenient for the kids and parents.
Children attending a community-based student care centre in Singapore move from school to the student care centre, which can be inconvenient. Fortunately, some community-based student care services offer complimentary transportation services.
Facilities
School-based student care centres usually use the school facilities. Rarely do they have cosy extras, such as pillows, and mattresses, for comfort. Most community-based centres are specially built for this service, so convenience, comfort, and safety are covered.
School-based student care centres tend to be minimalistic, so some parents prefer the facilities at community-based student care centres, despite the inconvenience of moving to the student care centre.
Student Care Programmes
The school-based student care centre in Singapore programs follow the school curriculum closely. They don’t open on weekends or during the school holidays. Often, parents are left stranded when schools go on a break because they still have to go to work, but now they have to make alternative arrangements for their kids.
Community-based student care centres offer different programs, such as half-day and full-day student care programs. They also have weekend and holiday programs. This flexibility gives these student care centres an upper hand over the school-based student care centres.
Curriculum
The school-based and community-based student care centres offer homework support. Their curriculums are also closely aligned with that of the Ministry of Education. However, community-based student care in Singapore offers additional support, in the form of tuition and enrichment classes.
Teacher-Student Ratio
The teacher-student ratio in school-based student care centres tends to be higher, at 1:25, while that of most community-based student care centres is lower. Students who attend community-based student care centres tend to get personalized attention compared to their peers in school-based centres.
Cost
School-based student care services are usually cheaper than community-based student care centres. They also have financial assistance schemes, which support families most in need. Community-based student care centres are more expensive, and this is often attributed to the quality of facilities and student care services.
Many parents opt for school-based student care centres because they are affordable and convenient. On the flip side, some parents prefer the facilities, teacher-student ratio, and program flexibility of community-based student-care centres. They pay a higher price for the benefits but consider the sacrifice worthwhile.
Whatever your preference, the school-based and community-based student care centres have pros and cons. One system may be better for one person, but not for another. Parents should consider their budget and the students’ needs against what the student care centres offer.