The Little Skool-House At-kent vale

What is the LSH Curriculum?
The LSH curriculum, called The Steps Programme, uses the Literature-Based approach with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum framework. This approach uses stories as a base for the integration and extension of learning activities. The benefits of the approach are:

• Drives the love for reading and learning
• Increase ability to express oneself through speaking and writing
• Develop multiple intelligences in children
• Enhance retention and concentration
• Increase critical thinking and reasoning power
• Naturally develop language skills

Are there other components in the curriculum?
The Steps Programme is the core component and it is supported by other components:

• Builders Programme ©
• StepsPlus Programme ©
• Jolly Phonics
• National Geographic English Literacy Programme
• National Geographic Science Journals
• Longman Tiptop Chinese Literacy Programme

What is the Builders Programme © ?
The Builders Programme © is a specialised curriculum that allows children to apply the core skills and concepts acquired from the core curriculum. Done in a project work format, children will embark on 3 projects every year. For LSH At-Kent-Vale, the Builders Programme © is built on the theme Project Remida. Project Remida teaches children on the conservation of the Earth's resources. Topics include environmental science, geography, zoology, and botany.

What is the International Baccalaureate Programme?
The IB Curriculum Framework that LSH is adopting is called The Primary Years Programme. It is developed for pupils aged 3 to 12 and focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside. The programme encourages international-mindedness in IB students. To do this, we believe that students must first develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity. The programme encourages a positive attitude to learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, to critically reflect, to develop research skills, and to learn how to learn. The programme also encourages community service because we believe that there is more to learning than academic studies alone.

When will Little Skool-House At-Kent Vale be accredited as an IB School?
The Little Skool-House At-Kent Vale is committed to working towards an IB school. The process requires significant preparatory work in the areas of curriculum, teachers training, environment setup etc. We intend to start preparations as soon as possible, and will apply for IB accreditation when the school is ready.

Does the school offer enrichment programmes?
LSH runs enrichment programmes on an optional basis. We work with specialists and quality programme providers on these programmes. Different centres offer different enrichment programmes, depending on the demand. The cost of each programme ranges from $250 - $350 per term.

What is the teacher to child ratio for each age-group?
The Steps Programme is the core component and it is supported by other components:

• Toddler (18 months to 30 months) - 1:8
• Nursery 1 (30 months to 3 years old) - 1:12
• Nursery 2 (4 years old) - 1: 15
• Kindergarten 1 and 2 (5 and 6 years old) - 1:20

What is the registration process?
Fill up the pre-enrolment form to indicate your interest. The form can be obtained from and submitted to NUS Co-op @ Forum, Customer Service Counter. Once we confirm a place for your child at the centre, we will inform you to make payment for the deposit and registration fee at NUS Co-op @ Forum via Nets, cheque or cash. If you are paying by cheque, please make the cheque payable to "NUS Co-op".

What are the modes of payment for monthly school fees?
Modes of payment available are GIRO (including CDA account), credit card, cash or cheque.

I have already paid my deposit to Learning Vision, do I need to pay again?
Yes, we would require you to pay again as Learning Vision will be refunding the deposit directly to you.

My child is currently in the centre/on the wait list, can I enroll before the briefing sessions? Where do I get the pre-enrolment form?
For children who are currently in the centre/on the wait list, you may confirm the enrolment any time before the briefing. For children who are currently in the centre, you may confirm the enrolment any time before the briefing. The latest date to confirm your enrolment is 18^th November 2009. For children of NUS staff on the waitlist, you may also indicate your interest to continue to be placed on the waiting list by 18^th November 2009. We will get back to you on your enrolment by 30^th November 2009. The pre-enrolment form can be obtained from NUS Co-op @ Forum, Customer Service Counter.

If my child is an existing student with LV at Kent Vale, will my child get a confirmed place in The Little Skool-House at Kent Vale automatically?
Yes, priority will be given to all existing children. Please register your interest with us by 18^th November 2009.

If my child is registered with LV at Kent Vale to start from December 2009/January 2010 onwards, will my child get a confirmed place in The Little Skool-House at Kent Vale automatically?
Yes, priority will be given to all registered children with a confirm place in the centre. Please register your interest with us by 18^th November 2009. For children who are enrolled to start in Dec 2009, LSH would probably have to speak to them to defer it to Jan 2010 if they decide to register with LSH.

If I have placed my child on the wait list with LV at Kent Vale previously, do I need to register my interest again? How soon will I get a place?
Yes, you will need to register your interest on the waitlist with LSH. However, we are not able to estimate the length of the wait at this point.

Do the children need to put on the LSH Uniform?
Yes, all children should put on the LSH uniform in order to help them settle in the new environment. Besides, uniforms serve as a form of identity and helps facilitate our teachers and caregivers look out for the safety for the children, such as on field trips.

How will the transition take place?
We will plan the transition carefully, with our parents and children's interests as top priority. Children will be given a 2-week orientation and given time to settle in. There will be parents orientation by class for parents to meet and get to know the new teachers.

Will the centre be undergoing renovations?
The centre will undergo minor renovations to ensure that the centre is ready by 2^nd January 2010. The centre will then plan for phase 2 of the renovation to take place during the June holidays. During phase 2, we will be arranging for an alternative site to continue with the child care service. Transportation to and fro Kent Vale will also be arranged to minimize disruption.

Will it be a new group of staff?
LSH will try its best to retain the existing group of teachers who meet our requirements. At the same time, we will also recruit new staff to ensure that there is enough staff for the number of children. We have also appointed a Centre Director, who has many years of experience in the childcare industry in different capacities, and supported by a team of experienced senior teachers and teachers. They will help to ensure that the curriculum and operation requirements are implemented according to guidelines.

We will be arranging communication sessions to introduce the Little Skool-House and the key personnel of Little Skool-House to our parents and children at Little Skool-House At-Kent Vale.

What are the qualifications of the staff?
All staff will be trained and skilled to interact and care for the children. Besides their professional education, LSH will provide 80 hours of training to enhance the skills of the teachers. LSH teachers are committed, passionate and dedicated to the education and care of young children. The team will be led by a Centre Director, who holds a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education. The team of staff will comprise of teachers holding diplomas and degrees.

How do we get to know more about LSH?
We will be organising Meet-The-Parents sessions on 27^th - 30^th October, at the Auditorium at University Hall. Alternatively, you may attend our Open Houses (Please refer to OTHER INFORMATION above for more details)

I can't arrange for child care in the evening, can I bring along my child to the briefing sessions?
Yes, we will be setting up a children's area outside the auditorium, to provide for parents who require child care service during the briefing sessions.

I am unable to attend the briefings and open house on the scheduled dates, can separate sessions be arranged?
Yes, please feel free to speak to our staff over the phone, or make an appointment to meet us at your convenience. You may email us at info@littleskoolhouse.com or call us at 6391 9248.

Are the briefing sessions meant for existing parents of the child care centre only?
The briefing sessions are opened to any parent who is interested to know more about The Little Skool-House At- Kent Vale. They could be existing parents, parents on the waitlist or potential parents.

Do I need to sign up for the briefing sessions and open house?
If yes, how?
Yes, please sign up with us at info@littleskoolhouse.com or
call 6391 9248.