We have come to almsot the end of the primary 1 school registration. And now is doing the prep work for primary one.
After school care is 1 important thing to consider.
We no longer enjoy the 7am to 7pm care service that the pre-school has.
And officially enrolled to the primary school rat race.
So, choosing the right after-school care for your Primary School child can feel like a big decision.
There are three main options to consider:
- Student Care Service
- Private Student Care
- Home
Each choice has its own benefits and challenges.
So, how do you decide what is best for your child and family?
Let us go through the options one by one.
Student Care Service
Student Care Service is a popular option in Singapore.
These centers are usually located within or very close to the school itself, which makes them very convenient for parents.
Children in these centers get supervised homework time, snacks, and a safe environment to play and interact with their friends.
Many parents find this option affordable, especially with government subsidies.
The cost usually ranges from SGD 200+ to SGD 400+ per month before any subsidies are applied.
However, there are some things to think about.
Because these centers cater to many children, the activities might not be as tailored to your child’s specific needs or interests.
Also, with more children in each group, your child might not get as much personal attention.
Pros:
- Convenient location, often within or near the school.
- Affordable, especially with government subsidies.
- Provides a structured environment with supervised homework time and play.
Cons:
- Less personalized attention due to higher student-to-teacher ratios.
- Activities may not be tailored to individual needs or interests.
Private Student Care
Private Student Care centers offer more specialized programs.
These centers often include tuition, enrichment classes, and other activities designed to cater to your child's individual needs.
The smaller student-to-teacher ratio means your child could receive more personal attention.
The facilities might also be better equipped, offering a range of activities that might not be available at Student Care Services.
But, as with many things, these added benefits come at a cost.
Private Student Care can range from SGD 600 to SGD 1000 per month, depending on the services offered and the location of the center.
For example, Playfacto is charging like $800+ or $900+.
This option is ideal for families who are willing to invest more for a tailored experience and for children who thrive with extra activities and attention.
But do you need to spend more to get more?
Pros:
- Personalized attention with a smaller student-to-teacher ratio.
- Offers a variety of specialized programs and enrichment activities.
- Better facilities and resources compared to Student Care Services.
Cons:
- Higher cost, ranging from SGD 600 to SGD 1000 per month.
- May require additional transportation if not located near home or school.
Going Home
Sometimes, the simplest option is the best.
If you have someone reliable at home, such as a grandparent or a domestic helper, letting your child go home after school can be a great choice.
It is cost-effective, with minimal or no additional expenses.
Children get to relax in the comfort of their own home and can follow a flexible routine.
However, this option might not work for every family.
Without the structure provided by a Student Care Service or Private Student Care, some children might struggle to stay on task.
There is also the potential for less social interaction with peers, which could be a consideration if your child enjoys being around other children.
Pros:
- Cost-effective with minimal additional expenses.
- Provides comfort and familiarity of being at home.
- Allows for a flexible routine tailored to the child’s needs.
Cons:
- Lack of structured environment could lead to less productivity.
- Potentially less social interaction with peers.
Factors to Consider
How do you decide which option is right for your child?
Start by thinking about your child's personality.
Does your child enjoy structure, or do they thrive in a more relaxed environment?
Next, consider your budget.
How much are you willing and able to spend each month on after-school care?
$1000+ all in?
Or here and there a bit.
It all adds up.
Finally, think about your daily routine.
How does each option fit into your family’s schedule?
Would you prefer the convenience of having care located at or near the school, or are you comfortable with your child traveling to a Private Student Care center?
What I think
If you have some support at home, you can explore this option.
I was initially planning to let my kid head home after school;
Then we setup some routine.
Then I chance upon an in-house student care center.
Given that an in-house student care service charges $200+ to $400.
Let's average this out to $300 over 20 days.
Each day you are paying for $15 for a half day (1pm to 7pm) of student care.
Which also works out to be less than $3 an hour.
You have 4-6 hours of flexibility to pick up your kid.
And there is some structured schedule in the student care.
So once the structure and routine is up; Say after 6 months or say and you are unhappy with the kind after school care service.
You can then transit to let them head home after school if you have some one at home or you work from home.
If You Think The Private Student Care Too Ex
Which I think so too, you can also try this method.
So compared to Private Student Care which cost say $1000.
Essentially you are saving $700 a month.
With this $700 a month, you can also select the enrichment that you want.
Usually a 10 (3 mths) sessions enrichment would cost like $600+.
So you can opt for like 2.5 enrichment a month of your choice.
Of course, the hassle is - You need to bring them around.
So, if cost is not a concern, then just put at the private student care, then weekend go have fun.
It's just Money vs Convenience.
Choosing the right after-school care for your Primary School child is not always easy, but it does not have to be overwhelming.
I hope this article helps you to straighten some thoughts out.
It's always struggle between the $ and the convenience vs the well being of our kids.
Take the time to consider what is most important for your child and your family.
Whether you choose Student Care Service, Private Student Care, or just letting your child go home, the best choice is the one that meets your needs and makes you feel confident.
So, which option feels right for you?