Enthusiastic about our classes but still have some questions? We prepared a set of some frequently asked questions to help you.
Frequently asked questions
What age group does De Kinder Club cater to?
De Kinder Club has classes for children from 6 months to 6 years old. We are a team of early childhood specialists, and our curricula are designed for children in the preschool age, and getting them ready in concepts and more importantly emotionally and socially for formal education.
My child is 8 years old, does that mean she cannot be involved in any of these interesting classes?
Most of our classes are designed for children in the preschool age. However, we open our doors to children up to 10 years for our events and child-minding. These events incorporate some activities from our specialized classes like Science, Engineering, Zumba, etc. Your child would still find these events and activities fun and engaging at this age! Stay-tuned to our social media pages for our events!
What does it mean to “incorporate the best of early years education concepts from US and Scandinavia”?
The Scandinavian region consistently ranks high in quality early childhood education. Scandinavian early years education is largely based on nurturing children and families, bonds between parent and child, and experiential learning – giving children the freedom and space to explore their surroundings. The American early childhood scene is extremely innovative, and offers their children opportunities to be exposed to future-ready foundations like coding and engineering. At De Kinder Club, we incorporate the best of these 2 concepts, offering a space for holistic learning, and honing children’s love for learning, so children can blossom into innovative and empowered individuals.
Why should my child join classes at De Kinder instead of enrolling him in schools that teach specific disciplines like Math, or Violin?
We believe that in their preschool years, children should be provided the opportunity of experiential learning across a wide variety of topics through different disciplines to expand their abilities to think in different ways. Children mature across developmental domains – cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional – at different rates. They need time, space, and opportunities to explore and experience. The more we know our child and which form of intelligence they demonstrate, the easier it is to stimulate them with appropriate activities and teaching methods. Parents realistically, in terms of available financial resources or time available, would not be able to offer their child varied opportunities to experiment with different fields in the arts, sports, technology, etc. At De Kinder we aim to be a solution to this challenge. In no lesser manner, our instructors for our classes are specialists in their respective disciplines that they conduct classes for.
What is unique about the curricula at De Kinder Club?
Why is the Zumba class named differently? Aren’t all the classes designed in house?
Zumba is an exercise fitness programme created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Beto Perez in the 1990s. The word Zumba® was coined by Zumba Fitness, LLC, and our Zumba instructors all received trainings and certifications from Zumba Fitness, LLC and are ZIN™ Members. Only those licensed by Zumba Fitness, LLC, such as ZIN™ Members, have the right to use the Zumba® trademarks. In line with teaching our children about respect, we want to respect this business asset of the original creators of Zumba – Zumba Fitness, LLC, and utilize the original class names. Our instructors however, designed the classes in accordance to De Kinder Club’s holistic approach to learning, and incorporate learning concepts such as numeracy and general knowledge into our De Kinder Club Zumba® classes.
How can I be involved in my child’s learning at De Kinder Club?
All of our classes for children up till 3.5 year olds are parent-accompanied (partial parent-accompanied for 2.5-3.5 year olds). This provides an avenue for parents and caregivers to be involved in the development of our children, and provide a sense of security to our little ones while they start to thread social and classroom settings. For certain classes like Yoga and Zumba, we offer Bear & Cub classes, where parents or caregivers can attend classes together with their child (3-6 years). It will be a great time of bonding and shared experiences. Some events are open to friends and family as well.
Why is De Kinder called a club?
Instead of a school, we call ourselves a club, which is a place that will grow with your child, and where your child can develop a sense of belonging. Children love club concepts as they can identify with the club mascots and aspire to cultivate the positive values and attributes that the club holds.
If I sign my child up for the credits package and she attends different classes every week, will she be unable to follow the classes?
Absolutely not! Conversely, your child could benefit to a great extent in learning similar concepts through different mediums and disciplines. Our classes are designed in a way that each class is independent from the previous week’s class. Concepts that children at the preschool age will learn such as numerals, sequencing, sight words, will be reinforced in classes based on their age level. At this preschool age, reinforcement of concepts in different manners is key to instilling these foundational concepts in children. Your child could also build his social skills in making new friends in different classes!
What are the teacher-to-student ratios in your classes?
The average teacher-to-student ratio in our classes is 1 teacher to 4-5 students. We keep this ratio low to ensure consistency with our ethos, that every child is a gift and to inspire each child that comes through our doors.
Are the activities at De Kinder safe? Are your teachers first aid trained?
We are early childhood educators, and understand that children are meant to be active! We put in the extra effort to ensure that our classrooms are child-friendly as can be seen by the many curved furniture and child-safe equipment. Our curricula are also designed in an age-appropriate manner, and all teachers have a wealth of experience working with and teaching children! Approximately half of our teachers are first-aid trained, and our assistant centre manager is a certified first-aider and AED provider, holding certifications in Responding to Illnesses, Accidents and Emergencies, and Food and Beverage Safety and Hygiene Policies and Procedures. We also have standard protocols for accidents in performing first aid, updating parents, and seeking medical consultations at the nearest clinics – all this in hopes of putting your mind at ease when you entrust your child to our care!
What if my child misses her class, would there be any substitute class?
We understand that no one wants to be sick, and when our children are sick it is tough on us too! Substitute classes will be offered if your child was sick on the day of her class, with the proof of a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner in Singapore, based on availability of class slots in the same or different type of class. Drop us a Whatsapp message or email us, and we can discuss on the arrangement!