Frequently Asked Questions
AI, Coding, and Screen Time
Q: How does ChildFirst Pre-school teach AI and coding without excessive screen time?
A: We prioritise active creation over passive consumption.
Coding begins as early as Nursery 2 (N2) through “unplugged” activities using hands-on tools like tap pen controllers. By Kindergarten 2 (K2), screen time is purposeful focused on 3D design and co-creating stories with generative AI.
Our total screen exposure remains well below the recommended 1 hour daily under the “2026 MOH Guidance on Screen Use”.
Q: Is AI safe and age-appropriate for young children?
A: Yes, all AI tools used at ChildFirst are carefully curated and teacher-guided. Children do not use AI independently, our educators supervise and ensure all usage is meaningful, safe and age-appropriate.
Q: Will my child become too reliant on technology?
A: No, the ChildFirst curriculum is intentionally balanced with outdoor play, creative arts and social interaction. Technology is a tool to augment learning, not a replacement for real-world learning.
Q: Do teachers guide children during AI and coding lessons?
A: Absolutely, teachers lead all sessions. AI enhances learning, but educators remain the primary facilitators.
Q: How do AI tools like “AI Chinese” and “AI Maths” help my child learn?
A: These act as personalised tutors that adapt to your child’s individual learning pace. They identify specific areas that need practice and customise revision games for each child. These tools also provide teachers with real-time data to offer highly focused classroom support.
Q: What are the three pillars of the iUnique Curriculum?
A: Our proprietary iUnique Curriculum balances three intelligence types to ensure holistic development:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Future-ready tech fluency
- Human Intelligence (HI): Empathy, creativity, teamwork
- Multiple Intelligences (MI): Arts, movement, and diverse talents
Curriculum and Primary 1 Readiness
Q: What does a “Trilingual Curriculum” mean at ChildFirst Pre-school?
A: We believe the three essential languages for the future are English, Chinese and Coding. Children experience daily immersion, spending half the day in an English environment and the other half in Chinese, with coding concepts integrated throughout both.
Q: How does ChildFirst prepare children for the Primary 1 Chinese syllabus?
A: Through our research-backed Chinese Rapid Word Recognition (CRWR) system and AI-supported learning, K2 children typically master up to 50% of the MOE Primary 1 vocabulary before graduation, ensuring a smooth transition.
Q: How do you support children who learn at different paces?
A: We combine AI insights with small-group teaching to personalise learning. Each child receives targeted support or extension based on their needs.
Q: Do you prepare children beyond academics?
A: Yes, we focus strongly on:
- Confidence and communication
- Independence and self-management
- Social and emotional skills
Children leave ready not just academically but holistically.
Q: What makes ChildFirst different from other pre-schools?
A: Our unique combination of AI integration, trilingual immersion and personalised learning ensures children are not just school-ready but future-ready.
Q: Are enrichment classes included in the curriculum?
A: Yes. Robotics, coding, phonics, and advanced bilingual literacy are built into our daily programme. Our core curriculum is so comprehensive that most parents find they do not need additional external academic enrichment.
Fees, Subsidies and Logistics
Q: What are the school fees?
A: Full-day programme fees range from $2,198 to $2,298 (inclusive of GST).
Q: What subsidies are available?
A: As an ECDA-licensed operator, parents who enrol with ChildFirst are entitled to:
- Basic Subsidy: Up to $300
- Additional Subsidy: Up to $467*
- CDA funds can be used for fees
*Additional subsidies are for families with a Gross Monthly Household Income (HHI) of $12,000 or below. The HHI ceiling rises to $15,000 in 2027.
Q: Is there a registration fee and deposit?
A: Yes, a one-time registration fee and refundable deposit apply. Full details will be shared during enrolment.
Q: Are there any additional or hidden fees?
A: No, our fees are transparent. Optional items, such as excursions, uniforms and enrichment programmes, are clearly communicated in advance.
Q: What are your operating hours?
A: We operate Mondays to Fridays, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Q: Where are your centres located?
A: Our two centres in Singapore are located at:
- Tampines
- Hillview
Q: Is school bus service available?
A: Yes, school bus service is available based on location and demand. Routes and fees will be shared upon enquiry.
Q: Can I visit the school before enrolling?
A: Yes, we highly encourage you to experience our environment and meet our educators before enrolling. You may sign up for a school tour here.
Health, Safety, and Nutrition
Q: How are meals prepared?
A: Every centre features a fully equipped in-house kitchen where our cooks freshly prepare all meals in accordance with HPB Healthy Pre-School guidelines.
Q: How do you manage food allergies?
A: We maintain a strict allergy watch system and provide customised meals for medical or dietary needs.
Q: What safety measures are in place?
A: The centre is equipped with CCTV in classrooms and common areas with secured access control by authorised personnel. We also adhere to ECDA safety protocols.
Q: How do you prevent the spread of illnesses?
A: Children dine within classrooms instead of communal spaces. Hygiene protocols are also strictly enforced to minimise the risks of disease spread, such as HFMD.
Q: What happens if my child falls sick in school?
A: Parents will be notified immediately. Your child will be cared for in a supervised area until pick-up.
Parent Engagement
Q: How will I know my child’s progress? Will I receive regular communication?
A: Absolutely, we provide regular updates and photos via our parents’ app. Formal Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTM) are held twice a year. We believe in strong parent-school partnerships and will keep you consistently informed.
Q: Can parents be involved in school activities?
A: Yes, we regularly organise events, workshops, tea sessions, and celebrations where parents can participate.
Enrolment and Trial
Q: What is the enrolment process?
A: You may call or WhatsApp our Parent Relations Manager at 81212299. Alternatively, you may submit a request via our website.
Following your enquiry, you will be invited to attend a school tour. If you are interested in enrolling, our team will guide you through the registration process and arrange for onboarding and orientation.
Q: Is there a trial class available?
A: Trial classes may be arranged depending on availability.
Q: When should I enrol my child?
A: We recommend early enrolment as available places, especially for N2 and K1, fill up quickly. There are also scientific research-based benefits supporting an early start.
You can learn more about how synaptic pruning and the importance of starting early in “Beyond ABCs: Future-proof Your Child”, written by our Founder, Dr Richard Yen, PhD Harvard University.
Download a digital copy here.
