An Inclusive Child Care for Learning and Development

For many parents, finding a good preschool to meet their child’s needs is a significant decision that can have a lasting impact on their child’s development and well-being.

Serving children from 18 months to 6 years of age, TOUCH Child Care (TCC) has been trusted for decades as an inclusive preschool with a big H.E.A.R.T.  TCC’s core curriculum is built on a foundation of trust, care and collaboration. They focus on home-school partnerships, enabling inclusion, adventure learning, reaching the community, and thoughtful exploration.

Four families share their experience of sending their children to TCC and their appreciation for how their children have been well-taken care of there.

Inculcating good character values

Monica Sham sent two of her children — Anders (N2) and Annabeth (K2) — to TCC Clementi after the family moved into the neighbourhood. While her decision to enroll her children into TCC Clementi was made   out of convenience, Monica holds no regrets after witnessing the remarkable character growth of her children under the care of the preschool. 

Caption: Monica Sham together with her three children and her husband, Ian.

“TCC has taught my children valuable skills and character values. One such value is to include everyone in their play. Sometimes a friend is not nice to them, but they learn to give their friends a second chance and play with them again,” shares Monica.

Caption: Ian learning together with Annabeth at the recent Classroom Immersion for K2s.

Similarly, Jennifer Tiew sent all four of her children — Brenda (21), Bella (18), Bernice (14) and Brandon (5) — to TCC Clementi, after being impressed by the holistic teaching approach her eldest experienced during her time there. She wanted her other children to benefit from the same nurturing environment.

Caption: Bella and Bernice with their father, Royston, learning together with Brandon during Classroom Immersion for K1s.

"After enrolling my first child, Brenda, in TCC, I noticed remarkable growth not only in her academic skills but also in her empathy and kindness towards others. She used to be reluctant to share her toys, but her time at TCC made her more considerate and willing to share with other children,” remarks Jennifer.

Dedicated and caring teaching figures

A salient aspect of what makes a good childcare centre is the presence of genuine and compassionate teachers. Monica expresses her love for the teachers at TCC, strongly believing that it is through the teachers’ love that children can feel like TCC is their home. 

“From the admin staff to the class teachers to the assistant teachers to the cooks, I can see the love for the children in their eyes and their smiles, especially in the way they treat the children,” Monica observes. 

Caption: Annabeth learning together with her teachers.

Parents Lee Kuo Ping and Linda Koh of Sean (K2) and Siohan (graduated, Primary 4), see genuine care for the children in TCC’s teachers, noting good welfare practices by the childcare centre. “Home visits give a personal touch to show that they care for the children,” they remark.

Caption: Children from TCC Hougang enjoying a day out at Marine Cove Playground, as part of TCC’s outdoor adventure play curriculum.

Jennifer also commends TCC’s commitment to nurturing every aspect of a child's development, citing how attentive and caring the teachers are.

“TCC teachers go beyond just focusing on academics; they take the time to understand each child's unique needs and work on turning their weaknesses into strengths. The teachers are adept at helping children with their behaviour and provide early intervention if any special attention is required,” she adds.

Focused care for children with additional needs

TCC believes that children with additional needs should not be excluded from receiving quality preschool education. Instead, they should be given the opportunity to learn and grow in an inclusive and nurturing environment which caters to their needs and requirements. Lee Kuo Ping and Linda Koh love the fact that TCC takes in students with special needs. “We believe this gives the children an opportunity to care for friends who are not the same as them, and also learn to include them in all social activities.”

Caption: Teachers at TCC Hougang guiding Danielle in activities to improve her motor skills.

Desmond Lim and Shalin Ng — parents of Conner (K2), Danielle (N2), Dominique (Play Group) — placed their second child who requires additional assistance under TCC’s early intervention programme. “The principal and teachers are approachable and each of them handles children with care, understanding the specific needs of my children,” Desmond and Shalin shared. “TCC's teachers are conscientious and meticulous in handling Danielle. The teachers will give advice and feedback on improving my children's progress.”

The benefits of a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment extend beyond early childhood and lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development. A quality preschool provides children with the best possible start in life, fostering their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.

Emphasising the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment specially catered for each child, TCC has been trusted for decades by parents.

For enrollment enquiries or more information on TCC, please email us at clementi.cc@touch.org.sg or hougang.cc@touch.org.sg.

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TOUCH Child Care (TCC) runs two childcare centres – at Hougang and Clementi – which offer quality early childhood education in a safe and nurturing environment to children aged 18 months to six years old and children with mild special needs. Teachers conduct home visits to build rapport with the families and reinforce the lessons taught in preschool. Beyond the academic curriculum, important values such as respect, responsibility and empathy are also woven into the lessons to nurture the children’s character.

Story published in 2024.