Q&A: Is This Preschool Inclusive? 5 Things to Look For
Dear Preschool Pals,
Thank you for sharing the information about Autism Awareness Month. We're a family from the UK and moved to Singapore last year. We're currently in the process of arranging an assessment with a therapy centre, as we suspect our youngest may be on the autism spectrum.
Sadly, we had to withdraw our child from their first preschool. They found it very challenging. There were daily tears at drop-off and pick-up, and they struggled to settle into the routine. Our child also didn’t manage to form any friendships, which was quite upsetting for us.
We’re now searching for a new preschool and would be very grateful for any advice you might have. What should we be looking out for during school tours to help ensure we find a more inclusive and supportive setting for our child?
Many thanks again for your support.
Warm regards,
A Concerned Parent
Dear Concerned Parent,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story. This is such an important question—and you’re not alone. Moving countries, adjusting to a new culture, and navigating an unfamiliar education system is a major undertaking for any family. Adding the process of supporting a child who may be on the autism spectrum makes this journey even more complex and emotional.
We know how discouraging it must have felt to withdraw your youngest from their first preschool. Preschools are an important part of many young children’s lives, and the daily tears and challenges must have been incredibly difficult for your child and your family. But here’s the good news—there are preschool options for your child, and you are doing the right thing by taking proactive steps and asking thoughtful questions to find the ideal fit.
After reflecting on your question, we decided to create a complimentary two-page downloadable resource to support you and other families in similar situations: Is This Preschool Inclusive? 5 Things To Look For. You can download it here.
This digital download highlights key aspects to pay attention to during a preschool tour, including the school’s experience with children who have developmental needs, how staff speak about diversity and learning differences, and what to look for in the physical environment and classroom setup, among other helpful points.
Remember, listen to your instincts as you tour potential preschools. You’re the parent, and you know your child better than anyone. Just because a school is well-rated or works for other families doesn’t automatically mean it will be the right fit for yours. If a school feels inflexible or seems not open to your concerns, it may not be an ideal fit, and it’s okay to continue exploring other preschool options. At the same time, if a place feels warm, inclusive, and responsive to your child’s needs, ask about trial days. Trial days are a great way to help you get a better feel for how your child might settle at the preschool and help you decide whether you should enroll them.
Also, please revisit last month’s in-depth Q&A blog post, Curricula, Teachers & More – What to Look for During Preschool Visits, which includes even more practical tips. And if you’d like more personalized support, we’d be happy to assist you through our preschool search services. Contact us here.
Wishing you clarity, strength, and the ideal fit for your child as you continue on this ever-important journey.
Warmly,
Preschool Pals
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