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Currently, the number of international preschools and international kindergartens in Ho Chi Minh City is increasing rapidly. Many parents find it challenging in choosing an appropriate international preschool or international kindergarten for their children. In this article, International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) will share with parents 3 tips to select an appropriate preschool or kindergarten for their children and the best international preschool and kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh City in 2023 – 2024.
What is Preschool?
Preschool is an early childhood education program for children aged 3 to 5 that focuses on their overall development and prepares them for formal schooling. It offers a nurturing environment where children engage in various activities to enhance their cognitive, social, and physical skills.
>>> Read more: Tuition Fee – International School Saigon Pearl
What is preschool? What is the difference between a nursery and preschool? (Source: ISSP)
What is the difference between a nursery and a preschool?
A nursery and a preschool are both early childhood education settings, but they have some differences in terms of age range, focus, and structure.
- Age Range: Nurseries typically cater to children from birth to around 3 years old, while preschools generally serve children between the ages of 3 and 5.
- Focus: Nurseries primarily focus on care and social-emotional development, while preschools emphasize early education and school readiness through structured learning activities and a specific curriculum.
- Curriculum: Preschools have a structured curriculum with defined learning goals in various subjects, while nurseries take a more flexible and play-based approach to promote development without a specific curriculum..
- Structure: Preschools have fixed operating hours similar to a school, while nurseries offer more flexible schedules, including full-day or part-time options, to meet the needs of working parents..
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The high quality and prestigious international preschool and kindergarten in Ho Chi Minh City
International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) – Who are we?
Located in the Saigon Pearl residential area of Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is the top choice for parents seeking a high-quality international learning environment for children aged 18 months to 11 years old (Preschool to Grade 5). ISSP takes immense pride in being a school for the prestigious IB International Baccalaureate, and it holds dual accreditation from two esteemed global educational accreditation organizations, CIS and NEASC. These accreditations ensure that ISSP fully complies with the rigorous standards of an authentic international school.
With a student-centered educational philosophy, ISSP is dedicated to nurturing the intellect and spirit of each student through a comprehensive and balanced educational program. This program equips students with the necessary skills and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including an extensive English library with 18,000 books, dedicated Music and Art rooms, a multipurpose sports hall, a preschool swimming pool, playgrounds, football fields, and an Innovation Hub equipped with STEAM, Studio, and Robotics facilities, among others.
Moreover, ISSP commitment to academic excellence is underscored by its highly qualified teaching team, who are deeply passionate about providing personalized education. Students benefit from their expertise and dedication, ensuring a transformative learning experience. Furthermore, ISSP students have seamless opportunities to transition to renowned secondary schools in Ho Chi Minh City or anywhere around the globe. Every Grade 5 student at ISSP is guaranteed admission to reputable Cognita member schools in Vietnam, including the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) and the American Academy (ISHCMC-AA).
The five core values of ISSP (Caring, Responsibility, Wisdom, Respect and Honest) are well aligned with the 10 attributes of IB learner profile. These values develop children’s character as well as necessary qualities to flourish and thrive in their future.
Values at International School Saigon Pearl will help children holistically develop (Source: ISSP)
At Early Years, ISSP applies the Reggio Emilia philosophy in teaching and learning, which puts children at the center of their education and learns through play. With Reggio Emilia approaches, the children are empowered to lead their own learning, teachers will facilitate the learning process and the environment is the third teacher. Children take center stage in the Reggio Emilia approach to education. This approach places a strong emphasis on ensuring that all activities and experiences at school revolve around and cater to the needs and interests of the children. Therefore, when asked about Reggio Emilia, parents can confidently describe it as an educational philosophy that prioritizes children as the focal point of teaching and learning.
Moreover, the Reggio Emilia approach acknowledges and respects the uniqueness of each child as an individual. It recognizes that children have diverse developmental , creative abilities, and levels of receptivity. Within this learning environment, children are granted the freedom to explore, discover, and express themselves while receiving appropriate guidance and support to further their development.
>>> Read more: Kinder and Elementary School Curriculum
The school values safety and safeguarding for young children with a well-established training program for all teachers and staff as well as a strict safeguarding policy. All staff must go through a global background check to work at ISSP.
Contact information of International Preschool Saigon Pearl (ISSP):
- Address: 92 Nguyen Huu Canh Street, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Telephone: +84 (028) 2222 7788
- Email: admissions@issp.edu.vn
- Website: issp.edu.vn
Teacher and students are learning through play at International Preschool Saigon Pearl (Source: ISSP)
3 tips to select an appropriate preschool or kindergarten for children
Location of the school
The location of international preschools or kindergartens has certain influences on the daily activities of both parents and children. In particular, children need to go to school and parents need to go to work. Therefore, the location of the school needs to meet the convenience of distance and travel time. Parents should choose an international preschool or kindergarten less than 10km from home to make it easier to pick up and drop off children.
>>> Read more: Early Years Curriculum at International School Saigon Pearl
Character of a child
Parents also need to pay much attention to their child’s thoughts, aspirations, strengths and characters. Not every child is ready for international education, nor is able to respond and adapt to it. Therefore, before choosing an international kindergarten, parents should talk and listen to their child’s expectations. After that, parents should choose the school that is best suitable for a child rather than the one that is oriented and expected by them. Furthermore, booking a school tour to visit some international preschools or kindergarten for general overview and experience about their curriculum may help parents make better decisions.
Teaching & Learning Approaches
For preschool, the two most popular teaching learning approaches are Reggio Emilia and Montessori. Each approach has its own advantages, thus parents should choose the approach that best fits to the needs of children.
A good international school should have a strict recruitment process for academic staff. The teachers at international schools should meet the required qualifications for teaching young children and must go through a global background check as well as training programs in child protection and safeguarding before entering the school. Parents should be able to check the above information when they visit the school.
>>> Read more: Application Process at International School Saigon Pearl
In the above article, International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) has shared with parents 3 tips to select an appropriate school for children and the best international preschools and international kindergartens in Ho Chi Minh City 2023 – 2024. Hopefully, parents will choose an appropriate international school for their children to help them develop comprehensively.
For further information or booking a tour to visit International Preschool Saigon Pearl (ISSP), parents can contact the ISSP Admissions Office via:
- Phone: +84 (028) 2222 7788
- Email: admissions@issp.edu.vn
