Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about admissions, trial classes and life at Little Sprout. Can't find your answer? WhatsApp us and we'll be happy to help.
Is admission on a first-come, first-served basis?
No. We believe in thoughtful placements. Admission is based on school readiness, developmental fit, classroom dynamics, and alignment with our educational philosophy, not on the order in which applications are received.
What age groups do you accept?
We welcome children from 3 months to 3 years old. Children who are currently enrolled and turning 4 will be automatically transitioned to Funscape Kindergarten, unless parents submit a formal withdrawal.
Is the trial class a guarantee of enrolment?
No, the trial class is part of the assessment process. It allows our educators to observe the child's developmental readiness for group learning. Enrolment is offered based on the outcome of this observation and class availability.
What happens if my child is not offered a place?
If your child is not offered a placement immediately, you may choose to remain on our waitlist. Should a spot become available or circumstances change, we will contact you.
Please understand that the decision is based on multiple factors, including school readiness, group dynamics, and available space, and is made in the best interest of the child and the class as a whole. As this is an internal and professional evaluation, the centre will not be able to entertain appeals or provide detailed explanations.
Can I choose my child's class or teacher?
Class and teacher placements are determined by our academic team based on age, development, and overall group dynamics. We consider what is best for each child and the class as a whole.
Is my child required to be toilet-trained?
No. Children are not required to be toilet-trained to be considered for admission. Our educators are experienced in supporting toilet learning when developmentally appropriate.
How is readiness determined?
Readiness is determined by observing a combination of factors: ability to separate from caregiver, interest in play, communication (verbal or non-verbal), adaptability to transitions, and physical independence.
Can I observe my child during the trial class?
For our trial classes, we generally do not encourage parents to stay, as we'd like to give children the opportunity to experience the session independently and interact naturally with their teachers and peers.
This also allows us to better observe how your child adapts to a group setting without parental presence.
Rest assured, our teachers will provide the necessary support and care throughout the session, and we'll share feedback with you afterwards!
What if my child is shy or cries?
It's completely normal for some children to take time to adjust. Our educators are trained to gently support children through separation anxiety and unfamiliar settings. We focus on signs of recovery and willingness to engage over time.
Can I request a follow-up trial class if my child is unwell or unsettled?
If your child is unwell on the day of the trial class, we will arrange a reschedule. However, we generally offer only one trial session per applicant to maintain fairness in our admission process.
Will my child be assessed academically before admission?
No formal academic assessments are conducted. We focus on holistic development and school readiness; academic skills will naturally develop through our curriculum.
Do you cater to children with special needs?
At Little Sprout, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.
We welcome enquiries from families of children with additional learning or developmental needs, with enrolment considered on a case by case basis.
For children with identified developmental concerns or additional support needs, we require a formal assessment and relevant documentation from a qualified medical professional and/or Occupational Therapist (OT) or other relevant specialist.
We also believe that close collaboration between parents, therapists and educators is essential. Families must be willing to work alongside our team and their child's OT or relevant therapists to establish consistent strategies that support the child's learning, development and wellbeing.
As we are a mainstream childcare centre and do not provide specialised therapeutic intervention, enrolment will depend on whether we can safely and appropriately meet the child's individual needs within our group learning environment.
Our priority is to ensure that every child receives the care, understanding and support they need to flourish.
Is there a fee for the trial class?
Not at all! We offer one complimentary trial session for your little one to experience Little Sprout.
Day: Friday
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Shower: Included (Morning Tea & Lunch not included)
Please note that this is just a drop-off session, meaning parents will not accompany their children during the trial. This allows children to explore, interact and experience our programme independently under the care of our educators.
What if my child doesn't speak English?
Many children join us with limited English. Our educators are experienced in supporting language development through play and routine. Children are gently encouraged to communicate through gestures, visuals, and gradual verbalisation.
What's the difference between Little Sprout and other childcare centres?
Our childcare is fully play-based learning. All our programmes are research-backed; we did not simply choose a programme to use. We make sure to cover all subjects, including 3 languages.
Do you provide orientation for new families?
Yes. Families who accept the offer will be invited to an online Parent Orientation session and receive an info pack with all the information needed to support a smooth transition into school.
Do you offer playdates?
We do! Every Friday we run Messy Play at a minimal price. Please WhatsApp us to find out more.