
ELFA offers Chinese-focused playgroup (pre-nursery), nursery and kindergarten programmes for children aged 18 months to 6+ years old. Families looking for a preschool with strong Chinese programmes embedded within the curriculum can find a nurturing start with our pre-nursery classes.
Beyond a well-rounded preschool curriculum, children benefit from the care of dedicated teachers who guide them in developing confidence and independence at their own pace.
Our in-house nutritionist also ensures that every meal served is balanced and nourishing, supporting the healthy growth and daily energy needs of each child.
The classroom environment at ELFA is designed with inviting learning areas that inspire curiosity and expand the learning horizons of active preschoolers.
Immersive Bilingual Adventure
Parents seeking a Chinese-focused playgroup that Singapore families trust will find ELFA’s early‑years community the perfect fit. From 18 months right up to Primary‑one readiness, every learner follows a thoughtfully sequenced biligual English & Chinese pre-nursery to kindergarten curriculum that places Mandarin side‑by‑side with English through stories, dramatic play and song. Daily circle time doubles as a preschool Chinese class where pupils listen, speak, read and write in authentic contexts, giving them native‑like tones and confident self‑expression.
Character & Values Through Story
Ancient legends, modern picture books and weekly circle‑time reflections invite children to explore kindness, honesty and perseverance. By discussing the heroes and mis‑steps they encounter in classic Chinese folklore, youngsters internalise right‑and‑wrong in ways that feel vivid and personal.
Inquiry, Reasoning & Discovery
Open‑ended provocations—think water wheels and magnifying glass—let curious minds tinker, predict and verify. Whether they are sorting leaves, mapping traffic patterns or piecing together number puzzles, children practise sequencing, classification and cause‑and‑effect thinking that forms the bedrock of later problem‑solving.
Imagination in Colour
A studio stocked with clay, collage scraps and vibrant paints encourages artistic creation. Through exploring Chinese-influenced art forms, the young gain through building positive learning dispositions such as calm and composure. This creative outlet not only nurture originality but also refine fine‑motor control.
Growing Independence & Social Confidence
Dramatic play corners morph into cafés, clinics or space stations where children negotiate roles, share resources and resolve conflicts. Such collaborative make‑believe boosts self‑help abilities—from buttoning costumes to tidying props—fostering practical autonomy and healthy peer relationships.
Nourishment for Active Bodies
Balanced and nutritious menus designed by a qualified nutritionist ensure every meal fuels rapid bodily and cognitive growth. Fresh produce, whole grains and carefully portioned proteins give youngsters the energy to explore, imagine and engage all day long.
Dedicated Educators & Holistic Care
Our qualified and experienced teaching team partners closely with families to shape personal learning pathways, steadily building each child’s confidence and self‑reliance.
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed with engaging learning zones that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and enrich the everyday experiences of your little ones.
Teacher-Child Ratio for our Chinese Playgroup (Pre-nursery) to Kindergarten
| Age of Children | Teacher-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Playgroup / Pre-Nursery 1 (18 months onwards & year the child turns 2) |
1:8 |
| Pre-Nursery 2 (Year the child turns 3) |
1:12 |
Session Timings:
Full-day child care: 7:00am to 7:00pm (Monday to Friday)
Sample Daily Schedule
Bilingual Story-based Approach with embedded Chinese Storytelling & Picture Book Reading
In our preschool language classes, whilst learning English, toddlers and preschoolers enjoy daily Mandarin storytelling and picture books that expand vocabulary and build listening comprehension. These story sessions are key to helping children learn the rhythm, structure, and expressive beauty of the Chinese language.
Chinese Speech & Drama
Part of our Chinese enrichment class for preschool learners, speech and drama activities involve role-playing, puppetry, and expressive speaking. These fun experiences help children grow in confidence as they learn Mandarin through performance, character play, and expressive dialogue. This is available for Nursery to Kindergarten children.
Music, Movement & Rhymes in Mandarin
Through interactive music and movement sessions, children engage in Chinese action songs and traditional rhyme recitations that strengthen memory, pronunciation, and motor skills — making Mandarin learning energetic and enjoyable.
Chinese-infused Creative Art Exploration
Our preschools introduces Chinese-influenced art forms, such as Chinese brush painting, ink calligraphy, and pottery and clay art. Through such exposure, ELFA children are learn about symbols, textures, and tools of Chinese heritage. These hands-on activities support creative expression while developing fine motor skills.
Cultural Festival Celebrations
Children explore the richness of Chinese culture through activities tied to major festivals, like the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn. These moments allow learners to enjoy traditions through themed crafts, songs, food tastings, and storytelling — enriching their Mandarin learning experience.
Interactive Language Games
Our Chinese playgroup to Kindergarten classes use interactive games like matching, flash cards, and role-play to make learning Mandarin fun and natural. These activities keep children engaged and reinforce key vocabulary and social communication in a playful way.
Outdoor & Indoor Learning in Mandarin
Whether in the garden or playroom, children continue to learn Mandarin through guided, real-life exploration. Our educators use daily routines and discovery-based play to make every moment a language-rich learning experience.
Enrichment programmes
Various Chinese-themed art, maths, and speech & drama enrichment classes are available for Nursery to Kindergarten children. Click on your preferred centre’s landing page below for more details.
Enrolment process
Fill out your interest in the online contact form and our customer service officer would reach out to you to provide more information about our curriculum and programmes, fees details or schedule a centre tour.
If you are exploring a trusted Chinese playgroup, nursery or kindergarten programme in Singapore, ELFA is ready to welcome your child. Click ‘Register Now’ below to arrange a centre visit or have our Customer Service Officer answer your queries.