Mandarin Immersion Preschool – Quality Childcare Centre & Infant Care in Singapore
Learn more about ELFA preschool’s mandarin immersion curriculum, programmes, news & events
Since 2000, ELFA Preschool has grown to operate over 25 educational centres across Singapore and China, delivering exceptional care and comprehensive early education for young learners aged from two months to six years.
As a premier preschool brand offering top-rated infant and childcare services that Singapore families trust, ELFA stands as a recognised leader in a Mandarin-focused immersion preschool environment. We have received prestigious awards for curriculum excellence and management quality in China, the world’s largest Chinese language environment. Our distinguished preschool programme is crafted by Singapore-based early childhood specialists in collaboration with Chinese advisors led by Professor Zhu Shi Yuan, formerly heading the Early Childhood Department at Beijing Normal University.
Why Choose Our Childcare Centre in Singapore?
What distinguishes our approach among Singapore preschool options is our integrated thematic story-based methodology that prioritises Chinese language development and reading proficiency through comprehensive Mandarin immersion programmes from infancy through Kindergarten 2. Aligned with Singapore MOE guidelines, our curriculum produces remarkable results—all our K2 graduates successfully complete and gain passes in the Youth Chinese Test (YCT) Level II and can speak Mandarin with confidence and fluency. This assessment evaluates how non-native students effectively learn Mandarin and apply it in everyday contexts. Through carefully selected stories, we also foster important moral values that help nurture positive character development from an early age.
The ELFA difference lies in our research-backed curriculum designed by experts from Singapore and China, creating a fully immersive learning environment. Our holistic approach includes Chinese-Inspired Creative Art, Chinese Speech & Drama, and ELFA Higher Order-Thinking Mathematics—all conducted in Mandarin—enabling children to learn through engaging, participatory activities. This comprehensive methodology not only builds a strong foundation in academics but also enhances creativity and social skills.
Our bilingual education approach provides an authentic learning experience where children immerse themselves in Chinese culture, including exposure to Chinese poetry and calligraphy. From pre-nursery level onwards, our Mandarin immersion programme creates an environment where young learners naturally absorb language skills while engaging with cultural traditions, giving them advantages in today’s interconnected world.
Our Mandarin Immersion Programme
Premier Mandarin Immersion Preschool Curriculum
ELFA’s Mandarin immersion programme is uniquely crafted by Singapore early childhood experts and top Chinese education advisors, led by Professor Zhu Shi Yuan, previously of Beijing Normal University. It blends authentic Chinese language learning with Singapore’s MOE guidelines, offering culturally rich instruction to nurture a strong foundation in both traditional Chinese culture and modern educational approaches.
Innovative Story-Based Learning Chinese Immersion Preschool
Our immersive method employs a unique, story-based thematic approach, enabling children to absorb Mandarin vocabulary, grammar, and culture naturally. Engaging narratives foster meaningful communication, transforming language learning into an imaginative and fluency-building experience.
100% Passing Rate – Preschool in Singapore
Our programme’s success is evident in the 100% passing rate of our Kindergarten 2 graduates in the internationally recognised YCT Level II. More importantly, they confidently immerse Mandarin in various contexts, demonstrating strong pronunciation, vocabulary, and comprehension, which are essential skills for future global opportunities.
Singapore Preschool with Comprehensive Immersion Environment
We immerse children in Mandarin by teaching core subjects such as Creative Art, Chinese Speech and Drama, and Higher-Order Thinking Math, entirely in the language. This natural, integrated approach mirrors native environments, allowing language skills to develop continuously throughout the day.
Early Exposure Advantage
Our Mandarin programme begins in infancy and continues through Kindergarten 2, capitalising on children’s peak language-learning years. This early, sustained immersion builds native-like pronunciation, intonation, and intuition, laying a lifelong foundation for fluency.
Our Awards
ELFA Preschool is an award-winning preschool brand. These achievements highlight our commitment to providing quality care and education to our children.
Skoolopedia
Popular Choice Award 2024
The Best Bilingual Preschool Curriculum with Mandarin Focus
2022 National Preschool Chinese Teaching Aid Competition
(Creative Picture Book Storyboard) – Promising Award
15th YMCA Mandarin Speaking Award 2022
2nd Runner Up, Preschool Category
Hear What Our Parents Say
We’re thankful for the caring teachers and the Mandarin immersion programme—our son has built a strong foundation and is well-prepared for Primary 1.
We are forever grateful for ELFA’s care and guidance. My daughter really improved her communication skills, and she is a happier child now.
Through the teachers’ guidance and ELFA’s Mandarin immersion programme, Melody has grown in confidence and curiosity—it’s been such a meaningful learning experience.