3 days ago
Growing bright futures: How NTUC First Campus helps children succeed in an ever-changing world
Becoming a first-time mother was a joyful yet challenging experience for Mrs Dorcas Zhang. As the 34-year-old prepared to return to work soon after giving birth, a new priority quickly emerged: finding a caring, reliable environment where her son Jordan could thrive. Thankfully, there was a My First Skool centre just minutes from their home in central Singapore.
'We wanted more than just basic care,' said Mrs Zhang. 'Fortunately, we found My First Skool, where the focus goes beyond milestones to nurturing each child's growth. The teachers work closely with us to understand Jordan's behaviours and habits, which makes for a smoother transition between home and school.'
Jordan started at My First Skool at just 10 months old. Now aged three, he is a curious child who often asks thoughtful questions about the world around him.
A TRUSTED NAME IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Since 1977, NTUC First Campus has grown from a handful of preschools into one of Singapore's largest and most renowned early childhood providers. It now serves more than 29,000 children across over 180 My First Skool and Little Skool-House centres.
'The world is changing rapidly, and so are the needs of our children and families,' said Mr Justin Ang, CEO of NTUC First Campus. 'We are constantly innovating, not for innovation's sake, but to ensure that every child gets the bright start they deserve.'
He added: 'We are committed to giving every child a strong, equal start – preparing them not just for formal education, but for life – through a holistic, inclusive and research-led approach.'
INNOVATION WITH A PURPOSE
NTUC First Campus' preschools offer well-designed curricula and resource-rich environments, led by educators who are passionate about shaping young lives. Each centre is tailored to meet community needs, ensuring every child – regardless of background – has access to meaningful learning that goes beyond literacy and numeracy.
Recognising that parents seek holistic development, NTUC First Campus provides a wide range of enrichment activities that parents can sign their children up for, including speech and drama, music, sports and coding. These activities are integrated into the school day, allowing children to explore their interests in a familiar setting while giving busy families added peace of mind.
'My First Skool builds everything into the day, so we don't have to rush to different classes after work or on weekends,' said Mrs Zhang. 'More importantly, we know our child is happy, safe and learning in valuable ways.'
In addition, NTUC First Campus runs Outdoor School Singapore, which offers children aged three to 12 immersive nature experiences that build resilience, responsibility and risk-taking skills, while nurturing a love for the environment.
To support children's learning needs beyond preschool, NTUC First Campus also operates an after-school care and enrichment centre, Changemakers by SEED Campus. Run by experienced educators and enrichment specialists, the centre offers flexible programmes that combine academic support with life skills development.
The latest addition to NTUC First Campus' suite of services is ZooSchool, a collaboration with Mandai Wildlife Group. Designed by educators from both organisations, ZooSchool provides hands-on experiences and holiday camps that introduce young children to wildlife, conservation efforts and practical survival skills.
A PARTNER TO FAMILIES
For Mrs Zhang, My First Skool is more than a preschool – it is a trusted partner in her parenting journey. 'It's comforting to know we're not alone in raising our son. The teachers genuinely care, giving equal attention to each child's needs and collaborating with parents to support their learning.'
Mr Benjamin Tan, 38, whose five-year-old son attends a Little Skool-House centre in the west of Singapore, shared how his child's teachers have made an impact. 'Shane comes home excited every day to share what he's learned, and this speaks to the dedication of his teachers,' he said.
The experiences of parents like Mrs Zhang and Mr Tan reflect NTUC First Campus' broader mission: enabling bright futures for every child and their family. With a deep understanding of Singapore's fast-changing social landscape, NTUC First Campus plays a vital role in building an inclusive community where every child can thrive and every family feels supported.
"By making high-quality preschool education accessible and impactful, we empower children to become lifelong learners and future-ready citizens,' said Mr Ang. 'We're not just preparing children for school; we're helping shape a better, more cohesive society.'
