Press Releases
Launch of Singapore Pre-School Accreditation Framework
A new Singapore Pre-school Accreditation Framework (SPARK) to encourage pre-school providers to strive for greater excellence in the holistic development of young children was launched at the Kindergarten Learning Forum 2010 today. The voluntary quality rating will provide information to enable parents to make informed choices about the kindergartens and childcare centres for their children.
SPARK is a child-centric framework underscored by five core values – Child our Focus, Leadership with Vision, Professionalism with Impact, Partnership for Growth and Innovation with Purpose.
A key component of SPARK is the Quality Rating Scale (QRS). It provides a structured approach for pre-schools to examine the effectiveness of their education programmes, and identify their strengths and areas for improvement. In addition to self-appraisal, the QRS is also a tool for pre-school quality assessment and accreditation. This assessment will examine 7 aspects of preschool education – Leadership, Planning & Administration, Staff Management, Resources, Curriculum, Pedagogy and Health, Hygiene & Safety.
Pre-schools can apply for quality assessment from January 2011. Participation in the assessment is voluntary. However, pre-schools are strongly encouraged to participate in the assessment as attaining a good quality rating is an endorsement of the quality of the pre-school.
Kindergartens and childcare centres which meet the minimum requirements of the QRS can apply for a certificate of achievement. The certificate of achievement will be valid for three years. This is to ensure that pre-schools continuously strive to improve the quality of their programmes. More details on SPARK are provided in Annex A.