Second visit to MMI, Sengkang

I visited the child care centre for a second time yesterday (My first visit's entry can be found here) and had selectively requested to check out the children's shower time. That is one great area of concern, I need to know if the children change in the open of their classrooms and also to see how the teachers bath them, whether they are gentle and safety oriented.

In small groups of around 5 children, one teacher will lead the children to the toilet, for Lia's age group, their classroom is just beside the toilet - minimal walking distance - good. For the older kids, they have to go down a corridor to reach the toilet. Two teachers in the toilet with 5 children, a child gets showered, whilst the other teacher do dress-up. The remaining 3 children will roam around the dry area of the toilet and be curious. To my dismay, both genders together, no specific all girls group. I asked on why don't they do the same gender in a group and my "tour guide" (she's the admin) replied,"No issue, they are still so young, they don't understand!"

Oh, I see... But this is slightly better than changing in the classroom with all pairs of eyes on you...

The rest of the children will be in the classroom with another teacher, and their mattresses and comfort bolsters/toys were already laid out. No blow drying of hair here either. My tour guide said there's no need to because after showering, the children mingles around in the classroom and by the time all children gets their shower, their hair will be dry. Yes, quite true, well ventilated classrooms, enough ceiling fans. But what about the last child to get his/her shower? This question did not come up to me at that point of time. But I am not worried on this area because Lia's hair, dries up almost instantly after her shower. A few rubs with the towel does the trick. Hee! ;p

Young teachers for Lia's age group (18 months playgroup), speaks well and they look pleasant - greeted me with smiles. I distinctively remembered two of them, teacher June and teacher Jessie. Teacher June is the centre supervisor, probably in her late twenties to early thirties, her dressing is rugged and stylish whilst teacher Jessie, she should be in her mid twenties, slightly plump and sweet. Teacher Jessie was bathing the children when I arrived. I think she's fine.

I have decided to go for it. Lia will be doing a trial of 2 weeks (full day care) when she turns 18 months old. Trial fees is @ S$ 393.75; a one-time registration fee @ S$ 105.00 (!!!) which we will lose if we don't continue, and insurance @ S$ 4.20. Total payable: S$ 502.95. Rather expensive but I am hoping for the best. Lia will go to school (Oh my, she suddenly seemed so grown-up!) at around 9am, and I will fetch her say around 4pm? The difference between their half and full day is around S$25, and it is more worthwhile for the latter as lessons (academic) are conducted in the morning. I have their timetable somewhere, I will make sure Lia gets the most out of it. The government subsidy for full day care is higher too.

BUT! My father-in-law had suggested half-day afternoon care for the little one; which I am not in favor of and thus, I am now stuck in a sticky situation. I will have a "meeting" with him soon, keeping my fingers crossed!