Beginning preschool is a major milestone — not just for the little ones, but for parents too. At Integrated International School (IIS), we believe that supportive spaces make all the difference. That’s why we make it our mission to take a holistic, inclusive approach to helping children feel safe, seen, and settled from the very beginning.

Here’s how we help students (and parents!) ease into preschool life with the confidence they need to flourish.

Preparation Before Day One

At IIS, school begins with gentle introduction and exploration. Our pre-enrolment familiarisation visits allow children and parents to explore their new environment at their own pace. They meet their future teachers, visit their classrooms and campus facilities, and learn more about our British-based curriculum and Regio-inspired approach to education.

Creating a Welcoming Environment

From the moment children enter our classrooms, they’re enveloped in a sense of comfort. Our classrooms are designed to feel safe and secure, with calming colours, cozy reading corners, and spaces that encourage movement and creativity. However, at IIS we believe that nurturing a child goes beyond just the four walls of a classroom. As such, our philosophy of creating safe sanctuaries extends to the vast array of facilities on campus, inclusive of our Jungle Snoezelen, Baking Studio, Indoor Occupational Therapy Suite, Library, Art Studio and private suites for individualised help.

But more than furniture or toys, it’s our passionate teachers who make the difference. At IIS, our team takes time to build personal connections with every student — learning about their interests, strengths, and needs to form strong emotional bonds from day one.

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing

Feeling nervous on the first day of preschool is natural — for children and parents alike. That’s why we pay close attention to supporting emotional wellbeing through every step of the transition.

We help children recognise and manage separation anxiety, while introducing them to emotional vocabulary that builds long-term resilience. Techniques like deep breathing, naming emotions, and allowing students to bring comfort objects are woven into daily routines. Structured transition rituals also help children move through drop-offs and new routines with greater confidence.

Parent Teacher Communication

Open, ongoing communication is key to ensuring children feel secure. At IIS, we use the Seesaw app to stay closely connected with parents. Seesaw enables our teachers to share weekly updates, classroom moments, and learning milestones — offering a window into your child’s preschool journey.

Whether it’s a quick message or a more in-depth check-in, our goal is to foster trust and collaboration between home and school, every step of the way.

Inclusivity, Cultural Sensitivity in Transitions

IIS proudly welcomes a diverse student body, including international students and children of all abilities. We understand that joining a new school — especially in a new country — can be overwhelming. That’s why our admissions team pays special care towards each individual student and prioritises easy, seamless acclimatisation at their own pace. Our goal is to instill the confidence and curiosity in our students to empower them to explore our curriculum, and ask questions in a supportive setting.

Our teachers are also trained to provide specialised support for neurodivergent children, creating Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and working closely with our on-campus therapists and specialists to ease the transition and ensure every student feels valued and included.

One Foot In Front Of The Other

At IIS, we believe that a confident start sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Through thoughtful preparation, nurturing environments, and ongoing support, we make sure every child begins their preschool journey feeling safe, supported, and excited for what’s ahead.

Looking for a supportive and inclusive international preschool in Singapore?
Come see IIS in action. Join us for a personalised admissions tour, meet our warm and experienced team, and discover how we help every child thrive — from day one..

👉 Book your tour today or contact our admissions team to learn more.