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If you've just moved to Singapore for work, a good playgroup is one of the fastest ways to help your little one settle in — and make a few friends. Here's how it works when you're a foreign family, in plain terms.
The most common worry we hear from parents who've just relocated is a simple one: "Can we even enrol? Is this only for locals?" The answer is yes, you can, and no, it isn't. Star Tots Playgroup by Edufarm is a private playgroup, which means enrolment is open to every family regardless of nationality or visa type. You'll be in good company — a large share of our Star Tots families are foreign families settling into Singapore, so the classrooms are used to welcoming children who are brand new to the country.
Because Star Tots is private — not a government-subsidised anchor operator — there is no citizenship or Permanent Resident requirement. Families on Employment Passes, S Passes, work permits, dependant passes and other visas are all welcome. Government childcare subsidies in Singapore apply only to citizens, so foreign families don't qualify for those anywhere — but Star Tots is deliberately kept affordable, so you pay a reasonable flat rate rather than a premium international-school price.
What it costs: $190/month + $40/month materials, with one-time fees of $40 registration, $80 miscellaneous and $50 for two uniform sets. The same for everyone — no resident-versus-foreigner pricing.
Classes are conducted in English, so your child builds the everyday language they'll use across Singapore — with teachers experienced in welcoming children whose home language is Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, Tagalog or anything else. For a family still finding its feet in a new country, a warm English-speaking room where your toddler makes their first friends is often the fastest way to help everyone settle in. (Looking specifically for Mandarin lessons? That's our separate Chinese Language programme — the playgroup itself is English-medium.)
Star Tots runs at 68 neighbourhood centres spread across Singapore's HDB estates — West, East, North East, Central and North. Wherever you've rented, there's very likely a centre a short walk or bus ride away, which matters enormously with a tired toddler and a caregiver who may still be finding their feet in a new city. Browse by region: Jurong & West · Tampines & East · Sengkang & Punggol · Central · North.
Sessions run 2 hours a day, mornings, following the MOE school calendar. Each week rotates through Letterland Phonics, thematic English, early maths, Montessori practical-life skills, and art and science play — small classes of 10–16 children with a qualified teacher plus an assistant. It's structured enough to build real routine and school-readiness, gentle enough that a child new to Singapore feels safe rather than rushed. See the full Star Tots Playgroup page for the weekly rhythm, photos and fees.
Not sure whether it's playgroup or nursery your child needs? If they're 18 months to 3 years, playgroup is the right starting point. Our playgroup vs nursery guide explains the difference, and how to evaluate any playgroup in Singapore walks through what to look for on a visit.
Yes. Star Tots Playgroup by Edufarm is a private playgroup, so enrolment is open to all families regardless of nationality or pass type — you do not need to be a Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident. Any child aged 18 months to 3 years who can walk steadily on their own is welcome.
No. Because Star Tots is a private playgroup rather than a government-subsidised anchor operator, there is no citizenship or Permanent Resident requirement. Families on Employment Passes, S Passes, work permits, dependant passes and other visas are all welcome to enrol.
Yes. Star Tots Playgroup is English-medium, so children of foreign families settle in easily and build the everyday English they'll use across Singapore, with teachers experienced in helping children whose home language is not English. Mandarin isn't part of playgroup — it's offered separately in our Chinese Language programme.
The fee is the same for everyone: $190 per month plus $40 per month for materials, with one-time fees of $40 registration, $80 miscellaneous and $50 for two uniform sets. Government childcare subsidies apply only to citizens, but Star Tots is deliberately affordable so foreign families pay a reasonable flat rate without needing a subsidy.
WhatsApp Edufarm at 8138 3440 with your home area and your child's age. The team will point you to the nearest of 68 neighbourhood centres, arrange a visit so you can see a class before committing, and guide you through the simple enrolment steps — no prior paperwork needed to enquire.
Tell us your area and your child's age — we'll find your nearest Star Tots and arrange a visit. New to Singapore is our everyday.