As full-day preschool programmes increasingly become the norm for families in Singapore, our children are now spending more of their waking hours with their educators and peers than with their own family members. While a full-day structure offers incredible opportunities for deep, project-based learning and extended socialisation (ChildFirst), it also raises a crucial question. If the classroom is essentially becoming our children’s second home, how do we ensure it provides the holistic emotional foundation they truly need for their formative years?
The first part of the answer lies in a powerful psychological concept called “mattering.” According to researchers, mattering goes far beyond simply belonging to a community; it is the deep-seated assurance that a child is both valued by those around them and has real value to add to their world (Harvard University, 2025). When young children experience this sense of mattering, it provides profound emotional security and acts as a protective shield for their mental health.
But mattering must be paired with intentional action, which brings us to the second crucial element: character building. Parents often say they want a preschool that teaches their children good “values.” However, as a recent reflection highlights, simply teaching good values is not enough to enable children to act well. Values are the principles and beliefs that underlie good actions, but they are not the same as virtues.
We often observe this shortfall in children, who may know the right thing to do (the value) but struggle to make the right choice when faced with a difficulty or an easier alternative (Lay Dominicans of Singapore, 2026). This is where virtue comes in. Virtue is the firm and constant disposition to actually do good. Just as a master painter learns their craft through mundane exercises and continuous practice until it becomes a mature, expressive skill, a child learns virtue by putting rules into daily practice.
This focus on the whole child is exactly where Little Shepherds’ Schoolhouse (LSS) stands apart.
As a preschool under Catholic Preschool Education (Singapore) Ltd., our philosophy is anchored in the belief that character building must be the very foundation of a child’s early years. We prioritise spaces where children learn and practise core values, like compassion, respect, and empathy, in their day-to-day interactions. When our dedicated educators actively foster an environment where every child knows they are important, capable, and needed, that character-driven system becomes solidified, guiding them long after they graduate from our centres.
We also believe that every family deserves access to an environment that proves to their children, every single day, that they truly matter. Because most of our LSS centres are appointed under the ECDA Partner Operator (POP) scheme, we are committed to keeping this high-quality, values-based holistic upbringing affordable and accessible through subsidised fees for a diverse range of families.
As you consider the right preschool environment for your child’s upcoming milestones, we invite you to choose a space that shapes well-rounded, compassionate individuals. Find out more about our centres and discover how we can partner with you to build a strong, values-driven foundation for your child’s future.
