We’ve found some of the best early intervention programmes, centres and preschools in Singapore to help your little one get that extra support.
If your child has special needs, a developmental delay or learning challenges, you’re absolutely not alone in Singapore. Yes, it can be a long road to get the diagnosis and support you need – we all know too well about those waits to see local Child Development Units, paediatric specialists and good therapists. But day to day, we want an inclusive, supportive education for our little ones. And all children deserve this. Luckily, Singapore has some excellent international schools providing learning support for kids of primary age and above. But if you want to start even earlier? There are some great early intervention programmes and centres here in Singapore too.
If you are a Singapore Citizen or PR, you can contact SG Enable to find out more about the subsidised Early Intervention Programme for Infants & Children (EIPIC) at government-funded centres. However, EIPIC is a holistic program, so if you’re looking for a more targeted program, private therapy might be your best bet. If your child is on the autism spectrum, has been diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder, language delays, developmental dyspraxia, or has learning difficulties or a disability, these are the early intervention centres and dedicated programs and schools you’ll want reach out to for your child…
Early intervention centres in Singapore
1. ABC Center Singapore
Parents who want to get serious about an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) Intensive Behavioural Program should definitely have a look at ABC Centre Singapore. This US-based, globally recognised program has been in operation for over 30 years and provides a broad range of services. There are ABA services and early intervention programs for infants and toddlers who are on the autism spectrum (or look likely to be diagnosed as such), as well as a focus on school readiness and the teaching of independent living skills for teens and young adults. Kids are encouraged to apply the skills they learn in therapy to their daily lives, and with ABC Center Singapore having three Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA’s) on hand, no matter how old your little one is, there is expert guidance all the way.
There’s also the EarlyPreps program, an early intervention preschool for children aged three to six years, which is held in small groups in a lovely classroom-based setting, designed to help kids build the skills they need for future self-help and independence. We also love that ABC Center Singapore understands that parents and caregivers need support too: they are also given plenty of guidance by way of a free eight-week training program that also includes one home-based session. Good news for Singapore citizens and PRs who have been referred to EIPIC: you may well be eligible for subsidised early intervention through the Enhanced PPIP (Pilot for Private Intervention Program) scheme.
ABC Center, locations in 111 Somerset and Mountbatten Centre
2. AltSchool
Taking a unique approach to early intervention, altSchool’s holistic programme has found the sweet spot between learning and therapy. Catered for children with developmental differences, the centre uses a soothing Montessori-inspired environment, alongside evidence-based and play-responsive practices, to really make a difference — and yes, it shows!
School readiness is at the core of altSchool’s programme, with teachers going the extra mile to prepare children for whenever they feel ready to reintegrate back into a mainstream or special school setting. Being one of the few early intervention centres in Singapore to offer comprehensive full-day schedule options, the programme makes things even easier by modelling actual school environments and classroom routines.
Children with special needs are capable of so much; they just need a little extra help along the way. AltSchool ensures that each child receives specialised individual attention through low student-teacher/therapist ratios. It’s all about exposure and collaboration here, where its dedicated team of skilled teachers and therapists are involved in each child’s development across all areas.
Let’s admit it, it’s natural for parents to worry about their children when they’re apart. AltSchool tries to alleviate this through frequent communication with parents who are part of the learning unit. Expect to receive daily reports as well as weekly progress updates — with the school and family working together to help each child achieve their Individualised Education Plan (IEP) goals. After all, teamwork makes the dream work!
AltSchool, 374 River Valley Road #02-01, Singapore 248281
3. The Growing Academy
By incorporating principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and TEACCH into its programs, The Growing Academy helps students from as young as 12 months to six years and beyond master skills and complex tasks through teaching methods like Discrete Trial Training (DTT). With its blend of academics and therapy being key in helping your child thrive, The Growing Academy is actually the first therapy school in Singapore to also offer childcare and therapy services under one roof. Its unique curriculum focuses on helping small students garner the skills they need to be able to happily transit back into a mainstream school, and with its small teacher-student ratio, you can be assured that your tot is getting lots of attention and care while also having fun! Choose from a variety of programmes, including Play Group for tiny people aged 12 months to 24 months, the Kindergarten Programme for little learners aged two to six years, or its After School Club for older kids aged seven to 12 years.
The Growing Academy also offers additional support to children with its School Shadow Services (a collaborative working relationship with school staff and families to ensure your little one is getting all the support they need in the classroom). We love that The Growing Academy really does understand that each child is completely unique, and so a one-size-fits-all approach is not what this friendly group of experts provide. They will take the time to get to know your child AND you and advise on the best course of tailor-made action for maximum success.
The Growing Academy has locations on East Coast Road, Midtown Hougang, Thomson V One, and Upper Paya Lebar Road.
4. Bridge Learning
As the first private one-stop diagnostic learning support and specialised early intervention centre in Singapore, Bridge Learning provides specialised early intervention for children aged two to 12. The centre prefers not to use a label-focused approach and uses a cross- or non-categorical approach instead to help children who have mild or hybrid difficulties. If your little one has a range of learning challenges, Bridge Learning will be able to assess them through a pro-rated Dynamic Diagnostic Assessment (DDA). Its curriculum consists of core and elective programmes which target different areas of learning and makes use of adaptive technology to improve early literacy and school readiness. Parents can keep track of their child’s progress through the Bridge Early Intervention E-Portal (BEE), where they can view learning assessments and recommended intervention activities they can do together with their kids.
Bridge Learning, locations in Jurong West Sports & Recreation Centre and Loyang Point.
5. Nurture Pods
Nurture Pods believes every child has a right to access the mainstream school curriculum by teaching them how to function independently at home as well as in a structured learning environment. Kids with learning difficulties will receive an individualised education plan based on the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) structured teaching programme by the University of North Carolina. This programme helps to develop their social, logical and developmental skills. There are also options for both individual and group-based learning of up to six in a group to help kids get accustomed to being taught together with their peers. Nurture Pods also offers occupational therapy services, home-based ABA therapy and art therapy. Parent participation is highly valued here, so the centre provides sessions for parents to get involved. Parents are also given plenty of support, including one-to-one training, plus reports and journals of each session. Staffed by qualified professionals, Nurture Pods is one of the few private early intervention centres that is certified by the Ministry of Social and Family Development as an Approved Institution for the provision of Early Intervention Programs. If you have one, you can also make payment through your kiddo’s Child Development Account (CDA).
Nurture Pods, Eng Aun Mansion, 314 Thomson Road, Singapore 307659
6. Kaleidoscope
This therapy centre runs a play-based early intervention programme called READY LET’S GO, which runs three mornings a week (Tues, Wed and Thurs). Children from two to four years old are grouped according to their learning ability. Each session is supported by a speech-language therapist, occupational therapist or special education teacher who will help the kids develop skills needed for school readiness. Psychologists are also on hand for a consultation if the child encounters significant challenges. Parents are encouraged to participate in the program through individual therapy support. Suitable for any child, whether they’re already attending a mainstream preschool and facing social or developmental challenges or if they’ve been diagnosed with a developmental disorder, this program aims to support the child and help them develop the ability to participate in a group learning environment.
Kaleidoscope, Connection One Tower 4, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah, #03-15, Singapore 150167
7. Mighty Oaks
Mighty Oaks is the educational arm of Kaleidoscope. It’s a preschool-like, early intervention centre targeted for children aged three to six years with challenges or delays in language, attention and sensory processing and school readiness skills. Mighty Oaks is the only program in Singapore that is based on the DIR/ Floortime method, a relationship-based method formed around interaction. Speech and occupational therapy are also scheduled twice a week for the children during the three-hour daily program.
Mighty Oaks, Connection One Tower 4, 167 Jalan Bukit Merah, #03-15, Singapore 150167
8. KidsFirst
This early intervention centre works with children aged two to 12 years and is small but strong, with incredible support. A therapy-based program that runs five days a week in a school setting, we’ve been impressed by the lovely team of specialists, which includes education experts, a speech therapist, a behavioural expert and an occupational therapist. Therapy is provided consistently and intensively throughout your child’s week – and if you’ve attempted multiple private therapies on top of preschool or school, you’ll know how life-changing this can be. Children can join KidsFirst on a short, intensive period to assist integration into a mainstream school setting or for long-term support. School readiness and life skills are a strong focus here: from helping your child potty train to eating independently and learning how to socialise. The KidsFirst team works with children for who they are, with the real interest of the family at heart.
KidsFirst, 8 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059651
9. Dyslexia Association of Singapore
When it comes to early intervention programs, the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (is right up there with dedicated staff and a localised teaching approach. The Preschool Intervention Programme takes place weekly. Kiddos are taught in small groups by a trained special needs educator, emphasising preparing them for primary school.
Dyslexia Association of Singapore, multiple locations in Singapore
10. The SKILT Centre
The SKILT Centre – the SpecialKids Intervention, Learning and Therapy Centre established in collaboration with SpecialKids Child Health & Development Clinic, provides a holistic series of programmes that target individuals aged two through to teenage years. Their anchor programme is the SpecialKids Early Intervention Programme (EIP), which Behavioural Intervention, Social Skills Training and Literacy Programmes support. Inbuilt into the EIP itself is Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy support. Extra individual sessions are arranged as needed in collaboration with SpecialKids Child Health & Development Clinic led by Dr Lian Wee Bin. Dr Lian is a developmentally trained paediatrician and neonatologist with two decades of experience in developmental and behavioural paediatrics. The centre is fully supported by a complete developmental team comprising a child psychologist, trained teachers, experienced therapists and other support staff. The SKILT Centre puts kiddos first and holistically guides them.
The SKILT Centre, Locations in Upper Thomson and Bukit Timah
11. Think Kids
Think Kids is an affiliate of Think Psychological Services and an advocate of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), which focuses on reinforcing good behaviour so that it’s repeated. Made up of behaviour therapists, registered child psychologists and specialists in counselling, Think Kids only uses tried-and-trusted treatment methods to help kids from as young as 18 months to early adulthood reach their maximum potential. It offers group social skills training using age-appropriate structured activities, such as therapist-guided games, role-playing and discussions so that children can better understand themselves and others around them. One-on-one intensive ABA intervention can also be held in the privacy of your home. Consultations are strictly by appointment, so call ahead.
Think Kids, Regency House, 123 Penang Road, #03-13, Singapore 238465
12. Autism Recovery Network
Autism Recovery Network (ARN) is dedicated to helping your child reach their full potential through tailored early intervention. A team of specialised educators and therapists offer a high-quality early intervention programme tailored to your child’s unique needs. They help children from 15 months to 15 years old with autism, learning difficulties and more. Kiddos do not need to be formally diagnosed to join the programme. The teachers treat every child as unique, assessing their needs with ABLLS-R® to create customised treatment plans while working closely with you to help kiddos thrive and integrate into mainstream society. Their commitment goes beyond the basics — they invest in rigorous staff training, stay updated with the latest methods, and provide unwavering support for families. They believe an effective ABA-VB therapy program can open doors and empower your child to shine.
Autism Recovery Centre, 458A Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427671
13. Alpha to Omega
Alpha to Omega helps neurodiverse children become independent learners using proven methods. Through a 1-hour assessment, the team creates tailored programs for children with Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other challenges. Undiagnosed kids are welcome too! For pre-schoolers aged five and up, the focus is a smooth transition to primary school. Primary school students work on enhancing cognitive skills to reach their full potential. ATO offers one-to-one and small group sessions, improving literacy, math, and executive functioning, all led by experienced senior therapists committed to the school’s values and philosophy.
Alpha to Omega, 10-01, Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Road, Singapore 238884
14. MindChamps Allied Care
MindChamps Allied Care is Singapore’s largest one-stop centre providing integrated child therapy services to overcome developmental gaps in children. At MindChamps Allied Care, we use evidence-based practice, an integration of research evidence with clinical expertise and your child’s values and preference to achieve improved therapy outcomes. The team strongly believes in working closely with your family to support your child’s development.
MindChamps Allied Care, several centres across the island
15. Early Intervention Centre
The Early Intervention Centre offers targeted intervention programmes for young children with autism and developmental delays from one through seven years old. At EIC, they main goal is simple: to spark big changes and help each child feel proud of what they can do. Using an impactful curriculum, educators aim to maximize learning outcomes.
Early Intervention Centre, 18 Ah Hood Road, Hiap Hoe Building, #06-52, Singapore 329983
16. Thumbs up Therapy
Thumbs Up Therapy was founded in 2018 by Lucy Nicholls, speech and language therapist. Lucy endeavored to open a private practice that worked closely with parents, teachers and all professionals in the child’s life whilst offering evidence-based therapy. Thumbs Up Therapy is a paediatric therapy practice seeking to bridge the gap between children, caregivers, schools and therapists. They provide holistic, child-centred therapy services and workshops in their clinic, your homes or child’s school, aiming to open the lines of communication between all who are involved in the child’s wellbeing. They are a clinic-based, school-based and mobile practice, offering paediatric speech and language therapy and occupational therapy for children and teenagers aged two to 19.
Thumbs Up Therapy, 24 Jalan Kuning, Singapore 278169
Inclusive preschools in Singapore
17. Kindle Garden
This inclusive preschool in Enabling Village has gained a lot of attention for providing a haven for local children on the autism spectrum or who have learning difficulties and developmental challenges: about 30 per cent of Kindle Garden’s spaces are allocated for children with special needs. Little ones from 18 months up to age six are welcome, and occupational therapists and psychologists back the teaching team here to give children specialist support. The space has been specially designed to provide accessible spaces for children: there are cosy spots for quiet time, open spaces to encourage social experiences, thoughtful design elements that help kids transition from one activity to another, and a sensory garden – all created with ease of use by kids of all abilities in mind (and that means wheelchair and pram access too).
Kindle Garden, Enabling Village, 20 Lengkok Bahru, #02-05, Singapore 159053
18. All Hands Together
Founded by close friends and mums Yasodha and Gayathri, All Hands Together provides multi-sensorial learning experiences through its various programmes. In addition to the learning programmes, All Hands Together also has a playgroup for kids aged 18 to 36 months old and an early intervention programme offered to children of mental ages three to seven years old. The lesson plans are based on mainstream preschools but differentiated to suit each individual child. Students will be encouraged to be more comfortable in a group learning environment through a combination of one-to-one personalised learning, small groups to develop social skills and larger groups to develop school readiness skills. You also have the option to have speech and occupational therapy at the centre as well as holiday camps.
All Hands Together, The Yards, 396 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 428079
Inclusive schools in Singapore
19. Melbourne International School
If you’re looking for an early intervention programme that prepares your child for primary school, check out the Aspire School Readiness Early Intervention programme. What sets this programme apart from the rest is that it’s held in an actual school environment, which helps your child to naturally transition into a ‘big kid’ school.
The Aspire programme is offered by Melbourne International School (MIS), in partnership with an expert, for children as young as three years old. Helmed by a senior occupational therapist, Judith Ramos, the programme focuses on helping children develop independence and inclusion. This is done by preparing a child’s mind and body to learn, as children learn best when their sensory systems feel safe and steady. The areas your child will learn in this programme include sensory, play, and emotional skills; visual, gross, and fine motor skills; academic skills, social, communication, and language skills; as well as self-care and independence skills. Music, arts and crafts, and physical education will be taught as part of the Aspire programme’s holistic offering too.
Class sizes are intentionally kept small to provide children with more personalised attention. Located in Dempsey, children will also benefit from MIS’ lush green surroundings, making it an ideal place to learn and play. Families have the choice of attending the programme two, three, or five days a week (including Saturday mornings). A one-hour parent and caregiver training is also provided once a term so children may continue to receive the support they need at home.
Melbourne International School, 75C Loewen Road, Singapore 248853
20. Dynamics Early Intervention Program and International School
Dynamics Early Intervention Programme (EIP) is a unique centre that caters for children aged two to six in a preschool setting while also providing them with Individual Education Plans. These plans are tailored specifically to each child’s goals as well as learning and behavioural challenges. Children meet with Occupational or Speech Therapists a few times a week in a group setting (maximum teacher/therapist-student ratio of 2:8), where they’ll develop their language and motor skills along with social skills and academic progress. The centre also runs Dynamics International School, catering to students between ages five to 12 with needs of diverse learning profiles. It follows the British National Curriculum (Cambridge) and International Primary Curriculum (IPC), taught by highly experienced teachers with degrees in Special Education, Education, and Psychology. Similar to Dynamics EIP, the International School’s students have Individual Learning Plans and have group sessions run by therapists a few times a week. This is great news for parents who don’t need to worry about forking out extra for these therapy sessions, as it’s all included in their child’s tuition fees. Students will also have access to one-on-one therapy – like Behavioural Therapy, Educational Therapy, Psychotherapy, etc. – should they require extra support.
Dynamics Early Intervention Program and Dynamics International School, 583 Orchard Road, #15-02, Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884
21. Dover Court International School
A pioneer of its time, Dover Court Preparatory School was the first school in Singapore to offer both mainstream and a Department of Supportive Education under one roof. With a cohort of up to 100 students, the higher functioning children enrolled in the DSE are integrated for music, PE, art and drama with the mainstream. With an enviable ratio of up to 10 students with 3 adults in one classroom, therapies available on-site are Speech, Occupational, and Physiotherapy.
Dover Court International School, 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644
22. Genesis School for Special Education
Genesis School offers both an academic learning environment for those students who can access curriculum and vocational training programs for students requiring life skills. Curriculum goals are derived from extensive research-based sources and cater to each child’s development individually. With children aged 4 to 18, Genesis is one big extended family, boasting great family events and parent volunteering efforts. The founder, Lisa Barron, has the determination that every child can reach their maximum potential, and she is often there with them every step of the way.
Genesis, 9/11 West Coast Road, Singapore 127296
23. Integrated International School
The Integrated International School (IIS) is a contemporary, boutique school located in the West of Singapore, offering two educational approaches — mainstream and support — into one holistic learning environment, the only school of its kind in the country. It provides students with an intimate classroom setting with a 1:6 teacher-student ratio. Classes at IIS are customised to foster individual and collective strengths, and the rigorous yet flexible New South Wales curriculum, a core socio-emotional curriculum, is offered to supplement academic learning / behavioural support to enhance children’s abilities and skills.
We love the school’s one-of-a-kind Ocean Snoezelen room. It provides a multi-sensory experience for kids and becomes a backdrop for regular meditation, imaginative play, group therapy and yoga! The students at IIS can also use the school’s Occupational Therapy jungle gym for OT sessions. IIS also has speech and behavioural therapy suites and private counselling suites on campus.
Integrated International School, 41 Sunset Way, #01-01 Clementi Arcade, Singapore, 597071
24. The Winstedt School
Offering the International Primary Curriculum (mainstream) from Reception (age four) to Year 5 (age 11), students at The Winstedt School benefit from smaller class sizes (maximum 12) but dynamic enough for group work and activities. Speech and occupational therapy, as well as counselling, are all integrated into the program, with after-school activities ranging from pottery to soccer.
The Winstedt School, 1208 Upper Boon Keng Road, Singapore 387312
25. Wee Care (temporarily closed)
Kids with mild to severe developmental needs are welcome at Wee Care, located in Tanglin and recommended by NUH and KK Hospital child psychologists. Wee Care runs a mainstream preschool alongside its Early Intervention services to encourage acceptance and allow children of all abilities to learn alongside each other. We’re impressed by the different options for families, from individual therapy (with parent or caregiver involvement encouraged) to group therapy and playgroups that work on attention span, self-control, language and communications, social skills, play and school readiness – all with the goal of rehabilitation and integration into mainstream schooling. If your little one is ready for a group setting, check out First Starts, its specialised preschool programme for kids with learning needs. You’ll need to begin with a consultation with one of the in-house therapists so an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) can be set in place.
Wee Care, 71 Oxley Rise, #02-02 to #02-08, Singapore 238698
Looking for more support for your child? Check out these international schools that offer learning support too.