Parent guide
What age is Playgroup, Nursery and Kindergarten in Singapore?
Last checked October 2026
From Nursery 1 onwards, Singapore preschools usually place children by the age they turn during the calendar year, not by their birthday. Playgroup goes by age in months. Here are the usual levels, a worked example and what to ask a centre about its own classes.
The levels, by age
Level names vary between centres, so check the class name and the entry rule with each one.
| Level | Usual age | Also called |
|---|---|---|
| Playgroup | 18 months to under 3 years | Names vary by centre |
| Nursery 1 | The year your child turns 3 | Pre-Nursery |
| Nursery 2 | The year your child turns 4 | Nursery |
| Kindergarten 1 | The year your child turns 5 | K1 |
| Kindergarten 2 | The year your child turns 6 | K2 |
The ages follow ECDA's level definitions. Most children start primary school in January of the year they turn 7. MOE's registration cohort runs from 2 January to 1 January, so check your child's year in MOE's registration guide.
A worked example
A child born on 15 June 2023 turns 3 in 2026. Under the usual convention they would be in Nursery 1 in 2026, Nursery 2 in 2027, Kindergarten 1 in 2028 and Kindergarten 2 in 2029, then start primary school in January 2030.
How many children per educator
ECDA sets minimum staffing for each level. With one trained educator, the most children allowed are 8 in Playgroup, 12 in Nursery 1, 15 in Nursery 2, 20 in Kindergarten 1 and 25 in Kindergarten 2. ECDA allows larger groups when an assistant educator works alongside.
These are limits, not what every centre runs. Ask each preschool for its ratio and its group size in the class your child would join. Agora's ratios are on the Preschool page.
Playgroup or a parent-accompanied class?
Playgroup is usually a child's first drop-off class. If you would rather stay with your child for longer, a parent-accompanied class keeps you in the room. At Agora, Playschool is for babies and toddlers from 6 months to 3 years. You can stay with your child. Mini Explorers and Preschool Transition move to drop-off once your child is settled. Preschool starts with Playgroup from 18 months. Both run at the same centre on Alexandra Road.
Kindergarten or childcare centre?
Both are licensed by ECDA. Kindergartens usually run a shorter teaching day. Many follow the school terms. Childcare centres usually offer full-day care through the year. Some also take babies. Hours and calendars vary, so check each centre's licence and timetable.
Agora Preschool is licensed as a kindergarten and runs five weekdays, all year round. Children can arrive from 7.30am and the core day ends at 2pm. Families can add an afternoon extension of two or four hours.
Which class would my child join at Agora?
Agora Preschool runs from Playgroup through Nursery 1, Nursery 2, Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2. Tell us your child's date of birth and the month you'd like to start. We'll confirm the class.
Whichever centre you contact, have these ready: your child's date of birth, the month and year you want to start, the care your child is in now and whether you want drop-off or a parent-accompanied class.