When to Apply: Complete Preschool Application Timeline from Pregnancy to Enrollment

Table Of Contents

• Planning Ahead: Why Early Application Matters

• During Pregnancy: Beginning Your Preschool Journey

• 0-6 Months: Initial Research Phase

• 6-12 Months: Scheduling Preschool Visits

• 12-18 Months: Understanding Application Windows

• 18-24 Months: Preparing Documentation

• 24-30 Months: The Application Process

• 30+ Months: Enrollment and Transition

• Frequently Asked Questions About Enrollment Timing

• Next Steps: Securing Your Child's Place at Little Olive Tree

When to Apply: Complete Preschool Application Timeline from Pregnancy to Enrollment

The journey of finding the right preschool for your child often begins much earlier than many parents realize. Like the nurturing of a young olive tree, preparing for your child's educational foundation requires foresight, care, and proper timing. At Little Olive Tree Preschool, we believe that this sacred journey of growth begins well before your child's first day in our classrooms.

Psalm 1:3 reminds us that a child who is "planted by streams of water" will "yield its fruit in its season." Similarly, knowing when to begin the application process ensures your child can flourish in an environment that cultivates both academic excellence and Christ-like character. This guide outlines a comprehensive timeline from pregnancy to enrollment, helping you navigate each stage with confidence and peace of mind.

Whether you're expecting a new blessing or already nurturing a toddler, understanding the right moments to take action will help secure your child's place in a community where they can grow in Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. Let's explore the ideal timeline that will guide your family toward a successful enrollment at Little Olive Tree Preschool.

Planning Ahead: Why Early Application Matters

In Singapore's competitive preschool landscape, planning ahead is not just beneficial—it's essential. Many quality preschools, especially those with distinctive faith-based programs like Little Olive Tree, often have waiting lists that can extend many months or even years. As stewards of your child's future, early planning reflects the wisdom found in Proverbs 21:5: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty."

Early applications provide several advantages beyond simply securing a spot. They allow families time to:

• Visit multiple Little Olive Tree locations across our 19 Preschools islandwide to find the perfect fit

• Develop a deeper understanding of our Curriculum and how it nurtures your child's whole being

• Prepare financially and logistically for the preschool journey

• Align your family's values and expectations with the preschool's approach

Beginning your preschool search early isn't about creating unnecessary pressure—it's about providing your family with options and peace of mind during a significant life transition.

During Pregnancy: Beginning Your Preschool Journey

The preschool journey can begin even during pregnancy, as you envision the values and environment you desire for your child. This period of anticipation is ideal for initial exploration and reflection. During pregnancy, consider these first steps:

• Begin researching preschool philosophies and approaches to determine what resonates with your family values

• Create a preliminary list of preschools that align with your educational and spiritual priorities

• Join parent forums or communities to gather insights from families with children at faith-based preschools

• Start a prayer journal dedicated to your child's educational journey and development

Many parents are surprised to learn that some of our Little Olive Tree locations begin accepting preliminary interest forms during this phase. While formal applications typically come later, expressing early interest can place your family on our communication list, ensuring you receive timely updates about application windows and enrollment opportunities.

0-6 Months: Initial Research Phase

Once your little one arrives, the first six months provide an opportunity to deepen your preschool research while adjusting to life with your new blessing. During this phase, we recommend:

Research various preschool options with a focus on their values, philosophy, and approach to early childhood development. At Little Olive Tree, our distinctive "Truth, Beauty, and Goodness" curriculum helps children develop biblical perspectives that shape both their character and academic foundations.

Initiate conversations with trusted friends, family members, or church community members who have experience with faith-based preschools. Their firsthand insights can provide valuable perspective on how biblical principles are woven into daily learning.

Begin following Little Olive Tree's social media accounts or subscribe to newsletters to familiarize yourself with our community life and educational approach. This gives you a window into how we nurture young hearts and minds across our 16 locations.

Start a simple folder (physical or digital) to organize preschool information, noting important details about each potential school's application timeline, fees, and program offerings.

This phase is about gathering information without pressure, allowing you to discern which environments will best support your child's growth in both faith and learning.

6-12 Months: Scheduling Preschool Visits

As your baby approaches the 6-month mark, it's an ideal time to move from virtual research to in-person exploration. Many parents find that visiting preschools when their child is between 6-12 months old provides ample time for thoughtful decision-making without rushing the process.

During this period:

Schedule virtual or in-person tours at several Little Olive Tree locations to experience our learning environments firsthand. Observe how our educators interact with children and how biblical principles are naturally integrated into classroom activities.

Prepare questions about our curriculum, daily routines, and how we partner with parents to nurture children's spiritual and intellectual development. Our staff welcomes these conversations as opportunities to share our distinctive approach.

Consider practical factors such as location, operating hours, and how these align with your family's needs. With 19 preschools islandwide, we strive to make our biblical-based education accessible to families throughout Singapore.

Begin to narrow your list of potential preschools based on these visits and your family's priorities for your child's early education.

Many of our Little Olive Tree families share that seeing our classrooms in action—where children engage with beauty, truth, and goodness in tangible ways—solidified their decision to join our community. These visits allow you to envision your child thriving in our nurturing environment.

12-18 Months: Understanding Application Windows

As your child enters their second year of life, it's time to gain clarity on specific application timelines for your preferred preschools. At Little Olive Tree, we typically open application windows 12-18 months before enrollment dates, though this can vary by location due to availability.

During this phase:

Create a calendar marking application opening and closing dates for your shortlisted preschools. For Little Olive Tree locations, these dates are published on our website and communicated through our newsletters.

Attend open houses if available, which offer deeper insights into our "Truth, Beauty, and Goodness" curriculum and how it fosters both academic excellence and character development rooted in biblical principles.

Begin gathering information about required documentation for applications, including birth certificates, immunization records, and parent identification.

Contact our administrative team with specific questions about availability at your preferred locations. Some of our centers in partnership with churches like Bethany Presbyterian Church or Foochow Methodist Church may have different enrollment patterns.

Understanding these windows prevents the disappointment of missing crucial application deadlines and positions your family well for the next steps in the enrollment journey.

18-24 Months: Preparing Documentation

As your child approaches the 18-month mark, it's time to organize the necessary documentation for applications. Being methodical in this phase ensures you'll be ready when application windows open at your chosen preschools.

The standard documents required for Little Olive Tree applications include:

• Child's birth certificate

• Immunization records

• Parents' identification documents

• Recent family photographs

• Baptism certificate (if applicable, though not required)

• Previous childcare records (if transferring from another center)

Beyond gathering these materials, this is also an excellent time to:

Begin discussing your child's potential preschool experience, perhaps by reading books about school or visiting playgrounds near prospective preschools to build familiarity with the area.

Prepare responses to potential application questions about your family values and educational hopes for your child. At Little Olive Tree, we value understanding how families wish to partner with us in their child's faith and educational journey.

Consider your child's readiness for various program options (half-day, full-day) and which might best suit their development and your family's needs.

Preparing thoroughly during this phase demonstrates the diligence and care that Proverbs speaks of, setting the foundation for a smooth application process.

24-30 Months: The Application Process

The period between 24-30 months is typically when formal applications are submitted and processed at Little Olive Tree Preschool. This is the moment when your preparation and discernment bear fruit.

During this crucial phase:

Submit your completed application forms and all required documentation to your preferred Little Olive Tree locations. We recommend applying to multiple centers if you have several that would meet your family's needs.

Participate in parent interviews or orientation sessions, which allow us to learn more about your child and for you to ask detailed questions about our approach to nurturing young learners.

If offered a place, review enrollment contracts carefully, noting deposit requirements, fee schedules, and important policies.

If placed on a waiting list, maintain regular but respectful communication with the administrative team about your continued interest and any changes in availability.

While this period may involve some waiting and uncertainty, we encourage families to approach it with the patience described in James 5:7: "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains."

30+ Months: Enrollment and Transition

Once your child has been accepted into Little Olive Tree Preschool, the focus shifts to preparing them—and your family—for this significant transition. This preparation ideally begins at least 2-3 months before their first day.

To ensure a smooth transition:

Attend any pre-enrollment orientation sessions, which provide valuable information about daily routines, communication channels, and what to expect in the first weeks.

Begin establishing routines at home that will align with the preschool schedule, particularly around meal times, naps, and morning preparation.

Read books with your child about starting preschool and talk positively about the new adventures awaiting them.

Prepare practical items needed for preschool attendance, including appropriate clothing, backpack, water bottle, and any other items specified by your center.

If possible, visit the preschool playground or surrounding area occasionally to build familiarity with the environment.

Pray together as a family for this new chapter, inviting God's presence and peace into the transition process.

At Little Olive Tree, we understand that this transition represents a significant milestone in your family's journey. Our educators are committed to partnering with you to ensure your child feels secure, valued, and excited about joining our community where they can flourish like the olive tree described in Psalm 52:8: "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."

Frequently Asked Questions About Enrollment Timing

When is the earliest I should apply to Little Olive Tree Preschool?

We recommend beginning the application process 12-18 months before your desired enrollment date. However, expressions of interest can be submitted even earlier through our online interest form.

Is there a best time of year to apply?

While applications are accepted year-round based on availability, many families choose to apply in January-February for enrollment in the following calendar year. This timing often aligns with new openings as older children transition to primary school.

What if I've missed the recommended application window?

We encourage families to submit applications even if they're past the ideal timeline. Occasional openings occur throughout the year due to family relocations or changes in circumstances. Your application will be considered based on current availability.

How long typically is the waiting list?

Waiting list length varies significantly by location, age group, and time of year. Some of our 19 locations may have immediate availability while others, particularly in high-demand areas, may have waiting periods of 6-12 months or more. We recommend applying to multiple centers to increase your options.

Can I transfer my application between Little Olive Tree locations?

Yes, applications can be transferred between our locations subject to availability. This flexibility allows families to maintain their application status if their preferences or circumstances change.

Next Steps: Securing Your Child's Place at Little Olive Tree

Navigating the journey from pregnancy to preschool enrollment requires thoughtfulness, planning, and discernment. By following the timeline outlined in this guide, you've taken significant steps toward securing an educational environment that will nurture your child's heart, mind, and spirit.

At Little Olive Tree Preschool, we view each child as a precious gift entrusted to our care. Our "Truth, Beauty, and Goodness" curriculum provides the rich soil in which young minds can grow in wisdom and character, guided by biblical principles and nurtured by educators who share your values.

The application journey itself reflects many of the qualities we seek to instill in children—patience, diligence, hopefulness, and trust in God's timing. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

We invite you to take the next step in your family's educational journey by submitting your expression of interest today. This simple action begins a meaningful conversation that could lead to years of partnership in your child's development and growth.

Ready to begin your Little Olive Tree journey? Register your interest today to receive personalized guidance through the application process and secure your child's place in our nurturing community.

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Little Olive Tree aims to shape Singapore's future by investing in its youngest generation. Through holistic early education and close partnership with families, we nurture resilient, values-driven children who will one day make a positive difference in society.

This content is for informational purposes only. For the most current information about our programs and services, please contact us at hello@lot.edu.sg or Whatsapp us at 80353772.