As we step into a brand-new academic year at St. Joseph’s Home Infant & Childcare Centre (SJHICC), Principal Imelda Anthony is eager to welcome new families and guide returning students through fresh opportunities for growth. With a forward-thinking mindset, she has laid out exciting plans and improvements designed to instill confidence in parents considering enrolment.
“This year, our key focus is on enhancing our curriculum to ensure a seamless transition to preschool,” shares Principal Imelda. “We’ve revamped our early childhood development framework, and our teachers are undergoing retraining so they can implement the updates effectively. This will provide our children with a strong foundation as they move into the next stage of their education.”
A Nurturing Environment with a Personal Touch
One of the hallmarks of SJHICC is its holistic approach to education—combining academic learning with emotional well-being. According to Principal Imelda, maintaining small class sizes is integral to this philosophy.
“We keep our teacher-to-child ratio at a level that exceeds the norm, to truly focus on each child’s individual needs,” she explains. “Our capacity for 55-60 children and six infants means each classroom environment remains personal, supportive, and engaging. The high teacher-to-child ratio also helps us identify potential challenges early on and address them quickly.”
SJHICC employs 10 experienced and bilingual teachers, many of whom have been with the centre for two to five years. Each class includes both English- and Chinese-speaking educators, enhancing the children’s language development. Infants, in particular, benefit from a dedicated area staffed by three trained caregivers—a ratio of three adults to six infants, which helps minimise the risk of illness and ensure ample one-on-one attention.
“Early childcare is such a critical phase,” notes Principal Imelda. “Not only do we focus on building gross motor skills through outdoor activities for at least 45 minutes daily, but we also work closely with parents to monitor every milestone. If there are any concerns, we can refer families to paediatricians or early intervention centres as needed.” SJHICC works closely with health professionals from organisations such as Society for the Physically Disabled and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Unique Intergenerational Experiences
Launched in 2017 by Dr. Amy Khor, then Senior Minister of State for Health, SJHICC is uniquely situated within a nursing home. This set-up, according to Principal Imelda, is the first of its kind in Singapore – a real “home-in-a-garden” environment conceived by SAA Architects. The spacious grounds, greenery, and landscaped pond create a tranquil atmosphere that benefits both young children and elderly residents.
“Our InterGen programme is one of our signature features,” Principal Imelda points out. “We’re proud to be the only Catholic infant and childcare centre that encourages intergenerational bonding. Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Community Development emphasises the importance of fostering intergenerational bonding, and we’ve embraced this fully.”
Children at SJHICC engage in various activities with senior residents, fostering empathy and respect for older generations. This element of service and compassion is woven into the curriculum, reinforcing SJHICC’s mission to cultivate caring and socially conscious individuals.
Therapy Services for Holistic Growth
Beyond standard academics, SJHICC offers intergenerational programmes with allied health professionals specialising in art and music. These programmes help children manage emotions, develop fine motor skills, and enhance creativity whilst engaging with the residents
“Therapy sessions are usually found in private commercial schools, but we believe they’re integral to a holistic education,” says Principal Imelda. “Our children learn to express themselves in unique ways, build confidence, and develop critical life skills that go beyond the classroom. It’s all part of our commitment to nurturing the whole child – emotionally, physically, and academically.”
Supporting Diverse Learning Needs
Early intervention is a cornerstone of the SJHICC approach. Teachers are trained to conduct basic screenings and use ecological congruence assessments established by Early Childhood Development Agency to spot developmental or behavioural concerns. When necessary, the centre collaborates with organisations such as the Society for the Physically Disabled (SPD) and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) to provide extra support.
“Our small class sizes make it easier to detect when a child might need more specialised attention,” Principal Imelda says. “We work hand in hand with health professionals and, of course, maintain open communication with parents. Many of our alumni have gone on to win character awards in primary school, which speaks volumes about the emphasis we place on individual growth and self-esteem.”
Ongoing Collaboration with Parents
At SJHICC, partnership with families is crucial. Teachers provide regular progress updates, whether it’s celebrating milestones or addressing any developmental concerns. This transparent communication extends beyond a child’s time at the centre – families often remain part of the St. Joseph’s Home community through an active alumni network.
“We have an active alumni where parents come back to volunteer, and our former students even return to perform for the elderly residents or help with fundraising,” Principal Imelda highlights. “We want to keep that community spirit alive, not just for the children but for their families as well.”
With its forward-looking curriculum, nurturing environment, intergenerational focus, and robust parent community, SJHICC stands out as a place where children can truly thrive.
As Principal Imelda puts it, “We’re more than just a childcare facility – we’re a family that grows together. If you’re looking for a setting where your child will receive personalised attention, experience meaningful intergenerational connections, and develop a foundation of compassion, our childcare centre could be the perfect place.”