Frequently Asked Questions
Age related questions
Q: My child is X years old, what classes do you have for him/her?
You can refer to our class recommendations by ages on our website - https://www.littleforest.sg/programmes-by-ages
Q: If my child is more than 18 months, can we still join Mini Troopers and Mini Mandarin?
Children up to 24 months are welcome to continue joining the Mini Programmes. However, we recommend joingin the Super/Little Programmes.
Q: Can you arrange for a class that is closer to my baby’s age group? I would like my 8 months old to attend classes with children who are closer in age gap ie. with other 8 to 10 months old.
Our curriculum is curated for 8 months - 18 months and their developmental skills will still require adult-guidance. It is good for this age to be exposed to children of varied ages to help them build social and emotional skills. Children learn best from peers observation. Our classes welcome children of mixed ages across the age group hence, it will not be possible for us to advise on specific ages across various time slots.
Classes related questions
Q: My child is X years old, what classes do you have for him/her?
You can refer to our class recommendations by ages on our website - https://www.littleforest.sg/programmes-by-ages
Q: What is the difference between Mini Troopers & Mini Mandarin?
Mini Troopers is conducted in English with focus on Letterland phonics.
Mini Mandarin is conducted in Mandarin with focus on Chinese character recognition.
Both classes have different activities over the week and we have many parents who comes for twice weekly classes - one Mini Troopers and one Mini Mandarin class each week.
Q: If we join twice weekly classes for Mini Troopers, will both days be the same activities?
Both classes will have different activities.
Q: Can you share with me the lesson plan?
We are unable to share with you our curriculum or lesson plan. However, for our playgroup classes we have themes every term and letter & word of the week. With the topic in mind, your little one will do various activities like Music & Movement, Arts & Crafts or Sensory.
Q: Can both parents accompany the child in class?
For adult-accompanied programmes, only 1 adult can accompany the child in the class at all times. Invitation of both parents into class will be up to the Educator's discretion.
Switchovers will be allowed only from snack time onwards. Up to 2 accompanying adults are welcome to enter and wait around our premises *as long as they have socks on*.
Q: Why are switchovers only allowed from snack time onwards?
Opening of classroom doors as and when parents pleases, disrupts the class, distracts the children and may cause accidents.
Q: Week 10 of the Term includes potluck picnic as part of the class - is this compulsory?
Our picnic time (held indoors) replaces snack time activity of regular classes.
Potluck picnic is to encourage a healthy parenting community and a fun experience for the little ones held in a safe indoor environment. Although it is not compulsory to attend, these activities are still incorporated as part of our 10-weeks term programme.
Q: Why do I have to bring socks?
We have a cosy play area where our little troopers love to crawl and play. Having socks on keeps the place hygienic for all children, even if you are just waiting around.
Q: What if I forgot my socks?
We do sell them at Little Forest but they may not always necessarily be enough. Without any socks, adults/children alike will be asked to leave the premises and wait outside.
Class Bookings
Q: Can I book a class this afternoon at 3pm?
Class bookings closes 12 hours before the class. This is to allow enough time for teachers to prepare for the class.
Q: Can I walk-in for class today?
Please don’t do this. We need advance notice to prep class materials and we will be sad to have to turn you away should the class be full or we are unable to accommodate your child for the class. You might have just made a wasted trip.
Q: I tried calling but nobody is picking up.
Do understand that we don’t have a 24/7 hotline. We are a small team and our priority is to make sure all children and adults are safe at our centre. Our staff may be away tending to other children or other matters at the centre and will be unable to attend to your calls.
Q: Can I just drop you a WhatsApp text at night and come for class tomorrow morning?
Unless you have received a confirmation reply from our staff, your request will not be accepted. Turning up without our confirmation will be considered a walk-in and you may be turned away for reasons stated above.
Hence, always book your classes in advance.
Take note that we are also closed on Sundays and public holidays. Do expect limited responses from admin over the weekends. We may not reply to your messages or requests to book for a class on the days we are closed.
Trial Bookings
Q: When are your trial sessions?
You can refer to our playgroup trial schedule here.
Parents can choose a class as your trial. Schedule of classes can be found on our term schedule here.
Q: Can I reschedule?
You will be able to reschedule up to 2 times, within 1 month from the date of your original class. Not applicable to promotional trial prices.
Q: Can both parents accompany?
For all our adult-accompanied programmes, only 1 adult can accompany the child in the class at all times. Invitation of both parents into class will be up to the Educator's discretion and dependent on class capacity.
Switchovers will be allowed only from snack time onwards. Up to 2 accompanying adults are welcome to enter and wait around our premises *as long as they have socks on*.
Q: Why do I have to bring socks?
We have a cosy play area where our little troopers love to crawl and play. Having socks on keeps the place hygienic for all children, even if you are just waiting around.
Q: What if I forgot my socks?
We do sell them at Little Forest but they may not always necessarily be enough. Without any socks, adults/children alike will be asked to leave the premises and wait outside.
Class Packs
Q: What is a Membership package?
Monthly membership operates on a monthly recurring basis. Each plan includes a fixed number of class credits. Best for consistent weekly routine. Designed for families who would like their child to attend classes regularly and benefit from a more consistent learning experience.
Credits:
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Do not roll over
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Are not transferable across months
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Must be used within the validity period
All classes booked with membership class packages are subject to prevailing class cancellation policy. Refer to cancellation policy.
Written notice of withdrawal is required to withdraw your child from the following month.
Q: Can I use my membership package at other locations?
Yes - Kovan and Wan To Play Kallang only.
Q: What is a Family Class Pack?
Family Class Packs have a fixed validity. Each plan includes a fixed number of class credits.
Best for occasional attendance or flexible scheduling. Ideal for families who prefer flexibility or would like to share classes between siblings.
Credits:
-
Do not roll over
-
Are not transferable to another family
-
Must be used within the validity period
All classes booked with Family class packages are subject to prevailing class cancellation policy. Refer to cancellation policy.
Q: Can I use my Family Class Pack at other locations?
Yes - Kovan and Wan To Play Kallang only.
Q: What if I miss a class?
Please refer to our Cancellation Policy.
Late cancellation fees or submission of MC applies (less than 12h before class). Non receipt of late cancellation fees or valid MC will result in forfeit of class credit.
All class credits have their fixed validity. Refer to above.
Q: Can I extend my class pack due to medical or travel reasons?
For Monthly Membership - credits validity will be extended only for term break months (Mar, Jun, Sep & Dec). This will not affect the start date of the next billing.
For Family Class Packs - strictly no extension as we have offered various options with different validity which is more than enough time to use up your credits. Little Forest will not be liable for any mis-planning of your schedule.
Q: Can I bring forward my remaining Family Class Pack credits to the next term?
As mentioned, there will strictly be no extension of Family class pack validity. Hence, any remaining credits not used by the end date will be forfeited.
Please read through our terms and conditions carefully and consider your schedule and commitments before purchasing the right package.
We regret to inform that this includes any medical reasons you may encounter throughout the term - including but not limited to covid, HFMD and other infectious illnesses.
Q: Can Little Forest be more flexible in the validity of your class packs?
There is a need to standardise our operations.
Q: My plans have changed, can I refund the rest of my package?
Class packs purchased are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Drop-off Programme
Q: What are your Drop-off Programme
Drop-off programmes are our independent programme for children 18 months onwards. Refer to class schedule.
Q: What are the costs?
You can choose a suitable class pack for the respective programmes. Whatsapp us for pricelist.
Q: Can I enroll mid-way through the month?
Yes. Enrolment is only allowed on the 1st or the 15th of the month. Fees will be prorated for 0.5 months if commencement is from the 15th of the month.
Q: What if I miss a class?
No make-up classes will be given.
Q: Can I suspend my child's enrolment due to medical or travel reasons?
No. We don't allow suspension of enrolment. Fees are payable on a monthly recurring basis regardless of attendance.
You can choose to withdraw (one month notice period given) and enrol with us again when your child is ready to return, spaces will be subjected to prevailing availability as the space will not be reserved for your child.
Q: My plans have changed, can I refund the rest of my package?
All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Holiday / Special Programmes / Promotional Classes
Q: It's raining heavily now, I can't make it to class, can I get a replacement class instead?
Special or Holiday programmes will proceed regardless of the weather circumstance, in the event of rain or shine and are not entitled to replacement classes. Credits cannot be brought forward to a future dated class/event/programmes. All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Q: My child is sick, can I reschedule?
Special /Holiday programmes or promotional classes are not entitled to replacement classes. Credits cannot be brought forward to a future dated class/event/programmes. All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancellation Policy
Q: My child is sick - can I cancel my class?
Do make any cancellations 12 hours before class time. Late cancellation fee of $10 apply, or receipt of Medical Certificate is required.
If this fee or medical certificate is not received, the class credit (where applicable) will not be returned and the class will be deemed as attended.
All class pack validity remains unaffected by missed classes.
Q: I need to cancel my class on the same day.
Do make any cancellations 12 hours before class time. Late cancellation fee of $10 apply, or receipt of Medical Certificate is required.
If this fee or medical certificate is not received, the class credit (where applicable) will not be returned and the class will be deemed as attended.
All class pack validity remains unaffected by missed classes.
Q: Children fall sick last minute, why are we being penalised for it?
Cancellation policies are put in place to standardise our operations and to prevent abuse by parents.
MC can be submitted as proof that child is sick but getting a MC involves time and more money. There are many circumstances that classes have to be cancelled last minute but some parents argue they can't produce an MC - they self medicate at home, they don't need to spend the money to see the doctor, their child woke up late from their nap, their child is throwing a tantrum, it is raining heavily and they can't get a transport etc.
As much as we understand that last minute situations may arise, parents need to understand that the space was reserved for their child till the last minute and the class materials has been prepped.
If we allow parents to cancel at the last minute without any penalty, wouldn't many take advantage of the situation? If you have any suggestions on how we can further streamline this, do send us an email :)
Q: We are travelling - can I cancel my class?
All class pack validity remains unaffected by missed classes.
Q: The community cases are rising - can I suspend my class pack?
Only in the event of mandatory centre closures as mandated by the government will we allow suspensions of class packs in accordance to the period of suspension as mandated by the government.
In all other cases, the centre will remain operational and class packs will not be suspended.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for class packages?
Do make any cancellations 12 hours before class time. Late cancellation fee of $10 apply, or receipt of Medical Certificate is required.
If this fee or medical certificate is not received, the class credit (where applicable) will not be returned and the class will be deemed as attended.
All class pack validity remains unaffected by missed classes.
Q: What happens if I don't agree with your terms and conditions.
Our terms and conditions are easily accessible to all parents via our website, mobile app, whatsapp messages and have been reiterated multiple times before purchases. Little Forest is not liable if parents have failed to read or understand the terms and conditions. Any dispute may result in a ban from attending Little Forest classes and any classes associated with Little Forest.
Payment Terms
Q: Can I pay when I am there?
All payment would need to be made in advance before coming for lesson.
Confirmation of payment would need to be made *before 5PM the previous working day*.
Since our payment are all digital (via our Little Forest mobile app), you can confirm the bookings and make payment at home without being on-site :)
Q: Why must I pay in advance?
Making a payment for a class commits you to the class. We need your commitment to turn up for the class you book just as our Teachers have made a commitment to prepare for your child’s space in class.
We respect your time, so respect the teacher’s time as well.
We do allow rescheduling. Please refer to our cancellation policy.
Q: Can you reserve a space for me first?
Spaces are not reserved without receipt of payment. Do make your payment on time to avoid cancellations of your bookings.
Q: Can I pay by cash?
We do not accept cash payment. Payment methods accepted are Paynow via the Little Forest mobile app.
Socks Related Questions
Q: Why do I have to bring socks?
We have a cosy play area where our little troopers love to crawl and play. Having socks on keeps the place hygienic for all children, even if you are just waiting around.
Q: What if I forgot my socks?
We do sell them at Little Forest but they may not always necessarily be enough. Without any socks, adults/children alike will be asked to leave the premises and wait outside.
Photography and Videography
Q: Why are the Educators taking photos of my child?
By entering Little Forest premises or attending a class at Little Forest, you consent to the use of your child’s and your photograph, voice, likeness, and image in any broadcasts or promotional purposes of this space of event and in subsequent productions or promotional purposes drawn from video or audio recordings of this space or event.
Parents are welcome to opt-out of photography by dropping us a text via WhatsApp (91914259) or email (info@littleforest.sg)
Q: Can I take photos and videos of my child in class?
Yes you may. However, please be advised that photography and videography of other children, by parents, will not be allowed. We strongly advise all parents to practise discretion when taking photos/videos of your child and your child only, as phones can be a huge distraction to children. Most importantly, be involved in your child’s learning process and live in the moment.
Q: Can Little Forest send over photos of my child taken in class?
Photos and videos taken by our Educator are for internal use only. Due to PDPA, we do not send them over to parents as many different children are being photographed.