CurioTots, Cheras

by Billy Boey . on 15/08/2025 178

Also available in : Bahasa Malaysia 中文版

Highlights

Malaysia’s first AI-Inspired preschool
Future-ready, balanced curriculum
All-inclusive enrichment activities
Qualified and experienced teachers with low ratios
Safe, transparent, and parent-friendly

Welcome to a new era of early childhood education. Nestled in the heart of Taman Taynton View, Cheras, CurioTots is not just another preschool—it’s a bold new vision for the future, designed to prepare young minds for the digital world while nurturing the timeless values of play, creativity, and human connection. Officially launched in early 2025, CurioTots is Malaysia’s first AI-inspired preschool, setting itself apart as a trailblazer in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

The Spark Behind CurioTots

CurioTots was co-founded by three passionate individuals with distinct strengths—two from the early childhood education sector and one with a corporate and data science background. That unique blend of experience and insight is precisely what powers the school’s mission.

“I’ve always been fascinated by artificial intelligence,” shared Celine Chen, co-founder of CurioTots. “When I left the corporate world, I wanted to create something meaningful, futuristic, and aligned with where the world is heading. That’s how CurioTots was born—a place where AI meets curiosity, creativity, and compassion.”

True to its name—a combination of “curiosity” and “thoughts”—CurioTots aims to ignite wonder and inquiry in young learners, helping them become confident explorers of both the real and digital world.

The First AI-Inspired Preschool in Malaysia

What truly sets CurioTots apart is its bold incorporation of artificial intelligence into the curriculum—an unprecedented move in Malaysia’s preschool space.

“We’re not here to teach children definitions of machine learning or complex theories,” said Celine. “We treat AI as a tool of expression—just like drawing or speaking. For instance, children can draw something, then use AI tools to animate their artwork, craft digital greeting cards, or even turn their stories into short videos. It’s about using technology to bring imagination to life.”

The school’s dedicated Curio Lab is where the magic happens. Weekly AI lessons are held in a blended format: part hands-on screen time, and part creative activities like role-playing, drawing, and storytelling. Importantly, screen time is kept to a minimum—just 10 to 15 minutes during the 40-minute lesson—ensuring healthy digital exposure.

This forward-thinking approach gives CurioTots children a vital head start in the digital age—helping them become not just tech users, but tech creators.

A Well-Rounded Approach

While AI is a major feature, CurioTots is grounded in balance. The school’s curriculum blends elements from Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and other renowned early childhood philosophies. The result? A play-based, project-driven learning environment for toddlers aged 1.5 to 3 years, transitioning into more structured academic and AI lessons from age 4 onwards.

“Our philosophy is to balance AI and digital learning with strong foundations in life skills, critical thinking, and academic literacy,” Celine explained. “We’ve integrated Cambridge English, ensured a holistic menu of learning experiences, and made sure that children are developing practically, socially, and intellectually.”

Notably, CurioTots does not charge extra for enrichment programmes. Activities like creative arts, problem-solving, and digital storytelling are all built into the school day, making their half-day programme (9am–2:30pm) and full-day programme (9am–6pm) both comprehensive and great value for parents.

Inspiring Educators in a Nurturing Space

At the heart of CurioTots is a team of passionate, qualified educators who undergo at least four professional training sessions a year, including dedicated workshops on AI tools and integration. The teacher-student ratio is intentionally kept low (1:4 to 1:8) to ensure that every child receives the individual attention they need.

“We look for teachers who are not only certified in early childhood education,” said Celine, “but also caring, responsible, and willing to grow with us. They must embrace technology, but more importantly, connect deeply with children.”

The physical environment, too, plays a critical role in nurturing growth. Housed in a commercial unit with a main entrance and emergency staircases, the centre is fully CCTV-monitored and follows all KKM hygiene and safety regulations. Inside, the classrooms are designed to be warm, interactive spaces that inspire curiosity and collaboration.

Healthy Bodies, Happy Bellies

CurioTots also takes nutrition seriously. Meals are prepared in-house, with menus carefully crafted to ensure a balanced diet. The team regularly updates the menu based on feedback and nutritional considerations, exposing children to a variety of wholesome, delicious foods that support both physical health and learning readiness.

Strong Parent-Teacher Relationships

CurioTots uses a dedicated school app to keep families constantly updated on their child’s meals, moods, and learning milestones. Daily updates, verbal feedback, and biannual parent-teacher meetings form a robust communication framework that helps parents feel connected, informed, and confident.

“Trust is everything,” said Celine. “We make sure that parents know exactly what their child is learning, how they’re growing, and that their well-being is our priority every single day.”

A Vision That Looks Ahead

As Malaysia’s first AI-inspired preschool, CurioTots isn’t just meeting today’s needs—it’s preparing children for tomorrow. The team plans to expand with more branches in the near future, but not without continuously enhancing their AI curriculum and teacher training.

“We know AI is evolving rapidly,” Celine emphasised. “So, our job is to stay ahead—to adapt, upgrade, and ensure our children and teachers are future-ready. It’s not just about using AI in lessons; we want our educators to apply AI in their daily work, improving efficiency and outcomes for everyone.”

Ultimately, CurioTots wants to nurture children who are digitally savvy, street smart, emotionally intelligent, and endlessly curious.

Final Thoughts

CurioTots, Cheras is more than just a preschool—it’s a glimpse into the future of education. With a strong foundation in early childhood best practices, and an innovative twist powered by AI, this school is offering something truly special: an education that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and empowers children to thrive in a digital world. For parents who want their children to be creators, thinkers, and innovators, CurioTots is the perfect place to begin.