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Highlights
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- Caters to children aged 3 to 6
- Holistic curriculum with a blend of approaches including play-based and Montessori
- Age-appropriate activities that adapt to the child’s developmental milestones
- Moral and character building
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Nestled in a vibrant residential area of Impian Emas, Happy Villa Kindergarten in Johor Bahru provides holistic early childhood development for children aged 3 to 6 years old.
This kindergarten is built on the belief that happiness stems from meaningful experiences, a principle that drives its mission to provide a well-rounded and joyful foundation for young children that will see them through the challenges of school and beyond.
A holistic curriculum tailored to each age group
Happy Villa Kindergarten’s principal and founder, Ms. Chen is the driving force behind the school. With an advanced diploma in early childhood education and years of hands-on experience, Ms. Chen left a career in accountancy to pursue her passion for nurturing young minds and founded the kindergarten in 2015. For her, happiness lies in creating a meaningful impact on children’s lives, and her commitment shines through every aspect of the kindergarten’s approach.
Happy Villa Kindergarten’s curriculum is designed to strike a perfect balance between academic and developmental goals, catering to the unique needs of children across different age groups.
For the youngest learners in Pre-Nursery (3 years old), the focus is on gently introducing them to the idea of learning through the Multisensory Programme, which includes a hands-on kit provided to each child. The programme emphasises learning through the five senses, starting with real objects before transitioning to pictures and letters. The goal is to make learning engaging, natural, and stimulating for little ones.
As children progress to Nursery (4 years old), Kindergarten 1 (5 years old), and Kindergarten 2 (6 years old), the curriculum evolves to include more structured activities, worksheets, and textbooks. This gradual transition helps children develop the academic foundation and confidence needed for primary school. By the time they reach K2, activities are adjusted to include more academics to prepare them for the rigours of formal schooling, especially for children heading to Chinese-medium primary schools (SJKC).
Enriching experiences
What truly sets Happy Villa Kindergarten apart is how it instills a love for learning through a variety of enriching activities. Children do not just sit down and study from a book, but included as part of the curriculum are music classes, arts and crafts, cooking sessions, and even planting activities, to nurture their creativity and curiosity.
The kindergarten is equipped with facilities that support these hands-on experiences, including a kitchen for cooking lessons and spacious indoor and outdoor activity areas. The indoor playground, with modular and movable equipment such as slides, provides a safe space for active play, while the outdoor area allows for water play and nature exploration. These activities not only make learning fun but also help children develop essential motor skills and teamwork.
Raising good children
At Happy Villa Kindergarten, the school values character development by instilling good manners, moral values, and social skills. Teachers actively observe and guide children to ensure they develop traits such as kindness, cooperation, and respect for others.
This is reflected in everyday interactions and reinforced through consistent communication with parents. Through the LittleLives app, parents receive daily updates, health checks, weekly newsletters, and photos or videos of their children engaging in activities. By building strong partnerships with parents, the kindergarten ensures that values taught at school are also reinforced at home.
The kindergarten also emphasises the importance of community and family involvement. From festive potluck gatherings to shared activities like cookie-making during celebrations, parents are encouraged to participate in their children’s school life. These moments create a sense of belonging and strengthen the bond between the school, the children, and their families.
Ensuring safety and hygiene
Happy Villa Kindergarten prioritises the health and safety of its students. Daily health checks, including temperature readings and oral examinations, are conducted and recorded through the app, giving parents peace of mind. The school also maintains strict hygiene standards and has CCTV surveillance to ensure a safe environment.
Conclusion
The school’s adaptability to children’s developmental stages sets it apart from other kindergartens. While some schools lean heavily toward academics or activities, Happy Villa Kindergarten takes a balanced approach, gradually increasing academic focus as children grow older while ensuring they still enjoy meaningful and engaging experiences. The school’s ultimate mission is to nurture lifelong learners who are not just academically ready but also emotionally resilient, socially adept, and equipped with good moral values.
