Little Caterpillars Child Care Centre, Petaling Jaya

by Billy Boey . on 10/11/2025 ...

Also available in : Bahasa Malaysia

Highlights

Hands-on learning through play, sensory activities, and exploration under the 3E principle
Small ratios for infants and toddlers, ensuring personalised care and attention
Encourages active, imaginative, and healthy learning without screen time
Nutritious, fresh, balanced meals are cooked in-house daily
Creates their own high-quality study materials and workbooks

In a serene corner of Petaling Jaya, Little Caterpillars Child Care Centre stands as a warm, nurturing haven where infants and toddlers grow, play, and blossom into confident little learners. Founded by Ms. Sally Loh and Ms. Khoo, two passionate early childhood educators with nearly a decade of teaching experience, the centre was born out of a heartfelt mission; “to nurture today’s caterpillars into tomorrow’s butterflies.”

A Vision of Nurturing & Care

Little Caterpillars was founded with one simple yet powerful vision: to nurture children into confident butterflies by inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. The name itself beautifully symbolises growth whereby every child, like a tiny caterpillar, is lovingly guided through each stage of development until they spread their wings with independence and confidence.

“Our goal is to provide a safe, loving, and inspiring environment where every child is encouraged to explore, learn, and grow at their own pace,” shared the founders. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that children learn best when they feel secure, cared for, and free to explore their world with joy.

Hands-On, Play-Based Learning

At Little Caterpillars, learning happens through play, exploration, and discovery. The centre’s approach, built on the “3E” principle – Explore, Experiment, and Experience – encourages children to engage their senses, strengthen motor skills, and develop emotional and social confidence.

From finger painting and sensory bins to music, movement, and storytelling, every day is filled with hands-on experiences that make learning fun and meaningful. For children aged 4 and above, the lessons gently transition toward more academic readiness including Mandarin classes designed to prepare them for entry into SJK(C) primary schools and the KSPK syllabus.

Individualised Attention and Small Ratios

What truly sets Little Caterpillars apart is their intimate teacher-to-child ratio; 1:3 for infants and 1:6 for toddlers. This ensures every child receives personalised care, emotional support, and close supervision. Teachers understand each child’s unique rhythm, allowing them to tailor activities that suit their developmental stage and interests.

The founders also take pride in creating their own teaching materials and books, specially designed to match each child’s learning capacity and progress. “We develop our own learning resources because we want our children to learn in ways that make sense to them,” says Ms. Khoo.

Safe, Healthy, and Homelike Space

Stepping into Little Caterpillars feels like walking into a second home. The centre’s interior is thoughtfully designed with soft colours, curved tables, cushioned baby cots, mats, and child-sized furniture to ensure both safety and comfort. Every corner reflects care and attention, carpets to prevent falls, sanitised baby equipment, and a fully CCTV-monitored environment for peace of mind. Cleanliness and hygiene are top priorities, with daily sanitisation routines and child-safe facilities.

When it comes to nutrition, every meal is cooked in-house by Ms. Khoo herself, who personally researches and prepares a balanced, nutritious menu of snacks, lunches, and desserts. The menu changes monthly to ensure variety and a well-rounded diet that supports healthy growth. “Food is part of learning too. Children should enjoy nutritious meals that make them happy and strong,” she smiles.

Defining a Successful Child

For the founders, success isn’t measured by grades or milestones but by growth. “A successful child is one who learns to be independent, confident, and joyful in discovering new things,” shares Ms. Sally. The centre emphasises building self-care abilities and basic skills according to age, from developing fine motor control and pencil grip to language and social interaction.

By age four, children at Little Caterpillars are already familiar with reading simple words, following routines, and communicating in English, Mandarin, and Malay, equipping them for smooth transition into kindergarten or primary school.

A Team That Truly Cares

Little Caterpillars’ teachers are carefully selected for their qualifications, experience, and passion for nurturing young minds. All teachers possess Kursus Asuhan dan Didikan Awal Kanak-kanak PERMATA (KAP) certification, undergo demo teaching sessions before being hired, and receive first aid training to ensure children’s safety. They also attend relevant workshops and events to continuously improve their skills. “Every teacher here loves what they do,” says Ms. Khoo. “We treat the children as our own. That bond makes all the difference.”

Open Communication with Parents

The centre believes that education works best when parents and teachers work together. Daily updates are shared via management apps and WhatsApp, while Parent-Teacher Meetings are held twice a year for children aged three and above. Parents are also invited to participate in monthly activities, festive events, and celebrations, fostering a strong sense of community. This close communication ensures parents feel connected to their child’s daily progress and experiences, creating a partnership built on trust and transparency.

Growing Together into the Future

Little Caterpillars Child Care Centre is more than just a childcare centre — it’s a loving community where every child is seen, heard, and celebrated. Guided by their philosophy of “nurturing today’s caterpillars into tomorrow’s butterflies,” the founders envision expanding into a full-fledged kindergarten with their own in-house syllabus, creating a seamless journey from infancy to early education. Their dream is to help children grow with confidence, curiosity, and joy, from their very first crawl to their first day of school. Parents, if you want your child to grow into a majestic butterfly, this child care centre is the one to look for.