Wonder Minds Preschool, Ampang

Strategically located close to the Kuala Lumpur city centre, Wonder Minds Preschool, Ampang is a reputable school and childcare centre that caters to children from infancy to six years old. It focuses on providing a well-balanced, holistic educational experience through its quality infant care and toddler care services, as well as a comprehensive preschool programme.

The Wonder Minds brand was founded in 2014 by Dashini Sarawanah, who left a corporate job in HR to pursue her passion in early childhood education. Over the last decade, the brand has gained a solid reputation as a trusted early childhood education centre, thanks to its nurturing environment and balanced educational approach.

Safety is a top priority

One of the key highlights of Wonder Minds Preschool, Ampang is its commitment to creating a safe and secure environment. Aside from having a security guard at the premises, it is also one of the few preschools in the Klang Valley to offer CCTV access to parents.

As a mother herself, Dashini understands the feelings parents go through when their child is away from them for the first time, whether at school or daycare. By allowing real-time visibility into their child’s activities, it provides parents with peace of mind–and is testament to the school’s confidence and ability to provide a safe space where children can learn and grow.

Balancing academics with physical and emotional development

Wonder Minds Preschool, Ampang adopts a balanced, child-centred approach to learning, incorporating Montessori education, thematic teaching, and government syllabus elements to ensure children receive a well-rounded education.

Classrooms are designed to be happy and stimulating environments, promoting hands-on learning, collaborative play, and self-directed activities. The curriculum is adapted to the child’s progress, with an emphasis on play-based learning in the early years to instil a sense of curiosity and wonder, whilst building problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Structured elements are then gradually introduced as they grow, such as worksheets and books in subjects like Bahasa Melayu, English, and Mathematics. This helps to lay a solid foundation and prepare pupils for both an international and local school setting as they move on to the primary level.

Meanwhile, Fridays each week are reserved as ‘Fun Fridays’, where children are not given any work sheets, but spend the day taking part in play-based activities that revolve around themes, such as robots, space, or cultural celebrations like Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

“I don’t believe in children studying all the time. When they play more, they learn more, which is why our motto is for them to play, learn, and discover,” says Dashini.

A low teacher-student ratio of one to three for infants, one to five for toddlers, and one to ten for older children (aged four to six years old) ensures they receive personalised attention and care. All teachers are equipped with early childhood or Montessori certification.

Available programmes

Infant care (3 months to 18 months)

In infant care, babies enjoy a safe and cosy environment, with plenty of stimulating toys and activities that allow them to explore their senses. Caregivers are meticulously screened for that special motherly touch, ensuring children are comfortable and always feel loved and secure.

Toddler Care (18-36 Months)

Toddlers love to engage with movement at this stage of their development – which is why Wonder Minds Ampang provides them with a bright and spacious environment for exploration and play. Using a play-based curriculum with a Montessori approach, toddlers engage in activities like sorting, rolling balls, and playing with friends. Outdoor activities, art and crafts, baking, and water play are incorporated to enrich their learning experience.

Preschool (3 – 6 years old)

Preschoolers at Wonder Minds are encouraged to explore their curiosity through active learning methods that include Montessori and thematic approaches, combined with the national syllabus. The programme emphasises independence, creativity, and communication skills. Activities such as reading sessions, role play, and early science projects help to enhance cognitive and social abilities, preparing the child for primary education.

After-school care

The after-school programme offers a safe and supervised environment where children can relax, play, and socialise. Homework assistance aside, children are afforded opportunities to pursue their interests through activities such as drawing, painting, and gardening.

Going green

All Wonder Mind branches feature spacious, outdoor areas with playgrounds, space for water play, and lush greenery – providing a conducive environment for children's physical development. The Ampang school has fruit trees like mangosteen trees within its compound, as well as a nursery where children can learn to plant.

This emphasis on outdoor activities aligns with the belief that play enhances learning. Complementing this holistic approach to physical growth is the preschool’s nutrition programme, which provides homemade, healthy meals for the children that are made from scratch each day.

Conclusion

With its blend of a balanced curriculum, emphasis on outdoor play, and unique features like CCTV access, Wonder Minds Preschool, Ampang is a commendable choice for parents seeking a holistic and nurturing environment for their child’s early education. The school's growth and resilience underscore its commitment to providing quality education.