HATCH by TOUCH Preschools offers inclusive, family-focused and child-centred education for children aged 18 months to six years across five centres in Singapore. Guided by our 3I Framework (Inquire, Include, Inspire), we encourage discovery through play, welcome every child and family, and spark creativity with purpose. Through our H.E.A.R.T. Approach, we partner with families, foster inclusion and create meaningful experiences that build strong foundations for life.
The work of TOUCH began in 1986 as a community service by a group of like-minded young people who came together to organise activities for disadvantaged children in the neighbourhoods of Clementi and Jurong.
Moved by the struggles of low-income and single-parent families trying to make ends meet, these seven individuals in their twenties dedicated their time to helping children develop both academically and socially.
What started as a simple effort to mentor children and support their growth has grown into TOUCH Community Services, a multi-service organisation that now serves a wide range of people, from children to the elderly, including those with special needs.
As TOUCH Community Services expanded, it saw the need to provide quality preschool education for children of all backgrounds, including those with developmental and learning needs.
Long before inclusive education became a national priority, TOUCH Community Services opened its preschools to children with additional needs and created environments where every child could learn and grow together. TOUCH Preschools was among the first in Singapore to include and support children with special needs in mainstream preschool settings, laying important groundwork for future inclusive practices.
On 1 September 2025, TOUCH Preschools entered a new chapter as HATCH by TOUCH Preschools. The name HATCH represents growth, curiosity and new beginnings, reflecting the nurturing environments where children learn, explore and flourish.
HATCH by TOUCH Preschools expanded its preschool network to five centres across Singapore, uniting them under the HATCH identity. This milestone marks an important step in extending our inclusive preschool model to more families and communities.
HATCH builds on TOUCH’s strong legacy of inclusion, community care and family partnerships, while bringing a fresh, modern vision to preschool education.
Today, HATCH by TOUCH Preschools serves families across five neighbourhoods — Bukit Batok, Clementi, Hougang, Woodlands and Zhenghua — continuing a proud legacy of care while shaping the future of inclusive early childhood education.
At HATCH by TOUCH Preschools, the 3I Framework comes to life every day through the way children learn, teachers guide, and families feel supported.
Curiosity is where meaningful learning begins. At HATCH, teachers spark children’s sense of wonder through open-ended questions such as “How can we move water uphill?” and create play-based experiences that encourage them to explore, experiment and work together. Through this process, children grow into confident and creative problem-solvers who see learning as an exciting adventure.
Inclusion is at the heart of who we are. At HATCH, every child is welcomed from the start, including those with diverse learning and developmental needs. Classrooms are thoughtfully designed with adaptive materials and supported by learning-support educators, ensuring that inclusion is not an afterthought but a daily reality. Families are active partners in this shared journey, working hand in hand with teachers to create a nurturing circle of care where every child can belong and thrive.
At HATCH by TOUCH Preschools, learning goes beyond the classroom. Children take part in meaningful projects that spark imagination and create real impact, from art and music to service-learning initiatives such as Meals on Wheels, where they give back to the community in age-appropriate ways. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to homebound seniors, and through activities like packing food and adding kind messages, children learn empathy and social responsibility. These experiences build character, courage and a sense of purpose, helping them see themselves as confident changemakers who can make a difference.
At HATCH by TOUCH Preschools, we value the vital role families play in every child’s growth. Through close collaboration between parents, teachers and caregivers, we create a supportive community that helps each child thrive.
Teachers visit each child’s home once a year. These visits strengthen relationships, give teachers valuable insight into the child’s daily life, and provide a space for parents and teachers to share strategies for growth. Any needs identified during the visit are referred to TOUCH Family Support for follow-up.
Every semester, parents are invited to join classroom activities and experience learning alongside their children. After each session, teachers and parents discuss the child’s progress, building trust and strengthening collaboration.
Inclusion is at the heart of HATCH. Our preschools provide safe and supportive environments where children of all abilities can play, learn and grow together.
We run inclusive preschools that provide safe and supportive environments for children with low, mid and high early intervention (EI) needs to play, learn and develop life skills alongside their peers.
To support children with diverse learning needs, our preschools provide early intervention services such as in-house allied health professionals and a neuro-movement programme. Early intervention teachers work closely with preschool educators to support each child’s learning journey. The Development and Learning Support (DS-LS) Programme, run with TOUCH’s Therapy Hub and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, is also available for children aged four to six with unique learning and behavioural needs.
Adventure Learning goes beyond play — it’s experiential education that builds life skills, confidence, and resilience.
Children take part in exciting adventure and sports activities that build physical fitness, encourage teamwork and strengthen gross motor skills. These meaningful experiences are enjoyable and help nurture confidence while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Our outdoor learning experiences help children connect with nature, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the environment. Whether they are exploring parks, gardening or engaging in outdoor play, these moments build their understanding of the natural world and encourage a sense of environmental responsibility.
We also offer an optional multi-sports enrichment class by Tiny Mountains, where children explore different sports while building agility, coordination and sportsmanship. This programme complements our adventure learning activities and supports a well-rounded physical education.
We take pride in nurturing social responsibility and compassion by extending learning beyond the classroom into the community, helping children understand the importance of caring for others.
We collaborate with TOUCH Community Services to create meaningful community engagement opportunities for children and their families, encouraging them to serve and make a positive impact. Through initiatives like Meals on Wheels, children help pack and deliver meals to seniors, learning empathy and respect for older generations.
On this day, teachers and children head into the neighbourhood to spread kindness through simple, thoughtful actions. These experiences strengthen children’s understanding of what it means to be a good neighbour and foster a strong sense of belonging and community spirit.
Curiosity drives deep learning. Our inquiry-based approach places children’s questions, ideas, and observations at the centre of every lesson.
Our inquiry approach places children’s questions, ideas and observations at the heart of the learning experience, encouraging them to take an active role in their own learning.
We keep our curriculum closely aligned with current early childhood research and the Early Childhood Development Agency’s approved frameworks, Early Years Development Framework (EYDF) and Nurturing Early Learners (NEL). Our goal is to nurture children to become confident, self-directed learners and responsible global citizens who contribute meaningfully to society.
Three-year-old *Ariel is a sociable and bubbly child who enjoys running around like her peers at TOUCH Child Care (Clementi). Unlike most children, however, she lives with end-stage kidney disease and requires dialysis and tube feeding. While other preschools had turned her away, TOUCH welcomed her when she was just two years old. Her teachers — Mrs Janie Teo, Ms Shang Teng, Ms Emily Evangeline Teo, and Mrs Tan-Chang Peylin — stepped up with love and dedication, learning to manage her feeding tube and dressing while working closely with her parents to ensure her care needs were met.
With their support, Ariel has blossomed. She now participates actively in class, sings songs with her friends, and enjoys school as her “home away from home.” The teachers go the extra mile, keeping a close watch during activities like water play to protect her catheter from infection. Ariel’s parents are deeply appreciative, praising TOUCH Child Care for being inclusive and courageous, and for creating a safe and nurturing environment where their daughter can thrive.
Thanks to the patience and commitment of her teachers, Ariel’s linguistic and motor skills have developed on par with her peers, and she has gained the confidence to enjoy social interactions. Their extraordinary efforts are a powerful reminder of the difference empathy, responsibility, and going beyond the call of duty can make — not only in a child’s education, but also in the life of an entire family.
Image: (From left) Mrs Janie Teo, Ms Shang Teng, Ms Emily Evangline Teo, Ms Tan-Chang Peylin, Ms Vanessa Lee
– The TOUCH Child Care team caring for Ariel*.
13 September 2023
Relationship is the foundation of the team, and we are committed to each other’s growth and success.
We are unique individuals yet work as one team across our services.
We serve with a grateful heart, and innovation and adaptability are often reflected in our work.
“I have been a preschool educator for 18 years, walking alongside children in their growth with gratitude and compassion. Teaching is not only about imparting knowledge, but also about nurturing a positive outlook on life. The trust and appreciation from parents are my greatest rewards.
In 2017 and 2019, I was honoured to receive the Outstanding Teacher Award — a recognition that reflects the strong teamwork and mutual encouragement among my colleagues. Together, we strive to bring out the best in every child. In my classroom, I focus on discovering each child’s interests and strengths, helping them realise their potential and build independence and confidence to face life’s challenges.
I hope HATCH will continue to be a warm, safe, and loving space where children can explore freely, learn joyfully, and grow with confidence. As an educator, I aspire to design more creative curricula and parent-child activities, so that HATCH becomes a place where love and learning come together to bring warmth and hope to every family.”
I have been with HATCH Preschools for eight years, first joining in 2017 as an administrator. In 2018, I had a meaningful encounter with children with developmental needs, which deeply moved me and inspired me to pursue a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. That experience opened my eyes to the impact teachers can make, and I eventually became an educator in 2021.
One of the most memorable moments in my journey was being selected to attend the ServingSG Appreciation Event at the Istana on 16 August 2022 — an event that honoured educators for their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was truly an experience I will always treasure.
Working with children with developmental needs has taught me patience, empathy, and perseverance. I understand the challenges that new teachers face, so I make it a point to share my experiences, offer encouragement, and remind them that every small step forward is meaningful. I also value strong partnerships with parents, who play a vital role in supporting their children’s growth. It is deeply fulfilling to know that they trust us to journey alongside them in raising their children.
Looking ahead, I hope that HATCH Preschools will continue to grow as an inclusive environment where every child — regardless of ability — feels supported, valued, and loved. My dream is for every child to come to school with joy and curiosity, and to grow into compassionate, confident individuals with strong values and kind hearts. As an educator, I will continue to learn and grow alongside them — nurturing not just young minds, but also good character and a love for life.
With 20 years of experience at HATCH, I have had the privilege of witnessing countless children grow not only in knowledge, but also in confidence, character, and heart. Some of my proudest moments are seeing children find their voice, express themselves with courage, and develop values that shape them into kind, responsible individuals who positively impact their families and community. These transformations remind me why early childhood education matters — because every small moment can plant a seed for a child’s future.
One experience that shaped me deeply as an educator was realising how strongly children feel, and how important it is for them to be heard. Since then, I make it a point to listen — truly listen — to every child who wants to share, no matter how small it may seem to an adult. Children deserve to be seen, understood, and given the space to express who they are.
My hope is for every child to believe that they are capable, worthy, and full of potential. Through nurturing their confidence, curiosity, and resilience, I hope to build a mindset of “I can.”
I envision HATCH as a place where compassion meets innovation — where every child, regardless of background, has opportunities to explore, discover, and thrive. A place that empowers young hearts and minds to grow into confident, empathetic, and active citizens who will shape a better future for themselves and for others.
At HATCH, I’ve cherished countless special moments with the children — seeing their excitement as they try new activities, celebrating small milestones, and sharing laughter in everyday play. These experiences have helped me grow as an educator, strengthened my bond with both children and parents, and reminded me of the joy that comes from nurturing young learners. Working alongside my colleagues, I also take pride in contributing to centre events and celebrations that create a positive and supportive environment for everyone.
I strive to make a difference by encouraging children to explore, take on new challenges, and grow with confidence. I support them through their emotions, guide them in building friendships, and celebrate their every achievement. Through meaningful learning experiences filled with patience, care, and encouragement, I hope every child feels valued, loved, and inspired to learn each day.
Looking ahead, I hope HATCH continues to grow as a nurturing space where every child feels safe, supported, and motivated to explore and learn. My wish is for our children to develop confidence, kindness, and curiosity that will guide them throughout their lives. As an educator, my dream is to keep learning and growing — finding new ways to support and inspire each child, building strong partnerships with families, and making a lasting, positive impact on their early years.
At HATCH, I believe teaching is more than a job — it’s a calling to nurture each child with heart, patience, and purpose. I’m deeply motivated by our shared mission to put children and families first, and I strive to serve every child with sincerity and care.
To me, every child is unique and full of potential. By observing closely, guiding gently, and celebrating their progress, I help them discover their strengths and grow with confidence and joy. I also believe that communication and trust between teachers and parents are key — when we work together, every child benefits.
In our team, we support one another and make full use of each person’s strengths to bring out the best in our work. I’m proud to be part of a preschool that values love, teamwork, and continuous growth — because when teachers care deeply, children truly thrive.
Be part of a dedicated team that believes in inclusion, nurtures curiosity, and shapes bright futures for every child.