Highlights
- Led by an experienced principal with 18+ years in early childhood education
- “Education for Real” approach that uses hands-on, sensory learning to build deep understanding beyond worksheets
- Small class sizes ensure personalised attention and strong emotional support for every child
- Integrated curriculum combining international English, Cambridge-aligned learning, and Singapore-inspired mathematics
- Strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, character development, and close parent–school partnership
At first glance, De JowiTop Preschool already sparks curiosity with its distinctive name. But as we soon discover, the meaning behind it reflects something far more intentional and deeply thought through. De JowiTop is an acronym for Joyful, Wisdom, and Top; a promise to nurture happy children, cultivate meaningful understanding, and deliver education of the highest quality. Fondly known as DJ by its community, the preschool represents a refreshing philosophy in early childhood education: one that places real learning and real childhood at the centre.
Founded in 2026, De JowiTop Preschool is led by Ms. Tan Kai Shin, a highly experienced educator with more than 18 years in the early childhood education field. She holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is also trained in Psychology, a combination that deeply informs the school’s holistic, child-centred approach. For Ms. Tan, education is never just about academics, it is equally about emotional safety, mental resilience, and helping children understand themselves and the world around them.
Education for Real: Learning That Children Truly Understand
At the core of De JowiTop’s philosophy is its signature approach, “Education for Real.” Rather than relying heavily on worksheets or rote memorisation, learning here is grounded in authentic, hands-on experiences. Children learn through real objects, purposeful play, storytelling, sensory exploration, and meaningful projects that engage all five senses.
“We don’t want children to remember just because they write,” Ms. Tan shares. “We want them to remember because they do.”
This approach is strongly influenced by renowned educational thinkers such as Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Maria Montessori, Erik Erikson, Abraham Maslow, and Bloom’s Taxonomy. For younger children, particularly those aged three to four, Montessori principles are thoughtfully integrated to build independence, focus, and confidence. Children are encouraged to explore, test, touch, smell, observe, and question, turning curiosity into genuine understanding.
Calm, Respectful Environment, Supporting Emotional Growth
One of De JowiTop’s strongest advantages is its small class size, with an average teacher-student ratio of 1:10 to 1:12. This ensures that every child receives close guidance, emotional support, and personalised attention, which is something many parents today prioritise.
Teachers guide rather than rush. Children are not compared against one another but are supported according to their own developmental pace. This calm and respectful environment helps children feel safe, seen, and confident, essential foundations for lifelong learning.
Balanced, Integrated Curriculum
De JowiTop Preschool offers a well-rounded curriculum that integrates:
- English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese language learning
- Phonics and early literacy
- Mathematics and science discovery
- Arts, music, and movement
- Physical development and practical life skills
- Social-emotional learning and character development
Children learn through an international English syllabus, with optional Cambridge-aligned pathways, while mathematics draws inspiration from Singapore-based frameworks. Impressively, Ms. Tan shares that children who complete the five-year-old programme are already academically prepared for Primary One (Year 7 content), a strong reassurance for parents concerned about school readiness. Yet, academic preparedness is never achieved at the expense of childhood joy. Play, exploration, and creativity remain central to the learning experience.
Character, Emotions, and Resilience Matter Here
Beyond academics, De JowiTop places strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing and character development. The school’s five core values - respect, integrity, compassion, accountability, and resilience - are lived daily by both teachers and students.
Children are guided to recognise and express their emotions, communicate their ideas confidently, present their thoughts, and solve problems independently. Ms. Tan believes a truly successful child is one who can think, adapt, and care for themselves as well as scoring well on paper.
Highly Trained Teachers, Personally Mentored
Behind every classroom at De JowiTop is a team of educators who are carefully selected not just for their qualifications, but for their experience, patience, responsibility, and genuine love for children. Ms. Tan personally mentors her teachers and conducts professional training every three months, covering curriculum delivery, lesson planning, classroom management, and time management.
With her training in psychology, teacher development also includes child psychology insights, emotional guidance strategies, and reflective practices. This ensures teachers are equipped to support children emotionally, recognise behavioural cues, and respond with empathy, reinforcing a consistent, nurturing culture throughout the school.
Safety, Hygiene, and Nutrition You Can Trust
Parents will also appreciate De JowiTop’s strong focus on health and safety. Daily temperature and wellness checks are conducted, hand-washing routines are enforced, and hygiene practices are closely monitored.
Meals are cooked in-house, based on nutritionally planned menus reviewed by a qualified nutritionist within the school’s internal committee. Supplements are provided twice weekly, and infection-prevention measures remain firmly in place, reflecting the school’s commitment to children’s wellbeing.
Strong Partnerships with Parents
Recognising that education is a collaborative journey, De JowiTop prioritises transparent and consistent communication with families. Parents receive monthly progress reports, attend quarterly parent-teacher meetings, and stay connected through messaging platforms and school communication apps. Parents are also welcome to discuss their child’s development anytime by appointment, reinforcing trust and partnership.
A Promising New Gem in Cheras Perdana
With half-day and full-day programmes, enrichment care, holiday workshops, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and a nurturing environment designed for children aged 3 to 6, De JowiTop Preschool, Cheras, stands out as a meaningful choice for parents seeking more than conventional early education.
Here, learning is real, childhood is respected, and emotional wellbeing matters. Under the guidance of an educator who understands both education and psychology, children are empowered to grow with joy, wisdom, confidence, and resilience. They are truly living up to the promise behind the name.
