Some register as soon as they get child’s birth cert

Ms Cheryl Tan with her children Marc and Claire, aged 3 and 6. They are both attending Lorna Whiston Pre-School. TNP PHOTO: Gary Goh

Signing your toddler up for childcare six months to a year ahead may be too late, especially if you're vying for a coveted spot in a branded preschool.

The competition is so intense at these prestigious preschools that parents start shopping for a school even before their child is born – and sign up for a place as soon as they can get their hands on a birth certificate.

But this does not guarantee them a spot. Waiting lists for certain schools can have as many as 300 parents.