Christina Tan
(Ms Chris) 11 years at MindChamps JTC Summit

A little dinosaur song and a lasting connection

One parent’s letter to MindChamps headquarters recalls a small moment from their child’s first days of preschool. Their son loved dinosaurs. Ms Chris noticed, and made up a little dinosaur song for the two of them.

When he came home happily singing it, his parents were deeply touched. In their account, that simple gesture showed them that someone had taken the time to know their child and find a way into his world.

It is a fitting place to begin a profile of Christina Tan, known to the children as Ms Chris, Principal of MindChamps PreSchool @ JTC Summit, an established preschool in Jurong East. This feature celebrates her 11-year service milestone at the centre in 2026, through her own reflections and the experiences a family chose to share.

For parents exploring a MindChamps preschool in Jurong, her story offers a closer look at the person behind the principal’s title: an educator who wants children and families to feel that they belong.

Finding her place at MindChamps JTC Summit

Ms Chris remembers the reassurance she felt at her first interview with the centre’s directors. Their conversation gave her confidence that this was a place where she could channel her passion for early childhood education. That feeling grew during her tour of the centre.

“I knew right then that this was a place where I could give my all, stand firm, and help build a strong, united team and culture.”

The directors’ trust continues to matter to her. Being entrusted to run the centre alongside her team gives her a sense of ownership and responsibility. She describes mutual trust and strong personal connections as reasons she keeps giving her best each day.

Celebrating 11 years gives us a moment to recognise that commitment, and to hear what has made the work meaningful to her.

Helping a child settle into preschool at their own pace

The dinosaur song was part of a wider experience described in the parent’s letter. As first-time preschool parents, they had questions about how their reserved, slow-to-warm toddler would adjust to Nursery 1. They hoped he would feel secure and find enjoyment in school.

They recalled Ms Chris and the teachers taking time to understand his temperament, interests and needs. Their account describes patient encouragement, regular communication and a respect for his individuality as he gradually grew in confidence.

The family also remembered visiting JTC Summit on three separate occasions before enrolling. Each visit strengthened their confidence. Ms Chris answered their questions and listened to their hopes, without making them feel rushed or pressured.

These are one family’s experiences. They bring Ms Chris’s own philosophy into focus: open, two-way communication and a warm environment that feels like a second home.

The teaching team behind a warm school community

The parent’s letter also recognised Ms Pat, Zhang Laoshi, Ms Ellie, Ms Trina and Ms Karen. It described kindness and encouragement across the team, and an appreciation of the consistent care their child experienced.

One memory involved Ms Pat teaching the children that “sharing is caring”. Hearing their son repeat that lesson at home reminded the family how everyday school experiences could become part of family life.

For Ms Chris, a united team is central to the centre she wants to build. Asked what parents may not see, she points to the thoughtful coordination of teachers in and out of classrooms and the effort involved in keeping the day running smoothly.

She speaks candidly about the laughter and the moments that can feel overwhelming. Supporting one another through those demands is part of the work she describes. Her answers consistently give credit to the people alongside her.

Confidence and joy for the move to Primary 1

When children leave preschool for Primary 1, Ms Chris hopes they carry confidence, independence and pride in who they are. She also wants them to continue enjoying what they do.

“More than anything, I want them to truly enjoy what they are doing and carry that joy with them into their next big adventure.”

Her hope connects the early settling-in days with the later transition to primary school. The child who needs time to feel comfortable today is growing towards a new chapter. Ms Chris wants the joy of those early years to travel with them.

A preschool in Jurong East with an established history

MindChamps PreSchool @ JTC Summit opened in 2010. Its official centre page lists playgroup, nursery and kindergarten programmes for children aged 18 months to six years, with a bilingual curriculum. The centre is located at 8 Jurong Town Hall Road, #05-01, The JTC Summit, Singapore 609434.

For families considering a preschool in Jurong or childcare in Jurong East, these details provide a starting point. Use our preschool parent guide to check your child’s suggested level and explore JTC Summit before arranging a visit. A visit offers the opportunity to ask about your child’s level, daily routines, settling-in support and communication with parents.

Centre information: official MindChamps JTC Summit centre page .

An award-winning centre with documented recognition

A MindChamps Singapore profile published in 2015 records JTC Summit’s “Top Performing Centre” award and a directors’ Certificate of Excellence recognising contributions to the franchise business. These are historical honours recorded for the centre and its directors.

Alongside that recognition, this feature celebrates something personal: Ms Chris’s 11 years of service, her commitment to a united team and the small moments that families remember. The awards belong to the centre’s history; the stories help us understand its people.

Historical recognition: MindChamps Singapore’s 2015 JTC Summit profile .

A welcome from Ms Chris

Asked what she would say to a parent visiting JTC Summit for the first time, Ms Chris begins with their child.

“Welcome! First of all, how is your child coping with the transition? We are here to listen, partner with you, and make sure this feels like a true second home for your family.”

Thank you, Ms Chris, for 11 years of service at MindChamps PreSchool @ JTC Summit. This first story in People Behind Our Champs recognises the care you describe, the team you value and the relationships that make the work matter.