After school care for students with autism

An after-school care programme for students with autism at mainstream school, St Andrew’s Mission School, and Pathlight Primary School. We help your child excel academically, foster social relationships, and thrive in life.

$

MOE mainstream autism after school care in Singapore

$

Each class has a therapist and a trainer working together as a team."

$

Unparalleled care and support for your child daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

$

We have been running Pathlight after-school and holiday programmes since 2024.

Our Story

We have a boy, and he is special.

His preschool teacher pointed out his condition when he was three years old.

One day I received a call from his teacher asking us to meet her. Somehow I knew what might happen as there were murmurs from the previous school of his condition, but it was never confirmed, and we dismissed it, thinking he was probably a late bloomer.

I will never forget that faithful day when I called up my husband, weeping

“Yohanes’s teacher wants to meet up with us.”

Break the endless cycle of stress

Traditional learning approaches don’t work for children with autism. They have special needs.

At our after school care centre, we use techniques such as sensory overload prevention, positive behavioural support, and emphasis on celebrating progress instead of perfect scores.

This way, we help children with autism learn and thrive.

“Emphasize attitude over performance, celebrate achievement over failures. Over time, the result will come.”

– Candy Lee

Their Stories

An after school care for special needs student in Singapore

During our time with ISADD (ABA therapy), they had many successful cases of students transitioning from near-zero verbal skills to a high-functioning autistic child entering mainstream education (Pathlight Primary School).

When the children transition to higher learning, they will need more time to cater to the increasing demand for schoolwork, which outweighs the need for specialised behavioural therapy care. So, they eventually drop out to have more time for academic tuition, etc.

However, we soon realise our journey with the child doesn’t stop there. We need to fill a new gap:

A specialised after-school care programs for special needs student in Singapore.

Transitioning is scary

After all, transitioning from child care to a school with a more extensive environment is stressful, even for a neurotypical kid; it is worse if you are also suffering from sensory and speech delays.

That is why we always recommend that parents go to Pathlight or another specialised school that knows how to deal with a child with special needs rather than try to go mainstream.

It is better for your child and yourself.

Not easy to find a specialised After school care for special needs

In Singapore, it is normal for kids to go for after school care services as parents are usually working. There are many after school care for normal kids, but finding one that provides specialised student care services for special needs kids is impossible.

There are some special needs after-school care services. Though they provide some comfort (for the parents) in caring for your child while you are working, they are usually too overwhelmed to do other things besides ensuring their basic needs are well taken care of.

They further compounded the problem by accepting kids in all case scenarios, from down syndrome to low-functioning kids with autism. You can see how the well-being of your high-functioning kids can go downhill from there. Regressing is a real issue here.

Starlight Autism student care centre allows our special needs children to learn well in a conducive environment.

Starlight is born

We soon realised the child’s transitioning journey isn’t complete if we don’t continue to play a part in the child’s journey.

In the past, we adjusted their behaviour and did speech therapy when they were five. When they are 8 or 9, we need to teach them how to make friends and socialise when they are in school. Socialising is easy for normal kids, but it is not easy for a special needs child; human communication and understanding behaviour just isn’t natural to them.

On top of that, we need to provide school work support to ensure that they continue to do well and not suffer any stress, leading to mental health issues later on.

Nurturing Academic Excellence

Our program offers individualised learning support to help your child master the skills they need to succeed in school…

Fostering social and Communication Skills

We actively promote interactions and effective communication among peers…

Equipping for Life Beyond School

We believe in preparing your child for the future, imparting essential life skills…

Set them up for higher learmings

Teaching students with autism to be good learners is an important part of helping them to succeed in school and life. The “good learner repertoire” is a program we implement to teach the necessary skills students need to be effective learners at school. 

Early detection of skill deficits and learning difficulties

Our team of qualified therapists are experienced in identifying skill deficits and learning difficulties. Early detection of skill deficits and learning difficulties is essential for students with autism…

Programs

We will provide unparalleled care and support for your child daily from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Our programs are designed to meet the individual needs of each student. We use various teaching methods and strategies and work closely with parents and caregivers to ensure that each student is progressing.

The first day of school!

Tomorrow is finally the day you send your special ones to primary school. Whether it is a mainstream or special education school, both are equally nerve-wracking. How much pocket money should I prepare for them? Does he know how to buy snacks in the canteen? How many textbooks should I pack on the first day? We wrote a helpful guide to breeze through the first day with your child.

Why Starlight?

By parents, for parents.

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

Highly qualified teaching team

A team of Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), psychologists, behavior therapists, and special needs educators applies the latest evidence based teaching approach to support your child’s individual learning needs.

Science & Evidence-based methodology in the teaching of target skills

We use educational techniques and tools based on the best available scientific evidence, including methodologies and technologies from the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and other behavioural approaches in line with practices from Pathlight and other Autism friendly school in Singapore.

Quality education and competitive fees

We don’t always go for the cheapest things in life, nor should we. Our emphasis on quality means our price might be higher than other schools. 

Unparalleled learner to therapist/teacher ratio of 2:8

Keeping our classes small allows our students to learn at their best. Our class size ranges from 6 to 8 students.

Join the community

Here at Starlight, many of our students were rejected from other student care facilities, and they come to us and we offer them a welcoming and accepting environment where they can thrive.

Our students find happiness and friendship with peers who share similar abilities and challenges. We believe that this sense of belonging is crucial for their social and emotional development.

I encourage you to take a look at our growing collection of testimonials from parents and students who have experienced the positive impact of Starlight firsthand. 

We are Pathlight/ARC official vendor for after-school and holiday programmes. We have been providing conversational Mandarin language instruction since 2024.

ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 55.013 reviews
5.0Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent13 reviews
Posted on Google Google
Chin Phung Tan profile picture
Chin Phung Tan
30 June 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My son has greatly enjoyed his time at Starlight where the teachers there have been taking great care of his after-school activities, e.g. food, guiding him on his homework, social skills etc. He just had tremendous fun with the June holiday programs that the centre has organised - his favourite will be the taekwondo session, museum visitation and outdoor activities etc. Would really recommend the centre to parents who require after-school care for their special child.
Posted on Google Google
Visual Xplorer profile picture
Visual Xplorer
15 June 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
+1
It was a joy conducting a 4-day art workshop with 9 lovely Starlighters. The centre has a bright, natural sunlight pours in through the big windows, welcoming space for the kids. The teachers are parents of autistic children, or certified therapists, and some with the master in psychology background. You can really feel their dedication in every interaction. Thank you for the meaningful experience!
Posted on Google Google
Jason Chong profile picture
Jason Chong
13 March 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our son initially struggled both at school and his previous student care, facing challenges in adapting. Ever since joining Starlight, he's grown tremendously, becoming more confident in speaking, especially in Chinese, and adapting wonderfully to student care life. The caring and supportive nature of the teachers has created a safe environment where he feels comfortable to grow, learn, and even make mistakes. We're truly grateful for their warmth and dedication!
Posted on Google Google
Chin Sien Liew profile picture
Chin Sien Liew
12 March 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our experience with Starlight has been truly outstanding. From the moment we enrolled our child, we felt reassured by the warmth, patience, and professionalism of the teachers and staff. They have created a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children with autism can learn, grow, and develop essential life skills at their own pace. We especially appreciate the open communication between the centre and parents. The team keeps us well-informed about our child’s daily activities, progress, and any challenges they may be facing. Their commitment to inclusion, patience, and structured learning is evident in every aspect of their work. If you are looking for a caring, well-equipped, and professional childcare center for children with autism, I highly recommend Starlight. They go above and beyond to ensure that every child receives the support, encouragement, and skills they need to thrive.
Posted on Google Google
Norman Ho profile picture
Norman Ho
3 February 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My boy likes Starlight. Sound simple/normal but that is what we all are looking for and this does not come with granted. We have been looking for a place that he can enjoy, having the support and learn. Blessed that we have Starlight. The light is shining through our path. Our gratitude to the team and the founders. A light in the dark is what they bringing to us.
Posted on Google Google
Koh Chun Ling profile picture
Koh Chun Ling
10 January 2025
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Posted on Google Google
YASHVI MAKHARIA _ profile picture
YASHVI MAKHARIA _
25 October 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Starlight offers amazing, personalized support for children with autism. The staff are caring and professional, and their programs focus on helping kids build key skills in a warm, welcoming environment. Highly recommend!
Posted on Google Google
Lucia Senwayo profile picture
Lucia Senwayo
19 July 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Posted on Google Google
Hafyzza Kamal profile picture
Hafyzza Kamal
8 June 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We enrolled our son in Starlight School Holiday Programme for a week and we can see positive improvements in him! Ms Lee constantly updated us on our son’s activities of that day and was very welcoming. He enjoyed being with his friends in Starlight and even requested me to fetch him later 😂 He looked forward to go to Starlight everyday and even got a little teary eyed on his last day. We would recommend starlight for any high functioning ASD kids as the teachers not only teach but also nurture good daily living skills to the students. Would consider sending my son for Starlight’s after school care!
Posted on Google Google
Moira Ann profile picture
Moira Ann
7 June 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Posted on Google Google
Andy L profile picture
Andy L
26 May 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My son loves Starlight After-School Center! Great and super caring staff, fun activities, and he looks happy after pick-up. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Eve T profile picture
Eve T
7 May 2024
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Verified by Trustindex
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

school hours

M-F: 2pm – 6:00pm

Address

20 Kramat Lane #05-05 Singapore 228773

Email

han@starlight.edu.sg

Phone

+65 6589 8582

Follow us here

Come and visit our student care centre

Wonder if Starlight is right for your child?