About Us

Quality Early Childhood Education to Nurture Lifelong Learners

Quality Early Childhood Education to Nurture Lifelong Learners

Founded in 2003, Babilou Family is a global early education network with over 1,200 centres across 10 countries, welcoming 75,000 families each year.

In Singapore, we bring this expertise to 61 centres island-wide, through trusted preschool brands KiddiWinkie Schoolhouse and Little Footprints Preschool, and our student care brand Learning Leap.

Backed by a dedicated team, we remain committed to nurturing confident, lifelong learners.

Julie Koh
President, Babilou Family Singapore
By tapping on best practices from around the world with our global presence, we aspire to play a better part to make a difference to each and every child's growing journey under our care.

Our Story

Founded in France in 2003 by entrepreneurial brothers Rodolphe and Edouard Carle, Babilou began with a simple mission — to bridge the gap in childcare solutions and support families at a time of rising birth rates and more women entering the workforce. From one nursery with just 24 cots, we quickly grew to become the leading private childcare network in France within five years.

Today, Babilou Family is one of the world’s largest early education networks, with a presence in 10 countries, more than 1,200 centres, and over 14,000 dedicated professionals caring for 75,000 children worldwide. In a fast-changing world, our role is more relevant than ever: to provide quality early childhood education and nurture the next generation with care, purpose, and vision.

Join us in making a difference through education

Leadership Team

Julie Koh

Julie Koh

President

Julie first set out on her expedition in the early childhood industry to start a quality preschool with a pure and simple wish – that her own children can learn and grow in a conducive and inspiring environment. This desire led to the setup of Kiddiwinkie Schoolhouse, and its success paved the way for the inception of more preschools centres under the Nurture Education Group, now known as Babilou Family Singapore.

With over two decades of experience in the industry, Julie has overseen the acquisition and management of the company's preschool brands. Julie continues to contribute to the industry with her wealth of knowledge, as well as her unwavering passion and patience in nurturing happy and confident children in their formative years.

babilou family singapore

Benjamin Busse

Chief Executive Officer

Benjamin, a devoted father of two, finds joy in both his work and every aspect of life.

An engineering graduate from AgroParisTech and with a Master’s degree from ESSEC Business School, Benjamin grew his career with the SODEXO Group, a conglomerate in France specialising in the catering business and childcare services. Throughout his journey spanning over 13 years, he was responsible for growing the operations and business development.  Benjamin eventually rose to become the Regional Director & Head of Development at Creche Attitude, a subsidiary of SODEXO with a vast network of private childcare centres, where he oversaw 50 childcare centres throughout France and managed a team of more than 500 staff.

He joined Babilou Family Singapore in 2020 as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and then evolved to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead Babilou Family toward being recognised as a qualitative leading private preschool operator in the region through its key brands.

babilou family

Dawn Leo

Chief Finance Officer

Dawn Leo leads the finance team in accounting, financial reporting and analysis, and sets up the financial system and procedures to ensure smooth and efficient operations that comply with statutory requirements and regulations.

With more than 13 years’ experience in The Big Four, she has also been involved in auditing, business improvements, deal structuring, due diligence, working capital and related financing analysis. Dawn graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a Bachelor of Accountancy, and is a non-practicing member of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants.

 

Laraine Heng

Laraine Heng

Director, Human Resources

A progressive HR Leader and Professional with proven experience in various companies across multiple industries, Laraine has demonstrated ability in strategic and hands-on operations and successes in driving complex and large-scale HR projects. As a person who enjoys challenges, she is a determined go-getter who transforms strategies into actions and brings them to fruition. 

A business graduate majoring in Management from the National University of Singapore, Laraine embodies a commitment to continuous learning and team development. She finds motivation and joy in her role as the HR voice that connects businesses with the most important assets in organisations - People!

babilou family singapore

Vivian Lee

Director, Digital Marketing & Sales

Vivian leads Sales & Marketing, where she drives growth strategy, parent acquisition, brand positioning, and omni-channel performance across our centres. With over a decade of leadership experience in education, consumer services, financial solutions, and startups, she brings a dynamic mix of commercial acumen, team building, and purpose-driven strategy.

A founder of a successful preschool brand, Vivian has deep expertise in scaling education businesses, building high-performing teams, and optimising the parent journey from first touchpoint to enrolment. She is passionate about data-informed decisions, stakeholder alignment, and cultivating a culture of accountability and care.

She holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Michigan, a Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and certifications in Strategic Leadership and Google Data Analytics.
 

Ilyess Mezroui

Ilyess Mezroui

Director, Digital

With over a decade of experience in IT services and consulting, Ilyess has developed deep expertise in project management, digital strategy, and leadership. His career includes managing complex CRM systems and driving digital transformation initiatives, earning recognition for his results-driven approach.

Born and raised in Morocco, Ilyess pursued higher education in France, earning a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and a degree in Computer Engineering. He further broadened his expertise with a Master’s in Audit and Consulting from ESCP Paris Business School.

Ilyess joined Babilou Family in France before transitioning to Singapore, inspired by the company’s mission to create a meaningful impact in early childhood education. Guided by simplicity and fact-based decision-making, Ilyess is dedicated to leveraging technology to optimise processes and drive value.
 

Rowena Ramos

Rowena Ramos

Head of Curriculum

Inspired by the educators who shaped her journey, Rowena embarked on a path in education, steadily expanding her professional portfolio over the years. Having earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts, she assumed the role of mentor teacher, guiding novice educators through their inaugural year with skill and dedication, fostering the growth of future leaders within the field.

With invaluable experience under her belt, Rowena now spearheads the Curriculum Department to ensure curriculum quality while leading the team in developing innovative programmes and delivering enriching training sessions for fellow educators. Additionally, Rowena is a certified Developmental Play Practitioner, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Our brands and centre locations