Learning Early for Better Learning

What are the key benefits of early childhood education (ECE) for children’s longer-term development?

Parents have shared several benefits of placing their child(ren) in ECE programmes. The ECE curriculum, which consists of several aspects including academic and social, helps children develop confidence to learn independently and acquire self-help skills. It also provides children with the opportunities to interact with their peers thus allowing them to learn, value and respect each other’s uniqueness and diversities. These benefits contribute positively to the children’s adaptation in different academic and social settings in their later development.

Having been in the ECE sector for many years now, what are your thoughts about ECE in Singapore and which area(s) in ECE research do you think merit more attention?

The ECE sector has improved in leaps and bounds in the last 10 years. We have observed changes in different areas ranging from outdoor learning to supporting children with needs in which more emphasis is now given. There is also greater support and focus in providing educators with more resources and training to continue their professional development. As the current trends and issues are placing more awareness on mindfulness and resilience at the workplace settings, perhaps the focused area in ECE research can be on building children and families’ emotional resilience. We do see the need to provide strategies and approaches that can help parents build their skills to better support their children at home.

What is one of the biggest challenges of being an ECE educator and what advice or tips would you have for new teachers?

One of the biggest challenges is having to balance work and personal life. As we serve young children, educators are constantly reflecting on their teaching and learning practices, and how to better support the children to reach their goals. For educators to hone skills requires years of experience and constant understanding of current trends and issues, and at times, educators do feel the exhaustion. Sometimes, there is also the need to search for the right balance after work to wind down. For new teachers, it is always challenging for them, and it is pivotal to connect and collaborate with other educators to progressively transit to the next stage. This is also to ensure that there is a space to gather information and build a community of learners and determined teachers.

How does ECE facilitate children’s transition to primary school?

In the centre I work in, we equip the children with the necessary skills (i.e., comprehend the concept of timetabling, taking care of one’s own belongings, buying their own food from the canteen, knowing the concept of change [money], and preparing the family and child for the new environment) they need to be ready for primary school.

The curriculum is designed specifically to prepare every child to meet the curriculum expectations in primary level, starting from Playgroup all the way to Kindergarten level. We also place high emphasis on the ability to communicate, as we are aware that it plays an essential part of children’s learning and development. When approaching a new setting or environment, they attain a greater sense of confidence which can help them develop their skills more and be able to communicate to others well. Teachers will plan for primary school visits, where they can experience classroom learning and buying food during lunch or tea break. Through exposure to field trips or excursions, the children are being exposed to a big school environment.

How important is parental and community involvement in ECE and what are some ways we can encourage more of such involvement?

Parental and community involvement in ECE is important as it supports the entire learning process and development of the children. The children will also feel assured and trusting knowing that their parents, educators and community are here for them. Some ways that we can encourage more of such involvement are inviting community helpers into the centre to share about their job scope, encouraging the older age group of children to ask questions to find out more and fill their curiosity, planning and preparing take-home kits for children to bring home and work on with their parents.

Is the focus of ECE largely on soft or hard skills, or both? Elaborate further.

ECE focuses on both soft and hard skills. In ECE, we embark on a holistic approach. We focus on all phases of the child’s development – their academic preparedness, social and emotional development, and overall well-being of the child. As educators, we always remind parents that aside from hard skills, soft skills play a huge part in the children’s continuity of care and healthy relationships in the future and parents do see the need to want to sharpen these skills for their children.