07
Be willing to
educate and not
just teach – give
yourself to the lives
of young children.
For me, I have no
regrets and have
enjoyed every
moment of it.
– Lee Xin Yi Cara
Senior Teacher
01 Entry Requirements
11 Centre Leaders
03 Welcome Note
13 ECDA Training Award
04 About ECDA
14 ECDA Scholarships &
Teaching Awards
05 Pre-School Teachers
08 Educarers
I graduated from
Nanyang Polytechnic
with a Diploma in
Nursing, but decided
to make a career
switch from the
health-care industry
to follow my dream.
– Siti Norshakilla Binte Yusof
Pre-School Teacher
15 Professional Conversion
Programmes for MidCareer Entrants
06
Educarer Track
TURN TO PAGE 08-10
AGE GROUP OF CHILDREN
3
2
1
CAREER POSITIONS
2 months to
3 years old
2 to 18
months old
2 months to
3 years old
ParaEducarer
(Teacher
Assistant)
Infant
Educarer
Early Years
Educarer
WSQ Higher
Certificate in
Infant Care
(HCIC)
WSQ Advanced
Certificate in
Early Years
(ACEY)
Fundamentals
in Early
Childhood
Care &
Education
(FECCE)
1
WPL
SOA 4
EARLY CHILDHOOD COURSES
Sec 4 with
WPL average
SOA of 5 and
credit in EL1
or IELTS 5.5 or
SOA 5 in WPL
(written)
1
Sec 2 or min. 8
years of formal
education
MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA
WPL refers to the Workplace Literacy series, part of the Employability Skills Workforce Skills Qualifications (ES WSQ) developed by the Singapore Workforce
Development Agency (WDA). Upon completion of each test, you will get a Statement of Attainment (SOA) to certify your English language proficiency.
1
01 / Entry Requirements
Pre-School Teacher Track
TURN TO PAGE 05-07
5 to 6
years old
18 months to
4 years old
18 months to
6 years old
Para
Educator
(Teacher
Assistant)
Pre-School
Teacher
Pre-School
Teacher
WSQ Advanced Certificate
in Early Childhood Care &
Education
(WSQ ACECCE)
OR
ITE Higher Certificate in Early
Childhood Education
3 GCE ‘O’ levels
with credit in
EL1* or MT
Diploma in Early WSQ Professional
Childhood Care
Diploma in Early
& Education
Childhood Care
– Teaching
& Education
(DECCE-T)
- Childcare
OR
(PDECCE-CC)
WSQ
OR
Professional
WSQ Diploma
Dip. In Early
(Conversion) in
Childhood Care &
Kindergarten
Education
Education –
(WSQ PDECCE) Teaching (NVKET)
5 GCE ‘O’ levels
with credit in
EL1 or MT
Centre
Supervisor /
Principal
2 years of
pre-school
teaching
experience
Dip. in Early Childhood
Care & Education Leadership (DECCE-L)
OR
Specialist Dip. in Early
Childhood Care &
Education (SDECCE) Leadership Components
Local
Polytechnic
Diploma in EL1
or Degree,
in other
disciplines
*Alternative English language qualifications may be considered for course admission. Refer to any training providers of accredited Early Childhood courses.
Entry
/ 10
02
CentreRequirements
Leaders /
Welcome Note
Welcome Note
t is an exciting time to be in the early
childhood care and education sector.
There has been growing recognition
that what young children experience
and acquire in their early years serves
as the foundation for future learning
and development.
This has generated strong demand from
parents for quality early childhood care
and education services.
Early childhood professionals are key
contributors to the quality of early
childhood programmes. Hence, in
addition to increasing capacity, the
Government has been working towards
raising the competency of early
childhood professionals in Singapore.
The Government is investing $30
million over the next 3 years in the
pre-school sector for manpower
capacity and capability building through
scholarships, training awards and
teaching awards. ECDA also provides
a suite of professional development
programmes and professional pathways
for a rewarding career experience.
If you enjoy working with children and
have the passion, flair and creativity to
nurture their growing minds, we urge
you to join the vibrant and dynamic
early childhood profession. As an
educator, you hold the key to moulding
bright, inquisitive young minds and
preparing them for life.
Through this booklet, we hope to share
with you the various resources that
can assist you in becoming an early
childhood educator. There is support
tailored to the needs of every individual
– whether you are a fresh school-leaver,
a mid-career entrant, or rejoining the
workforce.
This booklet will provide you an insight
into the profession, and we hope that
you will join the family of professionals
featured here as a first step to a
fulfilling career in the early childhood
sector.
Be an Early Childhood Educator. Give
Every Child in Singapore A Good Start.
Dr Lee Tung Jean
Chief Executive Officer
Early Childhood Development Agency
03 / Welcome Note
About
ECDA
The Early Childhood and Development Agency (ECDA) was
formed on 1st April 2013, as the regulatory and development
authority for the early childhood sector in Singapore.
Child Care Centres
Child care centres provide child
care services for children aged
18 months to 6 years. Infant care
programmes for infants aged
between 2 to 18 months old are
also available at several centres.
Centres offer full-day, half-day and
flexible programmes to cater to
the different working schedules of
parents. You can search for
child care services at
www.childcarelink.gov.sg.
Kindergartens
Kindergartens provide a 3-year
pre-school developmental
programme for children between
4 to 6 years of age. The 3-year
programme consists of Nursery,
Kindergarten 1 and 2. Most
kindergartens run two sessions
a day, with each session ranging
from 3 to 4 hours, 5 days a
week. You can search for a
kindergarten service at
www.preschool.edu.sg.
About ECDA / 04
Pre-School
Teachers
Pre-School Teachers design and implement
programmes for children aged 4 to 6 years old,
ensuring their holistic development.
What You Do
What You Need
Plan, implement and
deliver a holistic and
developmentally
appropriate early
childhood curriculum
Passion and
interest in
developing and
caring for young
children
Plan activities and
source materials to
support children’s
learning in the various
curriculum areas
Ability to work
well with children
and families
Provide a safe and clean
learning environment
for the care and
development of children
in the centre
Good
communication
skills
Partner parents and
other key stakeholders
to ensure that centre’s
service meets the needs
of children and families
Certificate Holders
*Para-Educators
start from $1,400
*depending on
qualifications and
experience
05 / Pre-School Years
Diploma Holders
*Pre-School Teachers
start from $1,900
Pre-School Teacher, Nurturestars
1 year in the Early Childhood sector
Holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Care & Education
Working with parents
inspires me. It is
rewarding to see the
children happy as their
parents are involved in
their pre-school life.
I switched
careers to
follow my
dreams!
What do you do on a daily basis?
My daily job is to plan and execute
developmentally appropriate lessons and
activities, supervise the children in their
learning, communicate with their parents and
discuss about their progress, such as what
their strengths are and which areas they
need more help with.
Why did you choose this field of work?
I have always wanted to teach preschoolers
- it has been my dream since young! I had
graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic with a
Diploma in Nursing, but decided to make a
career switch from the health-care industry
to follow my dream. I was glad to be given
the opportunity to take a Diploma course in
Early Childhood Care and Education under
a Place-and-Train programme (Professional
Conversion Programme), which allowed me
to work and study at the same time.
Who inspires you in your job?
I have a younger sister who is of preschool
age, and she inspired me to take up the
course and this job as I want to be able to
understand how she is progressing and
to ensure she is developing appropriately
according to her age.
Pre-School Years / 06
Pre-School Teachers
Siti Norshakilla Binte Yusof, 23
Lee Xin Yi Cara, 28
Senior Teacher, St James’ Church Kindergarten
9 years in the Early Childhood sector
Holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
What is a day in your job like?
The day begins with morning interactions
with colleagues and welcoming the children
to school.
The morning hours are spent mostly
planning for the day, working on curriculum,
school events’ planning, creating teacher
resources, tending to any concerns from
parents, and checking on the teachers in
my team. In the afternoons, I teach a class
together with a Chinese teacher. I also
mentor the teachers in the centre.
Why did you choose this field of work?
It was a conscious decision to join the Early
Childhood field after my ‘O’ levels. I applied
for the Early Childhood Education course in
Ngee Ann Polytechnic and started teacher
training at the age of 17. I was motivated
by my passion to work with children and
the daily joys of interacting with the little
ones entrusted to my care. It is a privilege
to make a difference in the lives of children
that have long-term positive effects.
What advice would you give to new entrants
to this field?
Passion is important – A calling to influence
young lives responsibly, and with love, will
help you to stay connected to your job.
07 / Pre-School Years
This
is my
calling!
Respect children and families – Allow
children to express themselves in ways that
are unique to their personalities. Embrace
diversity within the environment. A teacher
who creates a respectful environment will
develop respectful individuals.
Have patience and dedication – Engaging
children requires fortitude to deal with
frustrations, challenging behaviours and
situations that go against the grain of one’s
personal beliefs.
Adopt positive learning dispositions –
Being open to new perspectives will help
early childhood educators to celebrate
children’s little successes, engage the world
through their eyes, and exude positivity. As
educators, we must be a source of positivity
and hope for children!
Take a moment to ask yourself why you
want to work with young children. If it brings
warmth to your heart and a quickening in
your spirit, then you will experience joy and
fulfilment in this field.
Be willing to educate and not just teach –
give yourself to the lives of young children.
For me, I have no regrets and have enjoyed
every moment of it.
Educarers
Early Years Educarers support the
learning and development of infants
and toddlers aged 0-3 years.
What You Do
Plan and implement
early childhood
curriculum to meet the
physical, emotional,
social and intellectual
needs of infants,
toddlers and young
children
Plan activities and
source materials to
support the various
curriculum areas
planned for the children
What You Need
Passion and interest in
developing and caring for
infants, toddlers and young
children
Ability to work well with
children and families
Good communication skills
Provide a safe and clean
learning environment for
the children in the centre
Partner parents and
other key stakeholders
to ensure that centre’s
service meets the needs
of children and families
*Para-Educarers
start from $1,300
*Infant/Early Years
Educarers start
from $1,400
*depending on qualifications
and experience
Early Years / 08
Punetha D/o Krishnan, 39
Para-Educarer, Cherie Hearts Bright Kidz
18 years in the Early Childhood sector
Holds a Fundamental in Early Childhood Care
and Education Certificate
What is a day in your job like?
As an early childhood educator, I constantly
create new experiences to share with the
children – I do this collaboratively with the
main educator. I assist with the preparation
of activities and ensure the safety of my
charges, at the same time equipping them
with social skills and nurturing their love for
learning. Providing them with a safe, clean
and conducive environment for learning is
also my key responsibility.
What do you love about your job?
The smiles I see on the children’s faces and
the satisfaction gained from witnessing
their progress! I love working with young
children, to nurture and motivate them
through play and hands-on activities. It is
fun, rewarding, stimulating and enjoyable to
work with young children.
09 / Early Years
I’m
staying
strong in
the field!
I chose to do this
so that I can play
a part in helping
young children
develop in all
aspects – physically,
cognitively, socially
and emotionally
Why did you choose this field of work?
I chose this field as it keeps me cheerful.
Working with children keeps me
enthusiastic as their energy level is very
high. I chose to do this so that I can play a
part in helping young children develop in all
aspects – physically, cognitively, socially
and emotionally.
Infant Educarer, Pat’s Schoolhouse – Baby Haven
7 years in the Early Childhood sector
Holds a Certificate in Infant and Toddler Care, and
16-hr Early Years Development Framework Training
What does your job scope comprise?
I plan and organise each individual infant’s
daily programme - maintaining a highquality learning programme is important to
me. I ensure a clean and safe environment
for the infants, document daily observation
reports, and establish their diapering,
feeding, showering and sleeping routine. A
big part of my job is also to communicate
and form positive interaction and
partnerships with parents.
I’m a
backto-work
mum!
I find joy when
I see the infants
growing and
developing well
under my care
Which industry
were you from previously?
I was a receptionist in a car rental company
for 8 years and really enjoyed my job, but
gave it up to become a full-time parent after
my son was born. In the beginning, I had a
tough time handling my baby, but I started
reading about infant care and tried to apply
what I learned from the books. Sometimes
they didn’t work, but it made me understand
that every child is unique. Soon, not only
was I handling my own child; friends also
left their babies with me when they needed
a caregiver. I then realised the benefits of
caring for infants in a group – for example,
they are more likely to not crawl away when
I read to them together, then if I were to read
to them alone! The 15 years I spent being
a full-time parent changed my view about
caregiving. I’d begun to love babies and
understood the importance of authentic
relationships with infants. I’m grateful for
all the learning opportunities I’ve had and
have no regrets about joining this sector. I
believe I will retire as an infant educarer!
What do you love about your job?
I enjoy the challenge in building genuine
relationships with infants, helping them
grow and learn new skills, and seeing them
achieve new developmental milestones.
Early Years / 10
Educarers
Rhoda Ang, 58
Centre leaders may be known as a Supervisor,
Principal or Centre Director. They lead and mentor
teams of early childhood professionals.
Centre
Leaders
What You Do
Ensure daily
operations, finances,
human resource and
management of the centre are
carried out effectively
Work within the centre’s policies,
philosophy and procedures
Plan and co-ordinate change in
consultation with the centre’s
operator/licensee, management,
staff and families
Work with programme staff
to develop a holistic and
developmentally appropriate early
childhood curriculum
What You Need
Strong leadership
qualities
Excellent
communication and
inter-personal skills
Ability to liaise with
various stakeholders,
authorities and
organisations
Ability to manage
centre’s daily
operations, budget,
income and expenditure
Lead and manage delivery of
quality curriculum and plan and
monitor individual staff’s continuing
professional development
Ensure that centre’s service meet
the needs of children and families
*Centre Principals
/ Supervisors start
from $3,300
*depending on
qualifications and
experience
11 / Centre Leaders
This job is packed
with a whole lot of
satisfaction,
fulfilment and
pleasant surprises if
we choose to notice it!
– Tan Xin Yi Cynthia
Principal
Principal, The Caterpillar’s Cove Child Development and Study Centre
4 years in the Early Childhood sector
Holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Educational Studies
and Leadership (with Honours)
This job
brings me
to greater
heights!
Why did you choose this field of work?
At 18 years of age, it was difficult to know
for sure what vocation I wanted to pursue.
After weighing my options, I decided to give
Early Childhood Education in Ngee Ann
Polytechnic a try. I told myself to do my
very best in order to discern carefully if it
was the career for me. As I ventured deeper,
I found great fulfilment through the work
and interactions with people, and came to
discover that this field of work enriches me
not just as a professional, but completes me
as a person. This job is packed with a whole
lot of satisfaction, fulfilment and pleasant
surprises if we choose to notice it!
I include myself in the shift duties with the
teaching team, such as serving breakfast,
taking a class, being physically available
during the pick-up and drop-off times, and
chatting with families who come by the
centre.
What is a day in your job like?
As a principal, I manage centre operations,
support the professional development of
the staff, and the quality development of
the centre’s curriculum. I draw a balance
between the managerial and administrative
aspects of my job, and being ‘on the ground’
with my teachers, children and families,
which can mean being in and around the
different classrooms with the teachers and
children, or having small group discussions
with different teams of teachers and staff.
What advice would you give to new entrants
to this field?
As clichéd as it may sound, it does take
passion to sustain a career in this field.
Having confronted with a crossroad in
my own journey, I always encourage new
entrants or pre-service students to discern
their choices wisely and speak with people
who can give them good insight about
themselves, be it mentors or loved ones.
I enjoy and value the ground work because
this enables me to develop an authentic
understanding of the centre’s daily
operations, understand and empathise when
problems arise, and most importantly, earn
the respect from the staff as a dedicated
leader who does what is preached and never
stops learning too.
Centre Leaders / 12
Centre Leaders
Tan Xin Yi Cynthia, 27
Training &
Development Support
ECDA offers a range of support in your pursuit of
an exciting and rewarding journey as a teacher in
the Early Childhood Sector.
These courses are accredited as Diploma in
Early Childhood Care & Education - Teaching
(DECCE-T) by the Early Childhood Training
Accreditation Committee (ECTAC).
One-off learning
resource grant
of $1,050 for
study-related
expenses
Monthly
allowance
of $800
Annual Professional
Development Fund of
up to $1,000 per year
for Early Childhoodrelated supplementary
courses supported by
the Polytechnics (e.g.
Art, Speech & Drama, Special
Needs, etc.)
Full course
sponsorship
Programmes
Offered
Ngee Ann
Polytechnic
Diploma in
Early Childhood
Education
Diploma in Child
Psychology &
Early Education
ECDA Training Award
Funding
Offered
The ECDA Training Award provides
support for students undergoing the fulltime Early Childhood Care and Education
(ECCE) diploma courses at either Ngee
Ann Polytechnic or Temasek Polytechnic.
Temasek
Polytechnic
Early Childhood
Studies
PostStudy
Conditions
Eligibility
Criteria
Singapore Citizen
or Permanent
Resident at point
of application.
Meet the entry
requirements of
the course.
Full-time students
undergoing an Early
Childhood diploma
course at either Ngee
Ann Polytechnic or
Temasek Polytechnic.
13 / ECDA Training Award & Scholarships
All first, second
and third year Early
Childhood diploma
Polytechnic
Students are
eligible to apply.
Must not
concurrently hold
or be serving out
their bond for any
other scholarship,
bursary or funding.
A year’s
bond to the
Early Childhood
sector for each
year of support
Have keen interest
to start their
career in the
pre-school sector
immediately after
graduation.
Learning
Resource
Allowance
100% or 80%
Course Fee
Study
Bonus
Training
Allowance
For In-Service Teachers
on Part-Time Degree /
Master Programmes
For Pre-Service Teachers
on Full-Time Degree
Programme
Learning
Resource
Allowance
Centre
Subsidy
Subsidy for
Overseas
Immersion
Programme
100% or 80%
Course Fee
Programmes
Offered
Funding
Offered
National Institute
of Education
Master of Education
(MEd EC)
ECDA Scholarships
and Teaching Awards
The ECDA Scholarships and Teaching Awards
are offered to outstanding and deserving early
childhood professionals who wish to pursue a
Bachelor or Master degree in Early Childhood
Care and Education (ECCE) to enhance their
pedagogical practice as well as hone leadership
competencies.
We strongly encourage ECCE practitioners who
are committed to serving the Early Childhood
Sector to apply.
SIM University
Bachelor of Early
Childhood Education with
Management (BECEM)
ECDA also offeres Sponsorships for part-time Diploma
in Early Childhood Care and Education courses.
SIM University
Bachelor of Early
Childhood and Chinese
Language (BECCE)
For more information on the ECDA Training Awards,
Scholarships, Teaching Awards and Sponsorships, log
on to our website at www.ecda.gov.sg
Singapore Institute of
Technology (SIT)
Bachelor of Science in Early
Childhood Education (BSc ECE)
Eligibility
Criteria
Singapore
Citizen or
Permanent
Resident.
Not concurrently
holding or be
serving bond for any
other scholarship,
bursary or funding.
Have been accepted
into the programme
to be awarded a
scholarship or
teaching award.
ECDA-certified L2 teacher or
principal currently employed
with a child care centre
licensed with or kindergarten
registered with ECDA (For
applicants who are currently
in-service teachers).
.
ECDA Scholarships and Teaching Awards / 14
Professional Conversion Programme
(for Mid-Career Switchers)
Mid-career switchers who possess tertiary qualifications can enrol in the Professional
Conversion Programme (PCP) for Childcare Teachers or Kindergarten Teachers, and
undertake the WSQ Professional Diploma in ECCE (Childcare) [WSQ PDECCE (CC)] or Diploma
(Conversion) in Kindergarten Education - Teaching (NVKET) / WSQ Professional Diploma in ECCE
(Kindergarten Teaching) [WSQ PDECCE (KT)]
A one-time
grant of $2,000
learning resource
allowance to
be used for the
purchase of studyrelated materials
during the course
of study
90% course
fee funding
(after MOE’s
subsidy, if
applicable)
Programmes
Offered
Singapore
Polytechnic
Diploma (Conversion)
in Kindergarten
Education - Teaching
(NVKET)
SEED Institute
WSQ Professional Diploma
in Early Childhood Care &
Education [WSQ PDECCE]
(Childcare)
KLC School of Education
WSQ Professional Diploma
in Early Childhood Care &
Education [WSQ PDECCE]
(Childcare)
Funding
Offered
Early Childhood Care and
Education-STEP (Skills Training
for Excellence Programme)
Scholarship
The Singapore Workforce Development
Agency (WDA) is offering Early Childhood
Care and Education (ECCE) scholarships to
provide upgrading opportunities for the ECCE
teaching professions. In-service pre-school
professionals can apply for the ECCE-STEP
scholarships to pursue degree programmes
in areas of specialisations such as Chinese
language, child development or business
management.
More information on WDA’s ECCE-STEP Scholarships can
be found at www.wda.gov.sg
15 / Professional Conversion Programme for Mid-Career Entrants