Our preschool teachers truly make a difference in our children’s lives. Find out what keeps these early childhood educators going, and how they embarked on this career path in the first place!
Aside from parents and siblings, teachers are perhaps the people who have the greatest impact on a child’s development. But let’s come clean: other than on Teachers’ Day, how often do you show appreciation for your children’s’ preschool teachers?
A few words of affirmation truly can make a world of difference when it comes to appreciating our hardworking early childhood educators. After all, many of them often go above and beyond their call of duty to help a young child flourish, and we really can’t thank them enough.
We talked to some of these educators, who shared heartwarming stories that we guarantee will tug at your heartstrings — and hopefully remind you to show your appreciation the next time you meet them!
1. Planting seeds of hope and love
Sherlyn Ho, Principal, Little Seeds Preschool (St. John’s – St. Margaret’s)
Observing how being with children always brought her a special and natural sense of joy and strength, Ms Sherlyn’s father encouraged her to consider a career in early childhood education. Now, as the principal of a preschool, she finds fulfilment in engaging with the younger ones (aged two to four), ensuring that they are seen, heard and understood.
Knowing that each interaction with the children has allowed her to leave a piece of herself with them has also proven to be incredibly rewarding. To her, every conversation or moment is an opportunity to plant a seed of hope and love, and she takes great joy in watching the children flourish.
One of her most memorable experiences was during an annual parent-teacher conference. After Ms Sherlyn shared their child’s successes, the parents took the time to offer their own positive observations about their child’s growth. Their heartfelt accounts brought tears to her eyes. To this day, she still remembers the profound emotions that she felt in knowing that she can make such a significant difference in a child’s life. The ability to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families is something which continues to inspire her in her teaching journey.
2. Changing the world, one child at a time
Joyce Teo, Vice-Principal, The Little Skool-House @ Kent Vale
As a young girl, Ms Joyce has always enjoyed playing with younger children. Intrigued by how quickly they learnt new things, this ignited her ambition to become a teacher one day. More specifically, a preschool teacher! With the aim of becoming an educator who would make a difference, this prompted her to enrol in an early childhood polytechnic diploma course, before obtaining her degree in the same field.
Fast forward to the present, Ms Joyce still gets excited seeing the children’s enthusiasm when learning about the world around them. Their infectious energy alone is enough to keep her going, and she’s constantly looking for new ways to pique their curiosity.
One of Ms Joyce’s most poignant memories was about a family from another country who were naturally worried about enrolling their daughter into a new playgroup class. About five months later, this family gave her a handwritten Teachers’ Day card. They shared that as first-time parents, it wasn’t easy placing their only child in the care of others, especially in an unfamiliar country. However, when they saw how much their daughter enjoyed preschool, they eventually felt assured and confident to leave her under the care of Ms Joyce and the centre. Reading that almost brought Ms Joyce to tears!
3. Teaching the way children learn
Jadyn Lee, Early Intervention Educator, PAP Community Foundation
Ms Jadyn’s journey to becoming an early childhood educator started in primary school when she interacted with her best friend’s sister who is on the spectrum. Taking early childhood development modules as part of her Psychology course in university helped her to make sense of the interaction which sparked her interest in finding out more about how special education teachers nurtured young children with learning needs.
During a volunteering stint at a special education school, she was deeply impacted by how even though each child had differing needs, the teachers still had a way of connecting with each of them, ensuring that no one was left out of the learning process. Indeed, they brought to life Ignacio Estrada’s famous quote, ‘If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn’.
To Ms Jadyn, seeing parents give back to the Inclusive Support Programme is the best display of appreciation. She fondly recalls a parent who, after their child’s graduation from the programme, wrote in to share her journey. Initially worried, the parent came to understand her child’s learning behaviour through the programme and learnt how to support him effectively. In the parent’s words, “not only do the children benefit, but the parents too”. This provided Ms Jadyn with great encouragement knowing that the parents leave the programme feeling empowered to support not only their own child, but others as well.
4. Impacting young lives
Nor Jannah Binte Muhammad Sabri, Senior Learning Support Educator, SPD
A background in child protection made Ms Jannah realise that in addition to emotional stability in the home environment, early intervention is another vital factor that’s key to a child’s positive growth and development. Wanting to make a positive impact, she decided to work with preschool children who had learning difficulties.
To Ms Jannah, the children themselves are motivation for her to keep going every day. Their smiles, and how they put in effort to become more skilled and confident in overcoming their difficulties in class and at home, makes it truly worthwhile for her. Having supportive fellow teachers and parents not only fuels her passion for her work, but also ensures continuity and reinforcement in the children’s learning at home.
A little can go a long way, and Ms Jannah feels appreciated whenever she receives handmade cards from parents and their children. Some parents also express their gratitude through a phone call or text, and even ask if she can continue to help their child after the completion of the programme!
Let’s show a little love every day
While the road may sometimes be challenging, it’s certainly rewarding. Here are some words of encouragement that they have for other early childhood educators:
Ms Sherlyn: “The work we do is challenging, but it truly matters. The children matter hence you matter too! Your efforts are making a tremendous difference, one child at a time. Carry this assurance and confidence with you; every moment of hard work is making a meaningful impact. Keep going, and know that what you do is valuable and appreciated.”
Ms Joyce: “Sometimes we don’t realise the amount of growth that a child has because every day in preschool passes by so quickly. But know that every day spent with a child, whether good or bad, is not a wasted day. Our role is building the foundations of the little lives under our care. Continue to give your best to the children, because you are changing the world one life at a time!”
Ms Jadyn: “Your willingness to accept and love every child in your classroom, regardless of their needs, creates a sense and culture of belonging. Belonging goes a long way in building an inclusive classroom. Never underestimate how much those little eyes are watching how you are showing kindness and creating space that is welcoming to all. In time, they will do the same!”
Ms Jannah: “Thank you for all that you do, and for being you. Although the journey may not always be smooth sailing, take each challenge that comes your way as stepping stones to greater heights. The children need you — you’re shaping the lives of our little ones!”
What these early childhood educators do is incredibly amazing, and we truly salute them! Feeling inspired to make a difference as a preschool teacher too? Find out all you need to know here.
This post is in partnership with the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
