Adopting a ‘bottom-up’ approach, inquiry-based learning empowers students — young and old — to ask questions about topics that spark their curiosity and to find the answers themselves through research and investigation. This approach nurtures critical thinking, enhances problem-solving skills, and cultivates a love for learning.
For early childhood (EC) leaders, such opportunities are available in the form of Inquiry-Based Action Plan (IBAP) projects. Guided by ECDA Fellows, participants engage in a learn-implement-reflect cycle. Through the experience, they gain knowledge and skills in specific EC areas to improve teaching and leadership practices in their centres.
In 2025, 18 IBAP projects were rolled out, including six new ones focused on different aspects of leadership. These aim to equip centre leaders and senior teachers with skills to better support educators and enrich learning experiences for children.
MAKING MEANINGFUL OBSERVATIONS
Observing children in the classroom goes beyond note-taking. To be effective, observations must be objective, relevant, comprehensive and well-documented. Educators also need to interpret the data to gain rich insights into each child’s interests, abilities, strengths and needs, so they can tailor learning experiences accordingly. EC leaders trained in observational and analysis techniques can guide teachers in adjusting their instructional practices to better support each child’s development.
TRY THIS: Hone your observational skills, guided by ECDA Fellow Ms Angeline Goh.
2ENHANCING THE INFANT CARE SETTING
A strong ‘image of the child’ is where children are recognised as capable and competent individuals and full of potential. For leaders of infant care centres, having this mindset can transform everyday practices. It helps them better evaluate and enhance infant care settings, understand infants’ learning capabilities, reflect on their practices, and design strategies that promote active learning experiences.
TRY THIS: Support infants’ active learning experiences, guided by ECDA Fellow Dr Cynthia Tan.
3MOTIVATING AND ENGAGING YOUR TEAM
EC leaders play a key role in leading with purpose and shaping workplace culture and morale. By reflecting on their leadership styles and understanding what drives motivation, EC leaders can learn to apply differentiated engagement strategies to build staff morale and strengthen team culture. Applying motivational theories and employee engagement frameworks can enhance job satisfaction and inspire educators to excel through intrinsic motivation.
TRY THIS: Boost teacher engagement and retention, guided by ECDA Fellows Dr Jacqueline Chung, Ms Jane Choy and Ms Ng Shu Ping.
COLLABORATING TO SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS
As preschools move towards greater inclusion and support for children with developmental needs, the lines between EC educators and early intervention (EI) professionals are becoming more fluid. Increasingly, they are exploring ways of working together to address each child’s unique needs. It is important to establish a clear team structure where both internal and external team members understand their roles, as well as systems and processes to facilitate effective collaboration for the child’s benefit.
TRY THIS: Promote collaborative teaming around a child with developmental needs, guided by ECDA Fellow Ms Janice Leong.
5
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE CLASSROOM
Designing inclusive environments means creating spaces that support children with and without developmental needs. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework helps educators plan proactively to remove barriers and ensure all children can participate and learn. By applying UDL guidelines, EC leaders can help educators create accessible and engaging learning experiences that cater to diverse needs, and provide every child with an equal opportunity to succeed.
TRY THIS: Plan and implement UDL in your preschool, guided by ECDA Fellows Ms Justine Ho and Ms Rita Lim.
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LEADING WITH CLARITY AND COURAGE
EC leaders often draw on their personal values to guide their leadership styles. When this is done intentionally, it empowers them to lead with a sense of purpose and impact. Tools like the Cynefin framework help leaders navigate complex situations and make informed, confident decisions. Meanwhile, Brené Brown’s courageous leadership model reframes vulnerability as a strength, encourages trust and authenticity, and strengthens team connections.
TRY THIS: Gain tools and perspectives to cultivate a culture of trust, where clarity in decision-making cuts through the noise and courage drives meaningful change, guided by ECDA Fellows Mrs Cara Wong and Ms Stacey Toh.