When parents value early childhood (EC) educators as professional partners in their children’s holistic development, and work hand in hand with them, children thrive through consistent and targeted approaches both in preschool and at home. Many parents partner well with their children’s educators, but these moments often go unsaid.
To make sure the unsaid gets said, Preschool Market launched a new initiative, ‘Our Wonderful Parents’, on 11 May 2025. Supported by ECDA and Singapore Kindness Movement, it recognises and celebrates parents who actively collaborate with EC educators and appreciate the important role they play in their children’s lives.
What exactly constitutes a positive parent-preschool partnership, and how can parents contribute to it? Some educators share their experiences, emphasising the values of trust, respect, empathy and altruism — the key values which this initiative celebrates.
BUILDING MUTUAL RESPECT AND TRUST
“Parents and educators may have different experiences with a child. Through open communication and active listening, where a genuine effort is made to hear each other’s perspectives and concerns, a foundation of mutual trust and respect grows. When parents trust and respect my professional inputs, it builds my confidence as an educator and allows for honest conversations to create a more supportive environment for the child. Whether it’s setting boundaries or guiding the child’s emotional regulation, we work together to align strategies at home and in preschool.”
– Ms Siti Nurhannah Binte Hashik, Nursery Teacher, PCF Sparkletots @ Potong Pasir Blk 101
Over time and through consistent sharing of insights, Ms Siti Nurhannah gains the trust of parents who believe she has their children’s best interests at heart.
BEING OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS
“We had a first-time parent who was anxious about sending her child to preschool. To reassure her, my team and I talked to her on the phone beforehand and answered her questions. When the child started preschool, the parent was open to our suggestions and worked closely with us to help her child settle in. We are grateful for her partnership and trust in us. As a mother, I can understand the anxiety parents have about leaving their children in preschool. Winning parents’ trust may take time and patience, but once it is given, we can work together to support the child through this transition.”
– Ms Samantha Pua, Lead Teacher, Skool4Kidz Preschool @ Clementi NorthArc
Talking to parents helps Ms Samantha Pua understand their worries and suggest solutions that benefit their child, hence earning their trust.
BOOSTING TEAM SPIRIT THROUGH VOLUNTEERING
“Our centre has an active Parents Support Group that helps educators plan preschool events and activities. For example, during our annual Sports Day, parents take on emcee roles and volunteer with the event set-up. Their altruism and willingness to co-lead demonstrates empathy and an understanding of how demanding our job is. When parents collaborate on preschool initiatives, it lifts our spirits and motivates us in our work. Moreover, when children who are new to our centre see their parents getting involved in preschool activities, it helps them adjust well to their new environment.”
– Ms Cheryl Lin, Principal, My First Skool at Blk 153 Bishan
When parents volunteer for preschool initiatives, it sends a message to educators like Ms Cheryl Lin that they are supported and appreciated by families.
FOSTERING A THRIVING PRESCHOOL COMMUNITY
“I believe we are partners in every family’s parenting journey. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the collaboration we’ve built with families, such as working with parents to support a child through separation anxiety or receiving a simple “good job!” from parents at preschool events. These shared moments reflect respect and trust, which are the foundation of a thriving preschool community. When parents offer their support at events or check in on our well-being, it speaks volumes of their empathy and altruism. It not only uplifts educators but transforms learning for everyone.”
– Ms Fadhilah Abdul Rahman, Centre Leader, E-Bridge Pre-School @ Northshore Drive
Ms Fadhilah highlights how respect, trust, empathy and altruism collectively nurture strong parent-educator partnership, which in turn creates a joyful preschool experience for every child.
Nominate ‘Our Wonderful Parents’
Educators, let’s celebrate parents from your preschool who have partnered well with you. Nominate them for the ‘Our Wonderful Parents’ initiative by giving examples of how they demonstrate trust, respect, empathy and /or altruism in your partnership, and thank them with a token of recognition.
Submit your nomination by 11 July 2025 at ourwonderfulparents.sg.
