With 23 years in the early childhood (EC) sector, Ms Michelle Lee has embraced multiple significant “firsts”.
She was part of the inaugural 1999 cohort for the full-time Diploma in Early Childhood Education and became one of the first to lead a mega childcare centre serving about 1,000 children. In 2023, Ms Lee joined St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) International Preschool as Head of Nursery.
Her commitment to take on new challenges stems from her belief in the importance of growth — not only for herself, but also for the educators she works with. In January 2025, Ms Lee enrolled in the part-time Master of Early Childhood Education at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) as an ECDA Scholar. She expects to graduate by end 2026, aiming to create better learning environments where both educators and children can thrive.
GOING FROM EDUCATOR TO LEADER
What inspired you to become an EC educator, and how would you describe your guiding philosophy?
Michelle: My mother used to babysit my cousins and other children, so our house was like a mini childcare centre. She taught us to treat everyone equally, regardless of background, and to value kindness, a humble spirit and a positive attitude above all else.
These principles shape my philosophy as an EC educator and leader. I am always learning and listen to other people’s views because everyone has something valuable to contribute.
With so many ‘firsts’ under your belt, what drives you to take on pioneering roles?
Michelle: I never planned to be the first in anything! For example, I didn’t expect to get into the diploma course at Ngee Ann Polytechnic because I thought I had ‘bombed’ the interview. When I started as an educator, my focus wasn’t about climbing the ranks — I simply wanted to keep learning.
For me, experiences like the Singapore Preschool Accreditation Framework (SPARK) process weren’t about attaining certification, but about improving my centre’s learning environment and teaching quality.
How did you get through the challenges of being a leader in a new environment?
Michelle: Running a mega childcare centre wasn’t on my wish list, but I resolved to give it my best. I’m grateful for the support of friends and colleagues while I learned to lead nearly 80 staff and manage over 200 parents. It was a particularly stressful time because my sister fell very ill and I had to help care for my nephews.
Ms Lee (second from right) with her “pillars of strength” at the mega childcare centre, including her best friend, Norasyikin (far right).
BENEFITING FROM THE ECDA SCHOLARSHIP
Why did you decide to pursue the master’s degree at SUSS?
Michelle: At this stage of my career, I need to expand my knowledge and skills in both EC education and mentoring to better lead my team. I work with educators across various age groups, and I want to adapt my communication styles to meet their needs. Understanding how best to support educators at different career stages is key.
I chose the Teacher Trainer specialisation track in my degree to learn how to share knowledge more effectively, particularly in conducting workshops and implementing new ideas and innovations in the workplace.
Could you give an example of your learning that you’ve applied to your work at SJI International Preschool?
Michelle: I’ve learned to provide tailored feedback to adult learners. For instance, when guiding educators on documentation for parent-teacher conferences, I usually edit the document online and return it for revision. For less tech-savvy educators, I take a more hands-on approach.
In one-to-one mentoring sessions, I introduce various software tools and encourage their use in documentation, while also sharing resources like tech-related SkillsFuture courses to build their confidence and skills.
How has the ECDA Scholarship supported your learning journey?
Michelle: Beyond financial support, the ECDA Scholarship has opened doors to conferences, where I network, share and exchange best practices. These opportunities reinforce that EC is about making a positive impact on families and influencing other educators, not just caring for children.
Ms Lee (standing) enjoys sharing her knowledge and skills with the rest of the EC fraternity, as well as learning from them.
LOOKING AHEAD: CONTINUING TO MAKE AN IMPACT
After you graduate, what aspirations do you have for your career and the EC sector?
Michelle: I hope to lead a centre and build a team of educators with a growth mindset and strong passion for delivering quality EC programmes. Preschools should be joyful places for both children and teachers, where children can explore and learn in nurturing settings while teachers are motivated to enhance their skills and share impactful practices as part of a knowledge-building community.
What advice do you have for those considering the ECDA Scholarship pathway?
Michelle: Reflect on why you are interested in the scholarship. While it’s natural to seek better compensation or career advancement, it is equally important to genuinely desire to contribute to raise EC quality. For me, this field is a calling — to pour your heart and soul into nurturing children’s lives, and making a meaningful difference for them and their families.
