When an educator at her daughter’s preschool was battling cancer, Ms Kion Wong organised playdates for the educator’s daughter, welcoming the child into her home for crafts, meals and fun activities. “When parents are unwell, it can be destabilising for the child. I wanted to introduce normalcy into her day by inviting her for a playdate with my own children, just like how the teacher had been looking after my daughter every day in preschool,” says Ms Wong, a home-baker who was among a group of parents recognised under the ‘Our Wonderful Parents’ last year, an initiative to foster positive parent-preschool partnership.
BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT & PARTNER
From creating a video montage for Teachers’ Day celebrations to accompanying the children on a field trip to Sungei Buloh, Ms Wong volunteered her time and energy actively at Far Eastern Kindergarten where her younger daughter, five-year-old Sara Zhan, attends.
A former preschool educator herself, Ms Wong understands the challenges of the job. She recalls feeling “wronged” in the past when parents scolded her for things beyond her control, such as their child getting bitten by a mosquito. Her experiences have shaped her attitude and empathy towards her child’s teachers.
Ms Wong accompanying the children from Far Eastern Kindergarten on their field trip to Sungei Buloh.
Mrs Ang Chui Hwa, Principal of Far Eastern Kindergarten, nominated Ms Wong for the ‘Our Wonderful Parents’ initiative in 2025.
“Kion showed genuine care and concern, readily offering a helping hand without expecting anything in return,” says Mrs Ang. “She always volunteers to help, be it accompanying the class to a wet market or collecting cardboard for a school activity. Kion understands the school culture and shares the same values, which is important when we work together to support the children’s learning experience.”
Ms Wong participating in a classroom activity with her daughter, Sara Zhan.
CREATE CONNECTION THROUGH SHARED EXPERIENCE
Ms Wong is motivated to establish a strong home-school partnership as she believes that when a child knows their parent is aware of what is happening in school, he or she feels assured. This opens the child up to sharing about their day. On the flipside, says Ms Wong, if parents are disrespectful towards the educators, children will pick up on this tension and may end up feeling insecure about school.
Even though she is a former preschool educator, Ms Wong remains open and respectful in her interactions with educators. This is a trait Mrs Ang greatly appreciates. “Kion tries to first understand the educator’s intentions before collaborating and offering suggestions. She gives credit to teachers and makes their day by encouraging them. Teachers often wonder if they are casting a stone into an abyss — by treating educators with respect, she is valuing them and their efforts,” she highlights.
Preschool educators do more than just teach the ABCs and 123s, points out Ms Wong. Educators build character, impart mannerisms and help children cultivate good habits. The easiest way for parents to show respect to their child’s educators is to communicate openly with them. “In any relationship, communication is key. If you have doubts or questions, communicate calmly with the educator instead of adopting an accusatory tone,” she says.
