By Ms Siti Nadiah Binti Abdul Gani, Principal, PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Kaki Bukit Blk 525
Leadership isn’t just about being in charge — it’s about caring for the people around you. When you lift them up, they do the same for others too. The ripple effect can be far bigger than you ever imagined.
I’ve witnessed this firsthand as principal at PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Kaki Bukit Blk 525 for the past 12 years. My goal is simple: create a safe, nurturing space where children and educators can grow, feel empowered, and truly enjoy learning. When my team is happy and motivated, they give their best and children bloom into eager, confident learners.
Some of my educators have been with me for a decade. Winning the 2025 ECDA Outstanding Early Childhood Leader Award felt as much their achievement as mine. Together, we’ve built strong bonds with children and their families — a community I hope will continue growing and making meaningful change beyond our classroom walls.
A SECTOR WITH INCREASING RECOGNITION AND OPPORTUNITIES
The early childhood (EC) sector has transformed dramatically over the past decade. Educators now enjoy greater recognition through initiatives like the annual ECDA Awards and benefit from more professional development opportunities. Clear career paths exist through the Skills Framework for Early Childhood, while tools like the EC Continuing Professional Development Roadmap provide structured training for ongoing professional growth.
With a bachelor’s degree in EC education, I understand the value of continuous training. That’s why I’m committed to supporting my staff through formal courses, in-house sharing sessions and mentorship — helping them flourish alongside the children they nurture.
Ms Siti Nadiah (left) provides personalised mentorship to her educators, building their competence and resilience through constructive feedback and reflective dialogue.
It’s always a proud moment when team members step into a bigger role — like one of our beginning teachers who recently became a vice principal elsewhere. The key is having honest conversations about their aspirations and giving them the support to reach their goals. At our centre, I aim to create a place where educators feel trusted to tackle challenges, learn from mistakes and grow.
BEING MINDFUL MAKES TEACHING MEANINGFUL
There’s now greater focus on supporting children with diverse needs. Every child deserves a strong start and each one is unique.
We’re mindful about adapting our curriculum accordingly. Rather than traditional lessons where children sit quietly, they go outdoors for storytelling-and-dance sessions or explore learning stations filled with open-ended materials like building blocks. Children can explore and learn at their own pace.
Parents are our partners in this journey. From preschool celebrations to home visits, we share the children’s progress, exchange ideas and discuss ways to support learning at home.
Ms Siti Nadiah leads by example, engaging children in hands-on play experiences that foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking.
Formal EC education provides essential teaching skills, but hands-on experience matters just as much. Teaching methods evolve, and educators must continually refine and broaden their skills to stay current and effective.
I want to be part of transforming our dynamic EC landscape and shaping future generations. For me, the greatest reward is the work itself — seeing children and educators thrive and our community flourish.
