ECDA recognises that the role of an early childhood educator can be both physically and emotionally demanding. To support educators in caring for their well-being and navigating challenges in their professional journeys, we have curated a non-exhaustive list of resources and support channels below.
As employment matters are managed by individual preschool operators, educators experiencing workplace-related grievances are encouraged to raise them with their centre leadership or preschool organisation’s HR department, in accordance with the organisation’s internal HR policies and procedures (where applicable).
1. Mental Health Support Resources
a) Mindline @ Work
Mindline @ Work is a digital platform developed specially to support the mental health and well-being of Singapore’s workforce. It offers a comprehensive suite of resources to address common work-related concerns, such as coping with burnout, managing workload, and supporting staff well-being.
Educators can also connect directly with trained counsellors by dialling the national mindline at 1771, via WhatsApp chat (+65 6669 1771), or through the Mindline online chat widget.
b) Education Services Union (ESU)’s counselling service
Educators who are ESU members may register for free counselling sessions conducted by the College of Allied Educators (CAE) Counselling Centre by visiting this link or scanning the QR code below.
Educators who are unsure if they possess ESU membership can check with their preschool operator or contact esu@ntuc.org.sg. For more information about ESU membership, educators may visit the ESU website.
c) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses
Educators may wish to register for ECDA-endorsed Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses to develop their skills and competencies in stress management, self-care and building resilience. Examples of such courses include “Building Resilience: Stress Management” (English and Chinese versions) and “ABCs of Resilience and Self-care for Preschool and Early Intervention Educators”. Educators may refer to ECDA’s CPD Prospectus for more details.
2. Safeguarding Your Physical Health
To help educators reduce physical strain during the course of their work, ECDA has partnered with the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health on a video series “Move Right, Teach Bright” to equip educators with practical ergonomic tips, focusing on back and knee care techniques, to prevent injuries, strengthen posture and adopt safe work habits. Educators may access the video series here.
3. Resolving Employment Disputes
Educators who require help in managing employment disputes (e.g. salary, wrongful dismissal) may wish to tap on the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM)’s support services. ECDA encourages all preschool educators to understand their employment rights and seek help early.
How TADM can help you:
a) Advisory Services
Provides guidance on your options for managing an employment dispute. You may also use the “Ask TADM” chatbot to get immediate answers, assess/file your claim, or make an appointment to speak to a TADM Advisor. Claims must be filed within specific time limits.
b) Mediation Services
Provides mediation services for salary-related employment claims, wrongful dismissal claims, and appeals under the Retirement and Re-employment Act referred by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
To understand more about TADM and their services, please visit https://www.tal.sg/tadm/about.
4. Reporting Unfair or Discriminatory Employment Practices
Educators who experience or witness unfair or discriminatory employment practices (e.g. workplace harassment, discrimination, unreasonable employment terms) are encouraged to raise their concerns directly with their centre’s leadership personnel or preschool organisation’s HR department. Educators may also wish to refer to their organisation’s whistle-blowing policy, if available, for guidance on how to report such matters.
If no adequate actions are taken to address the concerns raised, educators may consider filing a report with the Tripartite Alliance for Fair & Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP), as all employers are subject to MOM’s regulations and guidelines on fair employment practices.
