What is Early Childhood Education?

[SOT] Foundation for lifelong learning

It's the foundation for lifelong learning.

The first six years of life are critical for brain development. By age five, a child's brain is already about 90% developed - showing how early experiences shape learning, health, and behaviour into adulthood.
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It's a holistic approach to nurturing a child's development.

Beyond routine care, early childhood education supports a child's physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. From play to caregiving, every moment is a learning opportunity, intentionally guided by skilled early childhood educators who are grounded in science and training.
[SOT] Partnership between schools families & communities

It's a partnership between schools, families, and communities.

When educators, families, and the community work together, our children thrive. This collaboration builds shared understanding and trust, creating a cohesive and supportive ecosystem that nurtures young minds.

The Many Roles That Shape Young Minds

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Infant and Early Years Educator

Infant Educators work with infants aged between 2 and 18 months old and Early Years Educators work with young children aged between 2 months and 4 years old. They are primarily responsible for creating a safe environment for the young ones to discover their potential. Besides teaching and carrying out play activities with these children, they also manage routine care.
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Preschool Educator

Preschool Educators work with children aged between 18 months and 6 years old. They enrich children's learning by carrying out a curriculum that prioritises aesthetics and creative expression, discovery of the world, language and literacy, motor skills development, numeracy, as well as social and emotional development.
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Early Intervention Educator

Early Intervention (EI) Educators assess, plan, deliver and review interventions for children with developmental needs. EI Educators can work in specialised EI centres, or in preschool-based EI programmes such as the Development Support Plus or the Inclusive Support Programme. In EI centres, EI Educators conduct transdisciplinary meetings and partner families and allied health professionals to ensure that children with developmental needs receive appropriate support. In preschool-based programmes, EI Educators co-plan and co-deliver lessons with Early Childhood Educators, while working with allied health professionals to embed EI strategies into daily preschool routines.
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Mother Tongue Language Educator

Bilingualism is the cornerstone of Singapore's education policy and an integral part of our identity. Mother Tongue Language Educators play a vital role in developing children's language skills and cultural understanding through meaningful learning experiences, while building their enthusiasm for learning their Mother Tongue.
SOT Learning Support Educator

Learning Support Educator

Learning Support Educators assess, plan, deliver, and review learning and in-class support for children aged six and below who require low levels of early intervention support. They help these children develop academic, behavioural, social, motor and communication skills, and work closely with preschool educators, allied health professionals, and families to support the children's needs.

Hear from our inspiring educators

Yap Yi Hui Preschool Educator

"Just try it. You never try, you never know." These words from Preschool Educator Yap Yi Hui capture the essence of taking that first step into early childhood education.

From childhood dream to fulfilling reality, Yi Hui shares how rewarding it is to see lesson plans come to life, witness children's daily discoveries, and receive heartfelt appreciation from families.

Watch the full video here.

Nur Radhiah Infant Educator

To be their first teachers in preschool - that's a huge honour." Infant Educator Nur Radhiah recounts why she decided to focus on nurturing our youngest learners.

A firm believer in parent-preschool partnership, Radhiah sees how early childhood educators and families are able to create a lasting impact by working together during children's early years.

Watch the full video here.

Chris so Early Intervention Educator

"Join Early Intervention earlier!" quips Early Intervention Educator Chris So, as he reflects on the advice he would give to his younger self.

Once an aspiring footballer and policeman, Chris discovered his true calling in early childhood education. He sees a promising future for the sector as educators work together, shaping an early childhood landscape that ultimately benefits all children.

Watch the full video here.

B Rubini Mother Tongue Language Educator

"Mother Tongue languages are the bridges to our precious heritage." That's why Mother Tongue Language Educator B Rubini treasures and loves what she does.

Passionate about culture and cooking, Rubini brings Tamil language learning to life through sensory and meaningful experiences. By weaving cultural elements into daily activities, she helps children embrace their mother tongue as part of their cultural identity.

Watch the full video here.

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About ECDA

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) serves as the regulatory and developmental agency for the early childhood sector in Singapore.

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