Early childhood educators have shared with the union that they hope more can be done to improve their salary, career and professional development, as well as the image of their profession. We firmly believe that efforts centred on the areas of Pay, Progression and Image will complement the on-going initiatives in making pre-school education Affordable, Accessible and of high Quality. We have recently engaged the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to share these views, and our recommendations to attract and retain pre-school teachers, whether they are fresh graduates, mid-career professionals or existing educators.
Early childhood educators must be compensated competitively. And beyond just the starting pay, there should also be clear career progression paths for them. Suggestions have been put up to ECDA to set pay guidelines and share anchor operators’ pay ranges as benchmark reference for other operators. We are also glad that our call for a review of the tender system at Housing and Development Board (HDB) sites has been considered as operators need to operate on a viable and sustainable business model for the long-term benefit of our educators.
There is also a need for more encouragement and support to be provided to early childhood educators for them to pursue continuing education and training. Efforts may include offering more scholarships and training awards to those who are keen to attain relevant Degree or Masters certification, making Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses available in Chinese to expand the reach and benefit more pre-school teachers, as well as addressing barriers which prevent educators from training. For instance, providing relief manpower support to pre-school centres will allow teachers to attend CPD courses, or for those who are on part-time diploma courses.
Many educators voiced the need for greater public awareness of their roles as early childhood professionals. This will allow members of the public, especially parents, to better understand the professionalism and responsibilities to be expected of early childhood educators, as well as remove any misperception of them as merely nannies or caregivers. There should also be efforts to highlight the complementary roles that parents can play in the early childhood education of their children. When parents and pre-school teachers work hand-in-hand, young children will receive a more enriching early childhood learning experience, both in the pre-school centre and at home. We are glad that ECDA is supportive of this move.
The Education Services Union believes that with a concerted effort from all stakeholders to enhance the profession by improving the Pay, Progression and Image of early childhood educators, it will be an choice career that will attract and retain quality early childhood educators.
Ang Hin Kee
Executive Secretary
Education Services Union
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