The Education Services Union (ESU) welcomes the updated curriculum framework for kindergarten in Singapore. While the framework ensures minimum pre-school education standards, pre-school educators, through numerous conversations with us, call for equal emphasis to be placed on character development. Many were inspired to become pre-school educators because of their passion to make a difference to the lives of our children. They aspire to set their young charges on the right path in life and to grow up holding the right morale values. They are an important part of the equation to delivering a holistic pre-school education and ensuring our children are prepared not just for Primary 1, but for life’s challenges.
In translating their passion into action, we urge the Ministry and operators to offer more support and resources for educators to access training to upgrade their skills and professionalism. As important it is for us to recognise and respect them as professionals, and accord them fair salaries and career opportunities, it is only through concerted efforts to improve salary, image and professionalism that we will be able to attract, motivate and retain good pre-school educators with passion to BE the difference.
Ang Hin Kee
Executive Secretary
Education Services Union
