To attract more talent to join the preschool sector, salaries must go up and to do so, the Government and operators will work together. This was said by Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin at an appreciation event for preschool teachers at Kidz Meadow Early Childhood & Development Centre on 29 August 2017.
“It’s beginning to move as we begin to structure the ecosystem a lot better, and bring a lot more opportunities for different roles and responsibilities. We are very encouraged by the initial signs,” he said.
According to data gathered by Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) in 2015, preschool teachers earn between $2,200 and $3,000 on average. This was below the national median salary for university graduate of $3,300.
Teachers' Day Holiday
In a press release, ECDA announced that 99.9 per cent of 1,800 preschools in Singapore have answered the Government’s call to close on Teachers’ Day this year and recognise early childhood educators by giving them a day off. The initiative was first revealed last October by Minister Tan as part of the launch of the Early Childhood Manpower Plan.
“For all the important work the teachers do and their strong commitment, they deserve the day off. As the centre has informed us in advance about the closure on Teachers’ Day, I am able to make arrangements for my parents to look after my children,” said Karlyn Kwek, whose 3- and 4-year-old children attend Kidz Meadow Childcare & Development Centre.
While Teachers’ Day is an important symbol, Minister Tan said it is a part of a more holistic plan to recognise the profession, which includes professional development.
“I am very heartened to see the strong support from preschools and parents for Teachers’ Day. It strongly affirms the important role that our EC educators play in developing our youngest children. As shared by PM Lee at the recent National Day Rally, we will continue to do more to uplift the professionalism and standing of our EC educators,” said Minister Tan.
