The Education Services Union (ESU) welcomes the directions and plans as laid out by the Implementation Committee for Enhancing Pre-School Education (ICEPE) to enhance preschool education.
Paramount to a quality preschool education will be teachers. We note that one of the focus areas will be on strengthening teacher training, and hope that the new initiatives will lead to better training, pay and recognition for our early childhood educators. We need to attract, develop and retain teachers with passion and skills to help nurture our young.
We also hope that more can be done to improve career progression pathways for teachers. Teachers should also have easy access to training and upgrading opportunities so that they can be better trained. At the end of the day, we want to see these teachers enjoy their work and be recognised for their improved professionalism. Offering support to these front-line staff will also include administrative support, resources, technological innovation etc.
The design of the centres of the future and the development of the teachers of tomorrow will be areas which will be important so that every child that is undergoing preschool will benefit from a holistic learning environment.
Building on our tripartite relationship, we look forward to engaging the new statutory board to build upon the good work done so far to uplift the early childhood education sector.
Ang Hin Kee
Executive Secretary
Education Services Union (ESU)
