WE THANK Mr Syed Alwi Altahir for his feedback ("More childcare centres good, but teachers are needed, too"; March 23).
We agree that attracting and developing early childhood professionals is a key priority for the sector.
Over the past few years, the Early Childhood Development Agency (Ecda) has introduced a range of initiatives to provide better career prospects and to enhance opportunities for teachers to join the sector.
For pre-service trainees, we are expanding the number of training places available at the polytechnics and at the Institute of Technical Education.
With higher discretionary admission quotas, students' passion and other qualities aside from academic results can also be recognised in the admission process.
Training awards are available to support students in their course expenses.
An improved internship curriculum will emphasise workplace learning for students.
Funding for Professional Conversion Programmes is available for mid-career professionals.
Through the Anchor Operator and Partner Operator schemes, Ecda will work closely with operators to improve career progression and professional development opportunities for teachers.
As announced during the recent Committee of Supply debate, Ecda will progressively implement a new Professional Development Programme over the next few years.
Besides providing teachers with monetary incentives at key milestones in their careers, the programme will offer structured training to prepare teachers for larger job roles.
Early childhood professionals play a critical role in supporting the development of our children.
Ecda will continue to work closely with the sector to enhance opportunities for professional development and career progression.
For more information, please visit www.ecda.gov.sg or e-mail contact@ecda.gov.sg
Esa Masood
Director
Policy and Corporate Development
Early Childhood Development Agency
We agree that attracting and developing early childhood professionals is a key priority for the sector.
Over the past few years, the Early Childhood Development Agency (Ecda) has introduced a range of initiatives to provide better career prospects and to enhance opportunities for teachers to join the sector.
For pre-service trainees, we are expanding the number of training places available at the polytechnics and at the Institute of Technical Education.
With higher discretionary admission quotas, students' passion and other qualities aside from academic results can also be recognised in the admission process.
Training awards are available to support students in their course expenses.
An improved internship curriculum will emphasise workplace learning for students.
Funding for Professional Conversion Programmes is available for mid-career professionals.
Through the Anchor Operator and Partner Operator schemes, Ecda will work closely with operators to improve career progression and professional development opportunities for teachers.
As announced during the recent Committee of Supply debate, Ecda will progressively implement a new Professional Development Programme over the next few years.
Besides providing teachers with monetary incentives at key milestones in their careers, the programme will offer structured training to prepare teachers for larger job roles.
Early childhood professionals play a critical role in supporting the development of our children.
Ecda will continue to work closely with the sector to enhance opportunities for professional development and career progression.
For more information, please visit www.ecda.gov.sg or e-mail contact@ecda.gov.sg
Esa Masood
Director
Policy and Corporate Development
Early Childhood Development Agency
