“There is so much more to what we do!” – A Preschool Educator Talks About Life Beyond The Classroom

This Teachers’ Day, we chat with Melissa–a mum, Early Childhood Educator and student–as she opens up about what Early Childhood Educators experience and the little ways we can show up for them.

When Melissa’s preschool students head home, her day of nurturing young minds isn’t over. The senior Early Childhood Educator transitions from teaching a class of young learners to caring for her 4-year-old daughter as a single mother. It’s a professional role that requires a ton of dedication and involves lots of preparation work that often goes unseen, so we may not always realise how much these passionate educators contribute to ensuring our little ones develop well.

This Teachers’ Day, we’re shining a spotlight on dedicated educators like Melissa who shape our children’s earliest learning experiences. She shares what makes her profession deeply rewarding and how parents can meaningfully support their children’s Early Childhood Educators.

Finding joy and meaning in teaching

Melissa wasn’t always on the path to early childhood education. Originally having studied accountancy and finance, she turned to tutoring after realising a deskbound job wasn’t for her. The joy and meaning she found in teaching soon motivated her to take the leap into preschool education, a decision she describes as “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” That’s also how she discovered that being a preschool educator meant far more than simply teaching letters and numbers.

“One of my proudest moments involved a 4-year-old boy with selective mutism,” Melissa shares. “I made it my goal to earn his trust: sitting beside him during play, narrating what we were doing and giving him plenty of wait-time. After several months, he whispered a single word to me. A week later, it became two words, then short sentences. Until one morning, he greeted me with a whole conversation. His mother told me that school had finally become a place where her son felt safe enough to speak. Moments like this remind me why I chose to be an Early Childhood Educator.”

There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes

Melissa emphasises how Early Childhood Educators are essential in facilitating the power of play and exploration in children. “We design developmentally appropriate lesson plans, prepare teaching materials, evaluate children’s learning and continually reflect on our practices to improve them. Our role is to holistically nurture the child socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively while also building strong partnerships with families. It’s a profession that requires passion, patience and a deep understanding of child development.”

One thing that not all parents may realise, Melissa shares, is this. “A common misconception is that preschool educators are simply babysitters while teaching basic concepts like 1, 2, 3 or A, B, C. But there is so much more to what we do! We thoughtfully plan activities, set up spaces for kids to explore and learn, support their growth in every way, all while partnering with families and continually learning and improving our practice.”

Where dedication meets genuine care

Melissa also highlights that Early Childhood Educators share many of the same everyday experiences as families do. Melissa herself is a single mother who is also pursuing a diploma in infant care, thus having to juggle motherhood, work and studies. But being both a mum and an educator has been beneficial in positively shaping how Melissa parents. “It has made me more patient and intentional. I’ve learned to slow down and see things from my daughter’s perspective, like I do with the little ones at preschool … and try to create a similarly supportive home environment where she feels safe to explore and express herself. As a preschool educator, I am also very aware of my daughter’s developmental milestones and support her based on what she needs every step of the way.”

Being a parent of a preschooler also helps Melissa establish a relationship with her students’ parents. “I know what it’s like to have a young child, so I try to listen without judgment and offer practical suggestions based on what I’ve observed in class,” she says. She encourages parents to adopt a more holistic approach to early childhood education, recognising that reading and counting skills, as well as social-emotional development and play-based learning, are crucial for lifelong learning.

Working with families to let children thrive

Melissa adds that open communication helps preschool educators to better support children, and she encourages parents to engage actively, whether through simple daily conversations or attending preschool events. “We’re all on the same team, with the same goal: helping our children thrive. Trusting your child’s Early Childhood Educators also helps them to do their best with confidence.”

Melissa adds that there are parents who make it a point to greet her and share words of encouragement, and it’s these little acts of kindness and acknowledgement that really matter, acting as that extra boost needed, especially during tiring days. “Some of my favourite moments are when parents drop a kind message, express their trust in us, or simply take the time to volunteer in school activities. It really means a lot and reminds us why we do what we do.”

While Early Childhood Educators make up about 1% of the workforce, their impact on young children and their families is 100%. As for us, the remaining 99%, we can show our support to children’s educators all year round — and with Teachers’ Day coming up, there’s even more reason to do so!

Visit the “99% for the 1%” pop-ups at Our Tampines Hub (22 – 24 August) or One Punggol (29 August – 1 September) to press a larger-than-life button to demonstrate your support for our Early Childhood and Early Intervention Educators! Psst, you don’t have to be a parent, a fellow preschool educator, or work in education to show you care. Everyone can play a part. Can’t make it in person? You can still click a virtual version of the button here to show your support!

“99% for the 1%” Teachers’ Day Pop-Ups, Our Tampines Hub (22 – 24 August, 10am – 7pm) and One Punggol (29 August – 1 September, 10am – 7pm),  www.go.gov.sg/99forthe1percent