Forum: Holistic development built into core pre-school programmes
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We refer to Ms Heidi Ng’s letter “Build enrichment opportunities for pre-schoolers into core curriculum”
We agree with her on the importance of holistic development in early childhood education.
The curriculum in pre-schools is guided by the Early Years Development Framework and the Nurturing Early Learners Framework, developed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and Ministry of Education, respectively.
They place importance on the development of strong social and emotional competencies, values and dispositions for learning, alongside academic skills such as language and numeracy.
Pre-schools integrate these domains through play, storytelling, arts and movement activities, supported by warm relationships between educators and children.
Guided by these frameworks, pre-schools are able to ensure that their children have access to holistic development within their core programme.
Some pre-schools may offer enrichment opportunities which are optional and supplementary.
Parents who want their children to participate in these activities, such as learning journeys, may use their Child Development Account. Children from lower-income families can also tap the Preschool Opportunity Fund provided by ECDA, which helps defray the cost of enrichment activities and learning materials.
ECDA remains committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality early childhood experiences and a good start in life.
Caroline Seng
Director, Professional Development & Standards
Early Childhood Development Agency
