Forum: Pre-school centre leaders need to lead by example
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I refer to the articles “ 147 child abuse cases investigated by ECDA in 2023 as confirmed cases also rise 97% of pre-schools have installed CCTV cameras, ECDA to work with the rest to comply by Jan 2025
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) should be commended for its conscientious efforts and initiatives to develop and support the early childhood care and education industry in Singapore.
But I also agree with a parent who commented that trust in teachers goes far beyond the so-called “transparency” offered by the installation of closed-circuit television cameras as these are only recording machines.
Transparency promotes accountability in the alignment of human values and actions.
More can be done to professionalise the early childhood education field. Steps include putting into practice the early childhood code of ethics and creating more sustainable opportunities and activities that nurture trusting partnerships with families such as two-way communication, whenever appropriate.
Leaders in a centre are responsible for ethical practices in the centre and for giving teachers safe psychosocial environments to thrive in.
Centre leaders need to lead by example, and be present in the centre physically and psychologically to coach and mentor their teachers. They should not be more preoccupied with administrative tasks than curricular and pedagogical practices.
Only leaders who are present, responsible, committed and caring can beget caring and empathetic teachers who are professional in conduct and practices.
Rebecca Chan (Dr)
