SINGAPORE - Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing announced two new initiatives on Thursday to attract and develop pre-school teachers.

A training award which sponsors polytechnic students' course fees will be extended to students from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

The award will be available to students pursuing a Higher Nitec in Early Childhood Education. It provides full sponsorship of course fees and a monthly study allowance, among other things.

Recipients must serve a one-year bond working in the sector for each year of support received. Students who complete a two-year course will receive about $16,300 from the training award and serve a two-year bond.

A new Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Leadership will also be introduced for existing pre-school staff keen to pursue a leadership role in their centres.

The new diploma replaces the current 'Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education - Leadership' and focuses more on management skills.

Mr Chan announced these initiatives at a ceremony recognising recipients of the Early Childhood Development Agency's (ECDA) Scholarships and Training Awards.

Applications for the ECDA ITE Training Award can be made from November, while the new diploma will be offered at polytechnics from 2016.