The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) will be introducing a degree scholarship programme to support individuals who wish to pursue a career in the sector.

Every Singapore citizen or permanent resident who successfully enrols in the new full-time Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at SIM University (UniSIM), which commences in July next year, will be invited to apply for the scholarship.

The ECDA Training Award (University) includes full sponsorship of the direct honours programme, learning resource and professional development grants, and a monthly allowance. With each year of the scholarship, the student will commit to work a corresponding year in the early childhood education sector.

Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin announced the new initiative at the ECDA Scholarships and Awards Presentation Ceremony 2016 yesterday.

He said ECDA will also introduce a new Commendation Award from next year to recognise and celebrate the achievements of outstanding Training Award recipients.

Awardees will be selected for being outstanding role models for their peers and for consistently performing well in their studies, including during their internships and practicum.

Suitable candidates will be nominated by their respective institutions and selected by ECDA to receive a certificate of commendation and a cash prize of $1,000.

Mr Eugene Leong, chief executive of ECDA, said: "These training awards complement our recently launched Early Childhood Manpower Plan to enable educators to have more career progression opportunities, a supportive working environment, and greater respect and recognition."