Challenges Facing Pre‑School Teachers in Singapore
Nicole Chin, a 21‑year‑old teacher at a private pre‑school, explains why going on medical leave feels like a bad idea.
“If I take time off, the whole school feels the pressure—there are no extra hands to step in,” she says.
“It’s a guilty‑conscience problem: I want to recover, but the school almost always ends up scrambling.
Why Relief Teachers Are a Missing Piece
- Each class barely has enough staff, so no one can cover for a sick teacher.
- Teachers often have to pull in weekends to make up missed lessons or prepare the next day.
- Some get shushed for simply taking a health break.
Government Steps to Improve the Situation
On 29 October, Social and Family Development Minister Masagos Zulkifli announced changes aimed at making early‑childhood education a better, more sustainable career.
- Reviewing Saturday opening requirements – a move to balance work and life for teachers.
- Building a robust pool of relief teachers so regular educators can rest without fear.
- Giving government‑supported pre‑school teachers a 10‑30% salary bump over the next two years.
That translates to monthly wages between $2,900 and $6,600 by 2024, depending on experience, skill, and performance.
Real‑World Stories of Stress
One teacher, who asked to stay anonymous, reveals that she’s constantly on call over weekends, weaving lesson plans like a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat. She’s even heard peers being scolded for taking medical leave.
When she wants to use annual leave, she must announce it six months in advance—a daunting gesture that feels more like a lifeguard crossing out your name on the sea‑tide schedule.
Attrition Concerns in the Sector
Despite a passion-fueled entry, the Early Childhood Development Agency notes an annual attrition rate of 10‑15% in a workforce of ~23,000.
Teacher Jane (not her real name) plans to walk out after a decade, citing:
- Lack of salary progress.
- Demanding parents.
- Daily pressures that feel like a circus act.
She cites an incident where she missed a weekend text from a parent and received a storm of messages branding her as “inadequate.” Her final comment: “Even a raise won’t outpace the rising cost of living; I can’t imagine staying for another five years.”
Attracting more teachers, especially mid-careerists
New Teachers on the Horizon
Mr Masagos has a crystal‑ball vision: by 2025, the sector will need another 3,500 teachers. He says the bulk—roughly three‑quarters—will be mid‑career hires.
Mid‑Career Momentum
- Averages about 2,500 new mid‑career folks enrolling in certification courses each year over the last five years.
- Enrollment has jumped by 20 % since 2017.
- Most graduates jump straight into the sector.
The ECDA is doing its part, nudging lifers to sign up for the Early Childhood Career Conversion Programme (ECCCP) at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) or KLC International Institute (KLCII). Think of it as a career shuttle that lands you in a preschool office.
Other routes? Sure—there are certification courses offered by NIEC and private agencies that let you become an early‑childhood educator.
From Corporate to Classroom
Meet Mr Reuben Cheng, 48, who traded a public‑service desk in a year‑long “career switch” for a classroom. No kids of his own? No problem. He discovered a passion for helping special‑needs kids while volunteering at his church, and that lit the spark.
He earned a diploma at a polytechnic and joined the Fei Yue Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children. He’s now part of a multi‑disciplinary squad that includes therapists and other teachers.
“I can pull from my previous work when communicating with parents and helping them understand their kid’s progress,” he says. “Seeing those tiny victories—one step at a time—makes it all worth it.”
Rewarded for Impact
His dedication did not go unnoticed; Mr Cheng received the Outstanding Early Intervention Professional Award at the Early Childhood Celebrations on 29 October.
