There’s a Chinese saying, “Three year old fixes eighty” (三岁定八十) which means from the character and personality traits revealed by a three year old, one can infer that this child will have similar traits when he turns eighty.

Early childhood is an important period in children’s lives. Early childhood care and education (ECCE) is more than preparation for primary school. It aims at the holistic development of children’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Here are a few tips for parents on choosing a good kindergarten based on my past experience :

1. 1. The Principal, an educator, is the owner of the school. She is passionate about her field of work, qualified, knowledgeable and has absolute authority in reviewing and making changes to the curriculum.

   2. A wholistic curriculum that covers the basic needs of children, encompassing the Physical, Intellectual, Language, Social & Emotional development. With these basics, curriculum must be reviewed & modified regularly to meet children’s changing needs due to the ever evolving environment. For instance, in this pandemic season, how do we meet children’s social needs with physical distancing etc.

   3. A team of qualified and caring teachers who undergo ongoing inhouse trainings, focusing on inculcating good values to children, which is most effective when teachers themselves model the way they speak and interact with one another in school. Teachers therefore need to know the objectives of the curriculum.

   4. The school environment should be as near to nature and home environment as possible. Children learn best when they feel secure and peaceful in such environment.

As the founder, owner and Principal of Tadika Xaris, I am committed to empowering our teachers and parents to meet these needs and maximise the potential of every child in our care.

Datin Ang Chin Fan
MEd (ECE0 (UniSA)