The number of new preschool teachers has been projected to grow 18 percent* from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This means there is a great need to quickly prepare those interested to embark on a “Career that shapes young minds”, the theme of this year’s KLCII Virtual Open House.
The event, which took place on 9 April 2022, attracted more than 80 job seekers, including mid-career switchers. More than half of them attended the Mandarin- facilitated briefing sessions.
KLCII’s academic team introduced them to the world of early childhood (EC) education and how EC educators play a crucial role in nurturing our young children to become wholesome, positive life-long learners. They were walked through “A Typical Day of a Teacher in a Childcare Centre’ and presented with convincing reasons why a career in the sector would be meaningful and fulfilling for them.
The attendees also learned that there’s a clear career pathway and professional development tracks for them. The KLCII corporate sales team explained the courses available and the entry requirements. For those qualified for Infant Care/Early Years Teaching, there are the 5-month WSQ Higher Certificate in Infant Care Course and the 10-month WSQ Advanced Certificate in Early Years Course.
Preschool Teacher courses include the 16-month WSQ Professional Diploma in ECCE (Teaching) Course and the 13-month WSQ Professional Diploma in ECCE- Teaching (Conversion ) Course.
Participants were assured of KLCII’s value-added services such as practicum attachments, career counselling and job matching for all courses.
More importantly, they were fully apprised of the funding available for qualified candidates from SkillsFuture Singapore and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) for the WSQ Certificate and Diploma level courses.
Reference: * https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/preschool-teachers.htm
