Embarking on a career as a kindergarten teacher in Singapore is both a noble and fulfilling journey. By nurturing young minds during their formative years, you play a pivotal role in shaping children’s future development.
This guide outlines the steps to becoming a kindergarten teacher in Singapore as of 2025, offering insights into the qualifications required, the certification process, and practical tips for thriving in this rewarding profession.
Kindergarten teaching in Singapore is a vital profession that plays a significant role in shaping the early childhood development of young children.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the early childhood education sector in Singapore.
Kindergarten teachers in Singapore are trained to provide high-quality early childhood care and education to children aged 18 months to 6 years old. They are responsible for creating a nurturing environment that promotes children’s physical, emotional, and social development.
The future of early childhood education in Singapore looks promising, with the government investing heavily in the sector.
The ECDA has introduced various initiatives to improve the quality of early childhood education, including the introduction of the Singapore Pre-school Accreditation Framework (SPAF) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Fellowship.
These initiatives aim to raise the standards of early childhood education and provide kindergarten teachers with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Kindergarten teachers in Singapore cater to children aged five to six, preparing them for primary education. Aspiring educators often pursue specialised training and certifications to work effectively in early years settings.
Beyond teaching foundational subjects like literacy and numeracy, they foster social, emotional, and personal development. Their responsibilities include:
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), under the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), regulates kindergarten teaching in Singapore.
To embark on this career, certain academic credentials are essential:
Prospective kindergarten teachers must obtain accreditation from the ECDA. The process includes:
Practical experience is invaluable for aspiring teachers. Many preschools and childcare centres offer internship opportunities that provide hands-on teaching practice. Additionally, volunteer work in early childhood settings can enhance teaching skills and provide exposure to real-world classroom environments.
Successful kindergarten teachers possess a blend of soft and technical skills, including:
Kindergarten teachers in Singapore are entitled to a competitive salary and benefits package. The salary range for kindergarten teachers varies depending on their qualifications, experience, and employer.
However, on average, kindergarten teachers in Singapore can expect to earn a monthly salary ranging from SGD 2,500 to SGD 3,700.2 In addition to their salary, kindergarten teachers are also entitled to various benefits, including:
A career in early childhood education offers various advancement opportunities, such as:
Lead curriculum development and mentor junior teachers. For example, a teacher with five years of experience might transition into this role by coaching new educators on classroom management strategies.
Managing preschools and ensuring quality education standards. An educator who has demonstrated strong leadership skills may move into this role, overseeing staff, budgets, and curriculum development.
Design educational materials and programmes for preschool education. A teacher passionate about curriculum design could work in an organisation that develops structured learning materials for preschools.
Teaching future early childhood educators in tertiary institutions. Some experienced teachers take on this role, guiding the next generation of educators through training workshops and university courses.
Teaching young children is highly rewarding but comes with challenges. Here are some common difficulties and strategies to handle them:
My First Skool is one of Singapore’s leading preschool providers, with over 160 centres island-wide, offering a nurturing and innovative learning environment that puts relationships at the heart of our kindergarten curriculum.
As a kindergarten teacher at My First Skool, you will benefit from:
If you are passionate about shaping young minds and creating a strong foundation for children’s future, consider joining My First Skool to embark on a meaningful career in early childhood education.
