Crystal Tan, Senior English Teacher at Little Skool-House at Ulu Pandan Community Club interacting with a child during a storytelling session.

Ahead of Teachers’ Day on 5 September, The Smart Local featured seven preschool teachers sharing the meaningful moments that keep them inspired in their careers. Three of our educators were featured:

1. Crystal Tan, Senior English Teacher at Little Skool-House at Ulu Pandan Community Club
   
   Crystal shared how meaningful it was to witness a child in her class complete potty training independently, which gave the child a sense of pride and empowerment. She explained that while such milestones may seem small, they reflect the vital life skills preschoolers gain under the guidance of educators. Far from being “just babysitters,” Crystal said early childhood teachers take on many roles and use purposeful play to nurture independence, communication, problem-solving, and emotional growth, preparing children for school and beyond.
   
   
2. Joyce Teo, Principal at Little Skool-House at Kent Vale
   
   Joyce recalled how the simple classroom agreement to “do my best always” left a lasting mark on her first batch of Kindergarten 2 children. One boy, who initially disliked colouring, began reminding his peers not to give up and to always try their best, a phrase that soon became a shared mantra in the class, encouraging one another in tasks big and small, from tidying cubby holes to packing up after play. The impact was so profound that even after graduation, the boy told his mother he was determined to keep giving his best effort in Primary 1. For Joyce, this experience remains a powerful reminder of how deeply educators can influence young lives and inspire lifelong values.
   
   
3. Chan Yin Jie, Executive Principal, My First Skool at Block 209 Ang Mo Kio
   
   Yin Jie shared how her role goes beyond teaching routines to shaping children’s earliest foundations through trust and care. She recalled a Playgroup child whose protective mother eventually saw her son thrive under Yin Jie’s guidance, and later asked that her next child also be taught by her. For Yin Jie, this heartfelt request and parental trust was a powerful affirmation that, while the impact of early childhood education may take years to fully unfold, every effort makes a meaningful difference in both children’s lives and parents’ peace of mind.

The article also highlighted the Early Childhood Development Agency’s (ECDA) ‘99% for the 1%’ Teachers’ Day pop-up event, encouraging the community to show appreciation for early childhood and early intervention educators, who make up about 1% of the workforce, yet are making a 100% difference.

Media coverage:

The Smart Local (25 August 2025)