Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Fellows

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Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) Fellows

The ECDA (Early Childhood Development Agency) Fellows programme is one of ECDA’s key initiatives to recognise pinnacle leaders in the early childhood profession and expand opportunities for these leaders to further develop their careers and to fulfil their aspirations.

NTUC First Campus is proud to grow and nurture these exemplary early childhood professionals with high levels of leadership and professional expertise to work in our campuses and in the corporate office.

Ms Melissa Goh-Karssen
Senior Education Development Specialist, The Little
Skool-House International
BATCH OF 2018

Everyone is an individual in their own right with talents, limitations, and challenges. Diversity is a strength that opens up great opportunities, but it needs to be understood and accepted. Relationships that are built on trust, guidance and empowerment are the key to authentic beginnings and successful endings.

I feel strongly about equity and quality interactions in ECCE. I believe in advocating for equity which focuses on providing relevant opportunities for all based on their needs. So, I invite colleagues to rethink the way we interact with our children. My aspiration is to influence educators to look beyond operational demands and truly connect with children to effect significant and lasting outcomes.

Exclusive Interview
Ms Nagalinggam Thamarai
Senior Cluster Quality Manager, My First Skool
BATCH OF 2015, RE-APPOINTED IN 2018 & 2024

Ever since I could remember, I have always wanted to play a part in children’s education. There is nothing more fascinating than a child. Watching them grow and learn is one of life’s most humbling experiences. I believe every child can embark on their own unique learning journey – one that affords them with the values, dispositions and knowledge. I advocate for children to grow as healthy and creative individuals, in a nurturing environment, where children from all backgrounds feel included and able to take part in enriching learning experiences, and where parents can feel confident about sending their children.

Ms Suhana Binte Salleh
Cluster Quality Manager, My First Skool
BATCH OF 2018

It is important that our children are valued and respected as individuals. I believe we must stimulate and challenge our children, who each come with their own needs, talents and interests.

As a team of educators, we can support children’s learning through continual observation, planning, documentation and reflection. As an EC leader, I believe in inspiring educators, and guiding them to design and implement holistic learning experiences supported by appropriate and engaging pedagogies. As a pedagogical and organisational leader, I am committed to extending my professional learning, as well as sharing and co-creating knowledge with children’s families, colleagues and community.

Ms Justine Ho
Lead Learning Support Educator, NTUC First Campus
BATCH OF 2024

This guiding principle has been the cornerstone of my approach over the years, driving my dedication to fostering meaningful connections that propel both young children and educators toward success. I recognise that the inherent interconnectedness between educators, learners, and support systems is pivotal. By fostering authentic connections, trust is cultivated, enabling a collaborative environment where individual strengths are leveraged.

In early intervention, a strong rapport between educators and young children builds a foundation for effective learning. Learning support thrives on personalised connections, tailoring assistance to unique needs. Nurturing these connections not only enhances educational outcomes but also creates resilient, adaptive learning communities. I see my role as a catalyst for the development of holistic, well-rounded individuals by providing differentiated learning intervention to meet their overall educational and social needs.

Ms Rita Lim
Manager, Learning Support, NTUC First Campus
BATCH OF 2024

In today’s rapidly changing world, early childhood educators are challenged more than ever to create classrooms that give all children a good start in life, regardless of their socioeconomic status, needs and preferences.

Everyone has an important role to play in a child’s learning and development, be they parents, policymakers, administrators, interns or centre attendants. As leaders, we need to create a safe environment for our professionals to improve and innovate as they make learning fun and relevant to the children’s needs and interests and shape the future of teaching and learning. There are endless possibilities ahead and I look forward to driving positive changes in the sector.