Through learning journeys, NTUC First Campus deepens professional expertise, bringing back practices that enhance teaching quality and raise standards across its preschools.

As part of NTUC First Campus’ (NFC) commitment to continuous professional growth and innovation in early childhood education, it regularly organises learning journeys, both locally and overseas, to expose its educators to diverse educational philosophies and best practices from around the world.

One such journey brought a group of educators from NFC and its preschools – My First Skool and Little Skool-House – to Anak Atelier in Bali. Anak Atelier is an early learning centre known for its holistic approach that integrates cultural appreciation and sustainability into children’s everyday experiences.

Through observation and co-facilitation with Anak Atelier’s teachers, the participants experienced first-hand how the school’s curriculum nurtures mindfulness, emotional intelligence and sustainability.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to Ubud Market, where participants explored how everyday choices, such as sourcing and using local, natural materials, can promote sustainable practices in early childhood settings.

The learning journey enabled the educators to observe first-hand how mindfulness and emotional intelligence can help children navigate challenging moments with calm and confidence, and observe how sustainability practices embedded in children’s daily routines can foster a sense of responsibility towards people, nature, and the environment.

Sustainability as a way of life

At Anak Atelier, sustainability is not taught, but lived. The school’s environment reflects a deep respect for nature, with every space thoughtfully designed using repurposed and locally sourced materials.

Our educators observed how intentional design and practice can make environmental care and cultural appreciation a natural part of children’s everyday learning. The experience reinforced NFC’s own commitment to integrating these values meaningfully across its preschools, strengthening its approach to holistic and responsible education.

Cultivating mindfulness and emotional intelligence

Mindfulness and autonomy are likewise embedded in the learning culture. Children are encouraged to make choices and solve problems independently, while practices such as breathing exercises and quiet reflection help them develop emotional awareness and self-regulation skills.Teachers model mindfulness through their own interactions,maintaining a calm and firm presence, guiding children to reflect and find solutions collaboratively. This reinforces a respectful and emotionally safe classroom culture.

For NFC’s educators, these observations reaffirmed the importance of creating learning spaces where children feel trusted, heard, and emotionally supported. Such environments not only nurture independence and resilience but also strengthen the quality of educator-child relationships.

Continuing the learning journey

As these educators return to Singapore, they carry with them fresh inspiration and practical ideas to enhance classroom practices across NFC’s network of preschools, nurturing children’s minds and their hearts and connection to the world around them.

Through learning journeys like this, NFC strengthens professional excellence and translates international best practices into local impact, continuously enhancing teaching quality and child outcomes.

The OLJ participants consist of Ann Li Chan and Brenda Lee from Little Skool-House, Czarina Louise Tacanay and Nur Amirah Bte Zainal from My First Skool, and Geraldine Teo from NTUC First Campus.