Average Daily Non-contact Time for Educators in Preschools
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the average daily non-contact time for educators in preschools under the Anchor and Partner Operator schemes and potential reviews of teacher-child ratios. Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked for data on non-contact time and whether a tiered staffing model involving distinct ratios for educators and assistants would be considered. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that data on non-contact time is not tracked, noting that minimum staff-to-child requirements were last reviewed in 2017. He explained that current ratios are calibrated based on programme levels and staff qualifications, such as the requirement of one qualified educator for every eight Playgroup children. The Minister added that preschools can deploy non-certified staff for assistance and often operate above minimum requirements to meet manpower and programming needs.
Transcript
85 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Social and Family Development (a) whether the Ministry has data on the current average daily non-contact time for educators in preschools under the Anchor Operator and Partner Operator schemes; (b) when was the teacher-child ratio last adjusted; (c) whether the Ministry will review the current ratio; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider a tiered staffing model with distinct ratios for early childhood educators and ancillary care assistants.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: The Early Childhood Development Agency does not have data on the average daily non-contact time for educators in preschools.
When the Early Childhood Development Centres Act was enacted in 2017, minimum requirements for staff-to-child ratio for preschools were reviewed to ensure the safety and well-being of children. These ratios are calibrated based on the programme level of children, type of programme hours and the qualifications of staff. For example, one qualified early years educator is required for every eight children at the Playgroup level during programme hours. During non-programme hours, or if an additional assistant early years educator is deployed during programme hours, this can increase to 12 children.
Preschools can and do operate with more than the minimum staff requirement to cater to their programming objectives and manpower deployment needs, such as staff leave and training. On top of staff-to-child ratios, preschools may also deploy additional non-certified staff to assist certified educators with setting classroom routines, and the daily care and supervision of children.