Articles
Strong Leadership is Key to Professional Development in the Early Childhood Sector
Educators need good leadership to nurture and inspire the next generation. This sentiment is held strongly by Dr Siti Shaireen Selamat, Dean of Faculty & Leadership Development at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC). As a veteran teacher and leader with over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, Dr Shaireen recalls being drawn to leadership only after discovering new avenues to contribute with the help of her own mentors.
This article explores the diverse career pathways available to early childhood professionals with varying strengths and interests. Joining the conversation on leadership and its role in Singapore’s preschool education ecosystem are Dr Shaireen and graduates of NIEC’s Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Centre Leadership (ADECL) Jasline Lou and Marie Luo.
What defines a strong leader in early childhood education
According to Dr Shaireen, leaders are not an ambition, but a calling. More than simply managing a team’s administration, leadership in early childhood education requires self-awareness, empathy, and the desire to support one’s teams.
"A leader is not a leader without a follower. So, if you don't relate to the team, which comprises your teachers, it can be a very difficult job to undertake.”
The self-awareness aspect is particularly critical as only an individual with clear insights into their strengths can select a path that is most appropriate for their team. At the same time, self-awareness allows leaders to recognise how their actions and communication affect teachers, parents, and children, enabling them to adjust their approach accordingly.
Challenges can take various forms and arise when least expected. Dr Shaireen believes that the best leaders are those who can rise to the challenge and rally their teams no matter the circumstances—all while staying true to their core responsibilities.
Building early childhood leaders through learning and community
Beyond attending a course, comprehensive leadership skills need to be developed through community learning and a strong support system. As Dr Shaireen explains, “You don’t become a leader by going for a course, but by learning from other leaders.”
Being receptive to learning from others is also supported by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA)’s Leadership Development Framework, which highlights the growth mindset as a reflection of one’s genuine care for others as well as commitment to both personal and professional growth.
Nevertheless, programmes such as ADECL provide educators with valuable support networks and confidence to take on bigger roles. As Principal at Little Skool-House (SingHealth Tower) Marie Luo explains, courses help gather like-minded individuals and empower them to bounce ideas off one another, creating a safe space where no educator feels alone in their struggles.
“Our class was filled with aspiring leaders who had a passion for early childhood and were motivated to learn. At the same time, everyone had struggles... whether in administration, building a culture, or grooming a team.”
For Jasline Lou, English Vice Principal at M.Y World (Bukit Batok West Plains 2), the friendships formed during her studies continue to support her leadership journey. These enduring connections serve as a lifeline of encouragement and inspiration, inspiring lightbulb moments that demonstrate how seemingly daunting challenges can be overcome.
How early childhood educators develop leadership skills on the job
The development of leadership skills extends far beyond the classroom, continuing as educators navigate the real-world challenges of early childhood education. For Marie Luo, leadership is a muscle she continuously exercises by identifying areas for improvement. This mindset was shaped during her Supervised Leadership Practicum, where she not only learned to enhance a centre using measurable, research-driven methods but also gained the ability to mentor others effectively. Today, Marie oversees a team of 30 educators—a testament of her dedication towards leadership and development since embarking on her early childhood career in 2014.
This sentiment is echoed by Jasline Lou, who emphasises the need to constantly “learn, relearn, and unlearn” as she collaborates with therapists and parents to support children through behavioural challenges. It is an endeavour that she takes on with pride, always being willing to listen to understand their needs rather than sticking to a one-size-fits-all prescriptive approach.
"Witnessing a child's successful integration into the mainstream, knowing it resulted from strong collaboration between school and home, is what makes being part of their early years so meaningful"
Unlocking new leadership pathways in early childhood
Dr Shaireen, who shaped her own leadership path when there were no formal systems in place, firmly believes that being a self-starter is key to discovering new leadership opportunities that may not seem possible at first. Nevertheless, she emphasises the importance of hands-on classroom experience—a non-negotiable prerequisite to understanding environmental challenges, children’s needs, and taking on further leadership roles in early childhood education.
Whether in classroom teaching, management roles, curriculum development, or capacity planning, true leadership is not defined by credentials alone, but tangible impact. Dr Shaireen believes that every educator can carve out a unique role based on their strengths, regardless of their starting point or whether they have formal training.
“A true leader's impact extends well beyond the classroom and into the lives of all teachers and students.”
Step up as a leader in early childhood development
As lifelong students, the journey of a teacher and leader never truly ends. NIEC welcomes aspiring trailblazers in the early childhood sector to explore a wide selection of leadership courses designed to support diverse individuals throughout every phase of their career. Whether you aim to be a centre leader, curriculum specialist, or mentor to your peers, investing in professional development is a decision you won’t regret. Embark on your leadership journey today and help shape a brighter future for early childhood education.
“Leadership is a journey, not a destination. By investing in professional development, educators are not just advancing their careers—they are shaping the future of early childhood education.”
