$20 Million Boost for PCF Sparkletots Educators’ Professional Development

Singapore’s largest preschool operator and employer also seeks to grow pool of teachers to 6,300 by 2022

Singapore, 25 September 2018 – PCF Sparkletots has set aside $20 million for its teachers’ professional development over the next three years. As the largest preschool operator and employer with over 360 preschools and an enrolment of over 43,000 children, PCF Sparkletots is committed to supporting the government’s efforts in transforming the Early Childhood Education sector. Over the past two years, PCF Sparkletots has been increasing its spending on training and development. Today, within PCF Sparkletots, there are more than 4,000 teachers with diploma or higher qualifications. To support the national effort to grow preschool capacity to meet the needs of young families, PCF Sparkletots also expects to grow its pool of teachers to 6,300 by 2022.

These were announced by Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Home Affairs, Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and PCF Executive Committee Chairperson at the official opening of PCF Sparkletots @ Bishan North Blk 409 this morning. The event was also graced by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for Social and Family Development & Second Minister for National Development. During a tour of the preschool, GOH Mr Desmond Lee, Mrs Josephine Teo and guests witnessed various lessons conducted at the preschool such as story-telling, music & movement, and art & craft activities. They also viewed the children’s art exhibits and interacted with PCF Sparkletots parents and staff.

PCF Sparkletots @ Bishan North Blk 409 will offer full-day childcare and infant care services for up to 151 children, ranging from the age of 2 months to 6 years old. Spread over close to 9,000 sq ft, the two-storey centre is located in a stand-alone HDB block at 409 Sin Ming Avenue. Students also have access to a garden within the preschool where outdoor learning is conducted.

PAP Community Foundation, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Victor Bay shared, “At PCF Sparkletots we are always looking at opportunities for children to be involved with the wider community. We are glad that the centre’s garden at PCF Sparkletots @ Bishan North Blk 409, recently achieved the Gold banding in the Community in Bloom Awards 2018. This would not have been possible without the combined efforts involving the residents, parents, children and staff. These collaborations between the preschool and the wider community will provide for an even richer learning experience for our young children.”