PCF to Boost Inclusive Practices and Enhance Curriculum to Shape Resilient and Future-ready Preschoolers

• Around 50,000 children, up from 13,500 children currently, to benefit from the expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Invention and Entrepreneurship Approach (STEMIE) programmes to 320 PCF Sparkletots preschools by 2024
• 260 PCF Sparkletots preschools to be equipped with an Inclusion Coordinator trained to flag out children with potential developmental needs for further assessment

Singapore, 11 September 2022 – PAP Community Foundation (PCF) celebrated Family Day 2022 for the first time in three years since the pandemic with over 1000 staff and families present at the Singapore Zoo. Themed “Going Green Begins With Me”, this year’s Family Day focuses on fostering environmental awareness in children from an early age by teaching them about sustainability and the need to protect the environment. 

The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and the Ministry of Transport Dr Amy Khor (Chairman of PCF Family Day 2022 Organising Committee) and Minister for Communications and Information & Second Minister for Home Affairs Mrs Josephine Teo (PCF Council Chairman). 

At the event, Mr Wong interacted with Kindergarten 2 children who were called ‘Green Ambassadors’ for the day. The Green Ambassadors shared more about the animal they were representing, namely the orangutan, sun bear and komodo dragon, including facts about their habitats, what threats they face, and how everyone can play their part to preserve their habitats. 

Boosting Inclusive Practices and Enhancing Access to Quality Education for Every Child 

To equip preschoolers with future-ready skills, PCF will roll out the STEMIE programme to all 320 centres that offer kindergarten services by 2024, benefiting close to 50,000 children, up from 13,500 children currently. The STEMIE programme challenges preschoolers to create practical solutions for real-world problems, instilling resilience and cultivating essential skills in critical thinking and problem-solving. 

To increase access and give more children a better head-start in life, PCF aims to create close to 2,500 additional preschool places by the end of 2023. In addition, more will be done to advance inclusive practices in PCF preschools to ensure that children receive the same learning opportunities regardless of learning ability. By early 2023, 260 preschools will also be equipped with an Inclusion Coordinator amongst existing staff who will be trained to identify children with potential developmental needs and connect teachers and parents to the Inclusive Education Team to receive targeted assistance. 

PCF’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Victor Bay shared, “PCF remains dedicated to providing access to affordable and quality education for every child and we take pride in our continued efforts to create more inclusive preschools and to equip our children with essential skills for the future. We received great feedback from parents and children alike for our STEMIE programme that challenges little ones to be innovative, resilient and entrepreneurial, and we are excited to expand the programme to more centres. We also believe that every child deserves a good start with quality preschool education, despite their diverse learning abilities. Our efforts to advance inclusive practices in our preschools will go a long way to ensure that no child gets left behind.” 

Enhancing Quality Care for Seniors

PCF plans to expand its eldercare facilities in the next few years. The development of the 8th PCF Sparkle Care centre will commence in 2024. PCF also aims to set up more senior care centres in the next five years, in line with the Ministry of Health’s target to expand eldercare services to meet the needs of an aging population. Currently, there are seven senior care centres offering essential eldercare services in four areas: Maintenance Day Care, Dementia Day Care, Centre-based Nursing Care and Community Rehabilitation for our seniors. The centres serve a total of 440 clients in Day Care services (comprising Maintenance Day Care, Dementia Day Care and Centre-based Nursing Care), and 430 clients who are undergoing rehabilitation therapy. PCF also aims to set up Eldercare Centre services in selected senior care centres to expand its scope of services for the elderly; these Eldercare Centre services include active ageing programmes, befriending programmes, and referral services. 

As a community foundation to serve all Singaporeans, $460,000 was raised by PAP Community Foundation (PCF) North West District led by Mr Alex Yam, Mayor of North West District. The funds will be disbursed to 18 beneficiaries, which include Fei Yue Active Ageing Centre (Limbang), Lions Befrienders Active Ageing Centre @ Ghim Moh 18 and Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre.  

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ruth Shirley
ruth@aprw.asia
9712 0540

Shafeeqah Ahmad
shafeeqah@aprw.asia
9090 2798

About PAP Community Foundation

PAP Community Foundation (PCF), a charitable foundation founded by the People’s Action Party (PAP) in 1986, runs social, educational and welfare programmes and activities for the community. PCF is committed to nurturing a multi-racial, fair, just and inclusive society by providing educational, welfare and community services island-wide. PCF is also recognised as a Great Place to Work® and a Great Place to Learn™ by the Great Place to Work Institute. In 2021, it clinched first place in Asia’s Best Workplaces™ in the category of ‘Large’ workplaces. It provides preschool services through PCF Sparkletots, which is the largest preschool operator in Singapore with almost 360 preschools and an enrolment of over 40,000 children. It also operates senior care centres through PCF Sparkle Care.