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Are you thinking about engaging in study before starting work in the early childhood sector? Have you considered what life will actually be like once you've completed your basic training? Here we offer some career insight by talking to someone who's already walked that path. So, join us now as we offer the inside scoop on being an Assistant Teacher.
The early childhood care and education industry is a rewarding career path to take. Whether you're a teacher or an assistant teacher, allied care and education is an area that's in high demand. As such, anyone taking basic training in early childhood is ensuring a stable and secure professional future for themselves.
Is the early childhood care and education industry growing in Singapore?
Yes, it is. Since 2012, child care places increased by more than 40% (Source: ECDA), a trend that is set to continue for the foreseeable future. This means the need for trained teachers and assistant teachers continues to grow. There aren't many 'jobs for life' like there used to be, but teaching certainly seems like a professional with a bright future.
So, now to the part, you started reading for. We got together with an assistant teacher, Erina, and asked her to tell us about her personal development in teaching and what the industry is like today.
So, Erina. How did you end up working in childcare?
My aunts were preschool teachers, so I grew up with deep respect and knowledge of the industry. Back then, however, there were still a lot of differences in how preschools ran. Namely, a lot of the training and education for the role was actually gained on the job.
I did a small amount of caring and teaching within my family for my much younger siblings while studying in ITE, and once I completed my Fundamentals Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education training at RSI straight out of ITE, I began working as an assistant teacher in the 18 months to 4 years group. This has always been where my interest lies.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is actually educating the children in my care and to enable and observe joy and growth within their own knowledge, interpersonal skills and holistic skill set. I enjoy being a preceptor to new assistant teachers and providing parents assurance on their children’s progress. Simply put, I enjoy working with children and adults.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
I feel that childcare is heading for many significant changes due to a focus on high quality programmes. We also see a shift in children’s health and developmental issues from manageable conditions and delays to higher spectrum disorders occurring in more and more children today. Being certified in caring and educating children alone is becoming insufficient for me as an assistant teacher, as the need for managing children with special needs and the need for digital skills in the profession grows. These are progressional changes, which in themselves can be challenging but also refreshing.
What advice would you give to someone joining the early childhood care and education industry?
I advise people wanting to enter early childhood care and education to be prepared for a dynamic and exciting career. Be sure that it suits you and that you want to stay in it for the long haul. Also, be prepared to embrace change, as the industry invariably does on a regular basis.
Study Effectively with RSI Today!
What great insight from Erina, to whom we're very thankful for taking the time to answer our questions. After reading Erina's words, suppose you feel that a career within the early childhood profession may be for you.
In that case, the great news is that gaining the required basic skills and knowledge is easier and more fun than ever, thanks to our ECDA-accredited and CPE-registered shortest certified professional course in Early Childhood. If you want to see what it's like, you can dip your toe in by checking out our course preview.
We also offer high-quality training for business, leadership, people management and digital and first aid sectors, so you can find something that suits your needs by visiting us at www.rsi.edu.sg. You'll also see details of your learning roadmap and the fact that all of our training comes with learner support. Alternatively, to speak to our team about your personal and professional development training, call us at 6392 5072 or email us at training@rsi.edu.sg. As soon as we receive your enquiry, a team member will get back to you as soon as they can.