ABSTRACT
The early childhood (EC) sector in Singapore comprises childcare centres and preschools for children from birth to age six, before starting school the year they turn seven. The EC sector positions mentoring in three ways: (i) as a quality indicator, (ii) as continuing professional development, and (iii) as a professional role. National policy developments in the sector reflect the importance of mentoring being recognised by the Singapore government as a pathway for career advancement of EC professionals (ECPs) as well as a strategic plan for improving program quality within EC centres. The Skills Framework for Early Childhood Care and Education (SkillsFuture Singapore, 2016b) outlines three career pathways. The mentoring of educarers, teachers and leaders are detailed within these pathways. This chapter will discuss how the positioning of mentoring is reflected in national EC policies in Singapore, and how systemic decisions influence ECPs’ roles and responsibilities including pedagogical approaches adopted within local EC settings.
