SINGAPORE, Oct. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC) will hold its first international conference, titled “Inspiring Excellence in Early Childhood Practice,” on October 17 and 18, 2024. This event celebrates NIEC’s 5th anniversary and will take place at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
The conference aims to bring together over 1,000 early childhood professionals, including educators, leaders, researchers, and policymakers. It will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and insights in early childhood education. The Guest of Honour, Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Singapore’s Minister for Education, will deliver the keynote address, sharing his views on early childhood education and announcing new initiatives that will affect the sector.
Mrs. Loke-Yeo Teck Yong, Director and CEO of NIEC, reflected on the institute’s five years of enhancing early childhood educator training. “This conference is a vital platform for professional exchange and celebrates the essential work of early childhood educators,” she said. She emphasized NIEC’s ongoing commitment to quality training and professional development for educators, ensuring they can effectively nurture and positively impact young children in Singapore.
The conference will feature three main topics: Professional Development, Pedagogy and Curriculum, and Trends, Policy and Local Research. Notable speakers include:
Professor Patricia Jennings from the University of Virginia, who will discuss “Cultivating Well-Being of Early Childhood Educators and Children in the Early Childhood Education and Care System.”
Professor Kenneth Poon from the National Institute of Education, Singapore, who will address “Inclusion for Preschool Children with Developmental Needs: Where Are We? What Can We Do? And What Is Next for the Sector?”
Professor Lynn Ang from the UCL Institute of Education, UK, who will talk about “Shaping the Future of Early Childhood Education to Enhance Educational Equality.”
The second day of the conference will be held virtually, offering 32 sessions that allow more than 1,000 participants from around the globe to join. Presentations will be in English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil, featuring both local and international speakers. Additionally, NIEC faculty will cover various topics that highlight the institute’s leadership in early childhood educator training.
Participants can look forward to an art exhibition showcasing works by NIEC students training to become early childhood teachers. There will also be a display of NIEC’s achievements and a booth promoting local early childhood research.
On October 16, pre-conference activities will include learning journeys to preschools and partner organizations, such as the Singapore Zoo and the Singapore Children’s Museum, along with a masterclass by Professor Patricia Jennings.
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