SINGAPORE - A new guide has been launched to help parents and early childhood educators work together and to address challenges in their relationship.

The resource, which is developed together with parents, educators, pre-school operators and sector partners, contains guidelines for various stakeholders to understand their roles in giving children a positive start.

It seeks to strengthen collaboration between parents and educators “to support continuity in learning, consistency of care and positive development outcomes in the early years”, said the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) in a statement.

The guide titled We Are Wonderful Partners! was launched on July 18 at Our Wonderful Parents Learn & Connect, an event at Safra Toa Payoh organised by educational consultancy Preschool Market and supported by ECDA.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming said children will have a more conducive environment to grow up and thrive when the adults at home and in school are aligned.

Recounting his experience, Goh said he allowed his youngest daughter in K2 to exercise more initiative at home after he learnt from her teacher that she had exhibited leadership qualities, including helping her peers at pre-school.

“I’m sure, many parents who are here also have similar insights and moments like this - where one conversation with our child’s teachers, educators, changes the way that you approach bringing up the child,” Goh said.

He said engagements and surveys done with parents and teachers have shown that parents want more clarity about their role in education. Meanwhile, educators indicated that they want to be seen not just as a service provider but as a partner.

He said the guide provides a practical way forward for parents and educators who want the best for the children.

ECDA said the resource is anchored on three core values that underpin effective parent-preschool partnerships, including trust from parents to...