Wu, Sandra Pinhui

2022, Wu, Sandra Pinhui

This chapter examines the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on preschool education in Singapore. Since its outbreak in late 2019, COVID-19 has impacted all age groups across the globe, including children. Using Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as the theoretical frame, this chapter interrogates how Singapore has responded to this crisis through policymaking towards the care and education of young children. Through a top-down approach, it critiques how the government had swiftly rolled out policies to enforce safety measures and provide support, funding and resources for families and children during this crisis. It discusses the effects and impact of the pandemic on young children and ends with a set of recommendations for intervention and support.