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Preschool quality and staff characteristics in Singapore
Author
Suhaila Retas
Supervisor
Kwan, Celina Kh'uan Dai
Abstract
The objectives of this research are (1) to describe the quality indicators and staffing characteristics of preschool centres in Singapore and (2) to investigate the relationship between these two variables. A total of 88 staff comprising principals/supervisors, senior teachers, teachers and assistant teachers from 5 kindergarten and 5 childcare centres participated in this study.
Quality of preschools was measured using the revised version of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) on data on staff characteristics were collected through structured questionnaires.
The findings showed a mediocre level of global quality in the average Singapore preschool centre (total mean ECERS score = 3.97). Greatest variations in quality were found in areas of personal care and routine, language and reasoning, activities and program structure.
Significant differences were found in the qualifications, training and income of staff by quality of centres. The staff turnover rate was found to be associated with wages though not related to quality of centres.
Regardless of quality of centres, most preschool staff enjoy several work benefits and financial incentives. However, higher quality centres were found to provide staff with more opportunities to participate in professional development activities.
Quality of preschools was measured using the revised version of the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) on data on staff characteristics were collected through structured questionnaires.
The findings showed a mediocre level of global quality in the average Singapore preschool centre (total mean ECERS score = 3.97). Greatest variations in quality were found in areas of personal care and routine, language and reasoning, activities and program structure.
Significant differences were found in the qualifications, training and income of staff by quality of centres. The staff turnover rate was found to be associated with wages though not related to quality of centres.
Regardless of quality of centres, most preschool staff enjoy several work benefits and financial incentives. However, higher quality centres were found to provide staff with more opportunities to participate in professional development activities.
Date Issued
1998
Call Number
LB1140.25.S5 Ret
Date Submitted
1998