“Parents are the children’s first teachers,” says Ms Lee Wei Qi, an officer from the KidSTART programme by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA).
The KidSTART programme aims to help children from low-income families have a good start in life. Research has shown that the experiences in a child’s early years can significantly influence physical, cognitive and social development. These experiences have a lifelong impact on developmental, social and health outcomes.
With parents playing such a big role in their child’s early years, parents must have the skills and knowledge to nurture their children effectively.
As part of the Home Visitation team in KidSTART, Wei Qi goes to the homes of KidSTART families to empower parents in caregiving and enhance their knowledge and skills to better nurture their children’s development. For instance, she has shared with parent Mdm Nurhidayah Binte Abdullah about the benefits of purposeful outdoor play for children, the need to reduce screen time, and how to engage her children in conversations during daily care routines using evidence-based techniques.
Following Wei Qi’s visits and advice, Mdm Nurhidayah has seen her two younger children become more physically active and articulate.
Wei Qi also provides resources such as games, songs and rhymes that parents can use to improve their interactions and attachment with their children. If the families in the KidSTART programme require help in social and financial areas, they are also connected to community partners such as Family Service Centres and Social Service Offices.
KidSTART programmes
Since 2016, KidSTART has benefited more than 1,000 children living in Kreta Ayer, Bukit Merah, Taman Jurong, Boon Lay and Geylang Serai. ECDA will expand the programme to reach another 5,000 children over the next three years, starting with Woodlands and Bedok.
Home Visitation
A partnership between ECDA and two public hospitals, this programme has qualified professionals making regular home visits to parents or caregivers, to support pregnant mothers before birth and up till the child is three years old. Parents learn skills and practical knowledge for child’s growth, health and nutrition. In Group Connect activities, parents also receive peer support and reinforce their learning from the home visits.
Supported Playgroups
These are weekly community-based playgroup sessions by ECDA-trained facilitators, for parents or main caregivers and their toddlers aged 1 to 3 years old. Parents and caregivers build up skills in child development and parent-child bonding through structured, purposeful play.
Enhanced Support to Preschools
Selected preschools get additional resources to improve the support for parents, and to improve the child’s school readiness. This may include addressing poor preschool attendance and providing referrals to other support programmes.
To learn more about KidSTART and how you can support the programme, visit the KidSTART webpage.