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The GoodStart Early Childhood Conference 2024 was a landmark event that underscored the transformative power of collaboration in shaping the future of early childhood education. With the theme The Power of Collaboration, this year’s conference brought together educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and parents to explore how collective efforts can drive innovation, inclusion, and excellence in early childhood learning.
Supported by Workforce Singapore (WSG) and the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM), the conference highlighted the essential role of partnerships in fostering an ecosystem where every child can thrive. Through engaging keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities, GoodStart 2024 demonstrated that collaboration is the key to creating joyful, inclusive, and effective learning environments.
Collaboration has long been recognized as a driving force in education, and The Power of Collaboration was more than just a theme—it was a call to action. In today’s interconnected world, the challenges faced in early childhood education require collective solutions. By fostering partnerships among educators, parents, community leaders, and organizations, the conference aimed to build a more cohesive and resilient sector.
Key Highlights of GoodStart 2024
1. Keynote Address, Dr Esther Joosa, Arts of the Earth
The conference opened with an inspiring keynote by Dr Esther Joosa, an internationally renowned early childhood expert, who emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building a future-ready education system. The keynote set the tone for the day, reminding attendees that no single entity can bring about change alone—success lies in working together.
2. Guest-of-honor, Emily Lim-Leh, Author
Emily inspired the educators by sharing her testimony from being a mother to losing her ability to articulate herself, and how she learnt how to express herself by writing children's books. Throughout the journey, there were many different individuals who walked alongside her, support her, and helped her become who she is today.
3. Interactive Workshops and Play-Based Learning Sessions
Workshops were a key feature of the conference, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience with innovative teaching methodologies. Topics covered:
Co-Teaching Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms
Play-Based Learning: Merging Fun and Education
Building Stronger Parent-Educator Partnerships
Leveraging Technology for Early Childhood Learning
4. Exhibitors Showcase
This year's Conference featured a vibrant exhibition space where leading organizations, educational suppliers, and community partners showcased innovative products and services designed to enhance early childhood learning. Exhibitors included providers of play-based learning materials, technology-driven educational tools, and inclusive classroom resources. Attendees had the opportunity to explore hands-on demonstrations, engage with experts, and discover new ways to integrate creativity and inclusivity into their teaching practices. The exhibition served as a valuable platform for networking, fostering collaborations that will continue to impact the early childhood education landscape beyond the conference.
Exhibitors include:
Cignature Group
Circle of Care Consultancy
EDN Learning Discovery
Epworth Community Service
Families for Life
Focus on the Family
Kingdomgarten Preschool Services
Kydz International LLP
Let's Learn Outside
LittleLives Inc
NeuroTree Consultancy
Our Daily Bread Ministries
Presbyterian Community Services
Presbyterian Preschool Services
Singapore Repertory Theatre
SUSS
Toy 8
Vivo Kinetics Pte Ltd
Young Nautilus
4. Little Heroes of Inclusion Award
The Little Heroes of Inclusion Award was a heartwarming highlight of the GoodStart Early Childhood Conference 2024, celebrating preschoolers who demonstrated exceptional kindness, empathy, and support for their peers with developmental needs. Supported by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM), the award recognized young children who embodied the spirit of inclusion in their daily interactions, fostering a culture of acceptance and friendship. Their stories served as an inspiring reminder that even the smallest acts of kindness can create meaningful change, reinforcing the conference’s message that play transcends language and ability.
The Role of WSG and SKM in Transforming Early Childhood Education
Workforce Singapore (WSG): Investing in Educator Development
WSG played a crucial role in supporting the event by providing funding. Through funding initiatives, educators were able to attend training programs, upskill, and implement best practices in their classrooms. The conference provided a platform to inform the sector on the Industry Transformation Map for the Early Childhood Sector.
Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM): Paws for Kindness
SKM’s involvement underscored the importance of social-emotional development in early childhood education. The "Paws for Kindness" initiation was shared to help educators incorporate values-based learning into their curriculum. The conference highlighted:
How kindness fosters inclusivity and empathy among young learners
Successful case studies of kindness-driven programs in preschools
The role of educators and parents in modeling positive behaviors
Impact on the Early Childhood Sector
The conference left a lasting impact on attendees and the broader early childhood sector:
Increased Collaboration: Educators and organizations left with new partnerships, ready to co-develop programs that benefit young learners.
Stronger Community Engagement: Parents and community leaders were inspired to play a more active role in early childhood education.
Advancements in Teaching Practices: Many educators reported feeling more equipped to implement inclusive and play-based learning techniques.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Collaboration in Early Childhood Education
As GoodStart 2024 concluded, the message was clear: the future of early childhood education lies in collaboration. Moving forward, the sector must continue leveraging partnerships, investing in educators, and fostering kindness-driven learning environments to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.
With The Power of Collaboration as a guiding principle, the impact of this year’s conference will resonate for years to come, shaping policies, transforming classrooms, and enriching the lives of children across Singapore.
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