Educational reforms are happening around the world and policy changes are commonly
initiated by governments for political or economic reasons. Singapore government
recognizes the importance of building a knowledge-based economy and is reflected
in the continuous rounds of education policy development and reforms. Since
2003, the Singapore Ministry of Education’s policy change in relation to the preschool
curriculum, have been geared towards more child-centred teaching with an
emphasis on play. In promoting preschools to adopt the play curriculum the government
has introduced nationwide training for all preschool teachers and principals. In
the past, the approach to education has been a meritocratic system and this has strongly
reflected and shaped Singapore culture and way of life. The dramatic educational
change means a shift from years of rigorous academic rote learning to a play
curriculum. This will not be unproblematic.
A qualitative case study research methodology was used to study the lived experiences
of the stakeholders in a kindergarten. The implications of the policy change and
the challenges faced by teachers will be explored.