Two of Skool4Kidz’ centre leaders, Ms Christina and Ms Vasandy attended a 12-day learning journey in Boston. This is part of a unique six-month leadership programme called Principal Matters 2018.
The trip, from 1 to 12 June, was designed as “a catalyst for each principal’s change management project”. It includes ‘shadow’ opportunities for principals to learn from overseas early childhood leaders in various contexts, such as Harvard University Center’s Developing Child and the Boston Children’s Museum.
Ms Vasandy at Boston University.
Principal Matters is a unique leadership programme. Built atop a behavioural competency model, the programme is specially developed for Singapore’s preschool principals by Korn Ferry Hay Group.
Fully sponsored by the Lien Foundation, the leadership programme aims “to nurture promising preschool principals in Singapore to drive long-term improvement in the sector”. Open to top-performing preschool principals, candidates must have at least three years of experience as principals, who are committed to a long-term career in the sector.
The programme consisted of a five-day experiential workshop and a 12-day learning visit to Boston, facilitated by Wheelock College. There were also several mentoring sessions spread over six months providing a rich environment for centre leaders to draw insights for their growth and development.
Principal Matters focuses more on the practical, behavioural aspects of successful centre leadership.
The programme is jointly conducted with Wheelock College in partnership with Sequoia Group. Participating principals are measured via a 360-degree evaluation that tracks individual performance. Both Ms Christina and Ms Vasandy shared that the experiences at the preschools in Boston were the most impactful.
“The bonds and impact they have created in their work was something for me to take away. They too had similar issues like what we face here in Singapore but the positive attitude of the teachers, the professionalism and the love they have for their profession is amazing,” said Ms Vasandy.
For Ms Christina, it was a wonderful, fun way to lean to become a change activist. “This learning experience has equipped me to help boost the dynamics and energy in the Skool4Kidz leadership team by contributing ideas, feedback and assistance for their development and growth,” she emphasized.
Ms Christina shares more on ‘Stay on Stray’, a unique method on doing quick and effective presentations on centre visits and key highlights.
© Skool4Kidz Preschool Singapore |