What is Middle Childhood?
Middle childhood (usually defined as ages 6 to 12 years old) coincide with Piaget's Concrete Operational Stage in his 4 stages of cognitive development theory. This is where children finally discover logic and inductive reasoning.
They begin to know themselves better and begin to understand that their thoughts and feelings and unique - thus developing the ability to emphatize and care for other. Children also start to spend more time away from they family and gain influence from others outside of their circle through formal school, activities and friends.
As they experience the world around them, they begin to develop their own unique identities.
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What is Student Care (SCC)?
Student Care Centres (SCCs) provide care and supervision to school-going children aged 7 years (Primary 1) to 14 years (Secondary 2). SCCs provide a conducive environment for the children’s holistic development in various dimensions – physical, intellectual, emotional, social and moral development, as well as a place to rest after school hours.
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Student Care Centres provide a continuum of care for children as they enter primary school, and support working parents in the care arrangements for their school-going children.
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Student care programme includes supervision of children’s homework, organised play, enrichment and recreational activities. Some centres organise excursion trips and camps for children during school holidays.
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Community Based - Centres that are situated around the neighbourhood (void decks, community centres and malls)
School Based - Centres that are situated within the school's premise
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Both type of SCCs are operated by both private and VWO entities and are required to be registered under Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to administer Student Care Financial Assistance (SCFA) subsidies. For more info please refer to ComCare and Social Support Division.
What is STARS?
Student Care Association Republic of Singapore (STARS) is a non-profit trade association formed in 2018 to represent the interests of the student care industry and middle childhood education in Singapore. We aspire to elevate the level of professionalism and assist teachers to provide better care and services through enhancing industry policies and provide professional training and development.
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We work closely with educators, researchers, parents, schools, ministry and other community members to raise the quality standards of the middle childhood care and education in our country.
MYTHS
about Student Care
Teachers are like baby sitters or part-time helpers
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Anyone can be a student care teacher
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SCC Teachers are unqualified and have no professional training
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Being a SCC Teacher is easy
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FACTS
about Student Care
SCC Teachers form an important role in a child's middle childhood development
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Teachers instill positive values and develop children's character to equip them for the 21st century
Teachers undergo comprehensive training and developmental programme
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The centre is a second home for most of the children. For some, it is their only home.
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