Taska Precious Steps, TTDI

Taska Precious Steps, TTDI, is an early childhood education centre for children ages 3 to 6 years. The preschool, which has been around since 2009, was established by Ms Kitty and her husband, Mr Chin. They both play a very hands-on role in the centre, working closely with students and teachers to build a supportive and loving learning environment.

The founders, who are parents and educators themselves, wanted to create a preschool that nurtures children in a holistic way. Ms Kitty, in her visits to preschools in the USA, observed that young children over there seem to be more confident, expressive, and creative in their communication. She realised that this has a lot to do with what kids are exposed to in schools, and so sought to set up a place locally which could help children build these skills.

They also have an edible garden, where kids help to plant vegetables and fruits; such as cucumber, mustard greens and organic mango. The students love planting, watering, and making salads using the plants they grow.

On top of this, the children make compost from any plant-based kitchen waste.

At the end of every month, students are assessed through methods such as show and tell (for the older kids), where teachers act as facilitators.

Children in Taska Precious Steps are also taught values that go beyond academics, as part of their aim is to develop good character. To achieve this, the centre follows the Character First Education programme (from the USA) that focuses on topics like sincerity, patience and honesty.

In the afternoon, parents may opt to have their kids join quality enrichment classes, in subject like Mandarin, Speech & Drama, and Creative Arts & Crafts.

It is easy to see that students who attend the centre are in good hands, as they are well prepared to enter Primary 1—be it in an international, government, or national-type (Chinese) school.

The team at Taska Precious Steps believes that every child is different, and all individuals have their own unique strengths and challenges. This is why they give personalized attention and effort for each child, despite following a mainstream education programme. Children who are able to excel faster than their peers are encouraged and allowed to grow in this centre.

Annually, the centre holds a concert with charming performances by the young and talented students, while every mid-year the centre will have a sports day—where even parents will have their own set of obstacle courses and activities.

Parents of students at the centre play in active role in their child’s life, and often come along for outside events, such as a night search for firefly larvae at Bukit Kiara!

Many of the educators at Taska Precious Steps have either a degree or diploma in early childhood education, or have qualifications in pre-primary Montessori education.

Teachers who work at this centre need to be creative, and constantly make sure that students are learning in a positive environment. The centre maintains that every word a teacher says does matter, as it will affect the child.

At this preschool, the educators play instruments, sing, and use different technologies to teach little ones. They also receive regular training that polishes their observational and assessment skills, classroom management, and teaching techniques.