At the Early Childhood Celebrations 2026 held on 26 September, 28 individuals and preschools were recognised for their contributions to the early childhood sector. Among them was Noor Hafidah Binte Ahmad Asrori, an assistant senior early intervention teacher at SPD@Jurong East Early Intervention Centre, who received the Early Childhood Development Agency’s (ECDA) Outstanding (Commendation) Award.
For Hafidah, the recognition is a milestone in a personal journey rooted in a simple dream: to nurture and support the next generation with care.
A journey rooted in purpose
Now in her 12th year as an early intervention teacher, Hafidah still remembers what first drew her to the field.
“I decided to join the sector because I want to make a positive difference in the lives of young children and their families. I believe that every child learns and develops at their own pace, and can thrive even more with the right support and guidance,” she shared.
Her days at the centre are busy but meaningful, with the first half devoted to teaching, followed by administrative work.
The pace and demands of the work were challenging at first. With support from fellow teachers and therapists, she soon settled in and never felt alone. Today, meaningful moments with the children continue to anchor her sense of purpose.
“Even during the toughest days, I try to remind myself that progress in early intervention is measured in small moments rather than big milestones. This work matters deeply because every child deserves the chance to reach their potential, and every family deserves to feel supported and hopeful,” said Hafidah.
Cultivating growth
“I believe that every child can learn and reach meaningful milestones when they are given appropriate support and encouragement. This belief guides my teaching as I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where each child feels valued and confident to explore and learn,” said Hafidah.
For Hafidah, every milestone a child reaches is a victory. She recalls a girl who had difficulty walking. With patience and regular exercises at the centre and at home, the girl eventually learnt to walk independently.
Supporting such progress also motivates Hafidah to keep learning. She regularly takes professional development courses to refine her classroom strategies.
“Early intervention offers a critical, time-sensitive window, so I view professional development as a responsibility. This knowledge allows me to collaborate more effectively with my team to develop a cohesive, holistic approach that empowers both the child and their family.”
An honour shared with families and colleagues
Hafidah sees the award as more than an individual achievement. It also recognises the collaborative spirit of the wider SPD team.
“Receiving the Outstanding (Commendation) Award is an incredible honour, but to me, it is truly a shared celebration. It affirms the trust that families place in us and celebrates the strength of the children I support every day. I feel this award is built on strong family partnerships and a shared vision that every child deserves a fair and strong start in life,” said Hafidah.
Looking ahead, Hafidah remains committed to walking alongside children and their families. Each day brings another opportunity to make a difference and celebrate the small victories that mark their progress.
Her advice to anyone considering a career in the field is simple and heartfelt: “Just go for it!”
Cover image photo credit: ECDA