The National Council of Early Childhood Education held a one-day training course for preschool teachers on Monday in partnership with the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture.

The Council’s President Lemalu Kuinimeri Tamata told the Samoa Observer that the objective of the training is to enhance and upskill the teachers' knowledge in a bid to boost their careers.

“This program is also for principals to know how to assess teachers with what levels they are with their teaching skills,” she said.

“Today’s training is to enhance the knowledge of teachers with their teaching skills before school starts next week.”

A total of 140 preschool teachers participated in the training course and included teachers from Savai’i.

According to Lemalu, the teachers were also taught on how to differentiate themselves from their colleagues who are teaching in primary and secondary schools, in terms of the lessons and the target student population.

“Early childhood education is really important for little children, if a teacher does not know how to handle a student, there will be a huge problem,” she said.

“There are some good teachers who are devoted to their careers and are excellent with children but a few are careless and lazy with their calling as teachers.”

Preschool teachers are responsible for nurturing children in their young age and the impact of their teaching shows through the actions of the child. 

The non-wage paying voluntary aspect of a preschool teacher in Samoa was also highlighted during the one-day training course with Lemalu thanking them for taking on the role voluntarily minus remuneration.

It is understood close to 98 per cent of preschool teachers are females with 2 per cent male.

People who become teachers in preschools are also expected to provide meaningful and relevant opportunities for young children to interact with one another. 

There are different forms of informal and structured play that develop language, understanding, social competence, self-regulation, physical strength, imagination and creativity.

Early childhood education also promotes that each child is valued, respected, feels safe and secure and develops a positive self-concept before entering primary school.

The council initially planned to hold training for teachers from both islands, only for those living in Savai’i to travel over for the one-day event.