DO NOT call them babysitters.

Many early childhood educators here see themselves as champions of young children.

For early childhood trainer Nancy Lee-Wong, 46, interacting with children and seeing them flourish under her care is the biggest reward her job offers.

To be at the forefront of her field, she took a master's in education, with specialisation in early childhood (MEdEC), in 2006.

The degree, awarded by Monash University, is offered by APMI Kaplan, a subsidiary of global education institution Kaplan.

Said Mrs Lee-Wong on working with children: "There's a sense of satisfaction, especially when I can help children overcome learning problems with my knowledge and training."

She recalled an incident 10 years ago when, as a director for a childcare centre, she met a three-year-old boy with a suspected speech impairment.

The child was cured of his impairment after his parents sought treatment on Mrs Lee-Wong's recommendation.

Another child advocate is Ms Josephyne Ho, 38, the director of EtonHouse Pre-School at Mountbatten Road.

The former flight attendant of 10 years gave up her job in 2003 to pursue a career in early childhood education.

Said Ms Ho, who took the MEdEC awarded by APMI Kaplan in 2005: "I love being around young children and was immensely interested in issues about young children and their education.

"So, I decided to make a career out of it."

According to Mrs Lee-Wong, the early childhood education scene is now a far cry from what it was 20 years ago, with rapid advancements in knowledge, teaching methods and technology.

Back then, early childhood educators were often labelled as babysitters and paper qualifications were not necessary for working with children.

Now, a good headstart in a child's early years is increasingly valued by parents and educators alike and the standard of early childhood education is rising.

The part-time MEdEC offered by APMI Kaplan has helped early childhood educators like Mrs Lee-Wong and Ms Ho gain specialist knowledge in their field.

Through lively discussions with experienced course lecturers, MEdEC students get to explore topics such as the social and political contexts of early childhood and how students with disabilities can be integrated into regular school programmes.

For those who do not meet the bachelor's degree pre-requisite for the MEdEC, APMI also offers a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies (BECSt), also awarded by Monash University.

Equipped with their MEdEC and experience, both Mrs Lee-Wong and Ms Ho have a vision for future generations.

Said Ms Ho: "(My goal is) to build the love of life-long learning as a foundation in children's lives."

Said Mrs Lee-Wong: "I'm now looking forward to being able to influence adults to guide, respect and enjoy children.

"And to help children to enjoy their childhood."

Both the part-time MEdEC (A$19,200 [S$25,160]) and BECSt (A$17,460) programmes start in October. The degrees are taught over six terms of 13 weeks. Other Monash University degrees offered by APMI Kaplan are: Master of Education with specialisation in leadership, policy and change, Master in Counselling and a Master in Organisational Leadership. For enquiries on these courses, call 6733-1877 or visit www.kaplan.com.sg

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