Faces of Kinderland puts a face to the wonderful team working at Kinderland. Today, we chat with Ms Charlotte Wong, Senior Business Manager & Infant Care Expert.

Currently into her 8th year at Kinderland, Charlotte has close to 20 years of experience working with children. She began specializing in Infant Care in 2013 and holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood from Monash University.

1. Tell us a little more about your role and what Infant Care is?

I guide and shape the full spectrum of Infant Care, from curriculum development to training teachers and even business development, such as expanding our Infant Care programme to countries like China.

Infant Care – referring to the programme for babies and toddlers aged 2 to 18 months – picked up when there was an increasing trend of both parents working. Parents are now more willing to place their infants in the hands of trained professionals who provide quality care and early development.

Thus, the Infant Care programme has expanded and progressed to provide respectful and responsive care with adequate love for young ones while still allowing much-needed space for individual growth.

2. Why did you choose to be in the early childhood education sector?

I started my career in finance and human resource – Charlotte laughs – Yes, it’s quite different. In my heart, I always felt a tug to go into early childhood education and thankfully the experience gained during my earlier years have helped to lead me to where I am now. I am extremely appreciative to get to do what I do today. Being able to shape young minds through our teachers and principals, watching them learn and develop has been incredibly heartwarming and keeps me going!

3. What is a day in your life like?

I start off every day checking in with my team. There’s a lot of planning involved – in activities, curriculum, events. This helps keep our curriculum fresh and has sparked initiatives such as our Little Entrepreneurs’ Programme, to instill business acumen from an early age. This project helps them to be perceptive and brilliant in raising funds for the needy in the community through carnivals and art sales.

I hold trainings with teachers and principals across all centres very regularly. It gives us the chance to hear feedback or learnings from them that is shared across the board. I’m very passionate about people development. I also like to be hands-on and make it a point to spend time with the children and teachers at least once a week to hear from them. I think it is important for us educators not to lose that personal connection.

4. What do you love most about Kinderland?

It’s a land of opportunities and Kinderland truly cares about its people. From the children, to the teachers, it is always people first.

Kinderbites: 3 quick takeaways from Charlotte

  1. Show lots of love and respect for children
  2. Have boundaries – no means no!
  3. More outdoor play to enjoy nature