Year-long pilot uses creative therapy to address stress among Singapore preschool leaders.
Singapore is testing a creative approach to workplace mental well-being in its early childhood sector, giving preschool leaders structured opportunities to step away from daily pressures and explore self-care through art therapy.
More Than 400 Principals to Participate
The year-long pilot was launched on October 29 at The Trampoline at *SCAPE, beginning with an initial group of 60 preschool principals. It is expected to support more than 400 center principals across about 444 locations operated by PCF Sparkletots Preschool, M.Y World Preschool and Skool4Kidz.
Two-Hour Workshops Focus on Self-Care
Participants attend two-hour workshops led by registered art therapists from the Art Therapists Association (Singapore). Using materials such as crayons, cotton balls and streamers, principals are encouraged to express themselves creatively while learning techniques intended to reduce physiological stress, support emotional regulation and encourage reflection. Artistic experience is not required.
Preschool Leaders Share Workplace Pressures
Participants said the sessions provided opportunities to discuss challenges with peers facing similar responsibilities. Preschool leaders highlighted issues including time management, changing relationships between teachers, children and parents, and the difficulty of mentally disconnecting from work. The Straits Times also reported that workload was the leading factor affecting preschool educators’ well-being in a survey released earlier in 2026.
Program Starts With Leaders First
The initiative was developed through the PAP Mental Health Group, PAP Community Foundation and Art Therapists Association (Singapore). Organizing chairman Edward Chia said principals were selected as the starting group so they could experience the approach themselves and potentially encourage similar practices among teachers in their centers.
Expansion Could Reach Teachers and Staff
Organizers plan to expand the initiative beyond the initial participating operators and potentially include frontline teachers and support staff. The program also comes as Singapore prepares to require at least two hours of non-teaching time each week for full-time preschool teachers from November 2027, allowing them to handle tasks such as lesson planning and preparing resources.
The pilot adds a mental well-being component to Singapore’s efforts to support people working in early childhood education, beginning with leaders responsible for managing preschool teams. For Singaporeans, the program could eventually reach a wider group of educators if the pilot expands as planned. For Indonesians, the initiative provides a nearby example of how structured workplace well-being support can be introduced within the preschool sector.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , PAP ORG SG (2026)
Keywords: Singapore Preschool Leaders, Art Therapy Singapore, Preschool Mental Health, Early Childhood Educators, PCF Sparkletots, Workplace Well-Being
