Research has shown that student care centre (SCC) programmes can lead to positive outcomes like improved academics and social skills, but there is a dearth of research in the on SCCs in the Asian context. Through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and surveys, the views of parents, SCC owners, supervisors, teachers and ex-teachers were sought to understand the motivations, expectations, as well as challenges faced by various stakeholders. Parents enrolled their child in SCCs mainly because there were no alternative care arrangements. Apart from basic needs like meals and rest, parents expected teachers to ensure the completion of homework correctly. There is a misalignment of parents’ expectations and what SCC teachers can deliver. In school-based centres, the teachers are supposed to only conduct programmes that align with the school’s values, but are not allowed to teach academic content, because this is under the purview of the schoolteachers. In community-based centres, teachers not only teach the children, but also guide and nurture their socio-emotional development. The SCC sector however, faces challenges in manpower retention and financial viability due to squeezed margins and lower fees charged. Lower wages and a lack of career progression opportunities result in high turnover of staff with higher educational qualifications. To overcome the challenges, policymakers need to establish a framework to professionalise the industry, with clear training and development pathways and career progression to better equip the teachers to execute their roles effectively as they support working parents in the holistic development of the child.

Authors:
Patricia Chew, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore
Chong Guan, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Patricia Chew is currently Head of the Bachelor of General Studies programme at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Her research is in services marketing and after-school education. The current project: Student Care Landscape Study.

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