Quiet assurance, shared mission: A new season for Christian preschools in Singapore

This week, the Government announced the awarding of the Partner Operator Scheme 3.0 (POP 3.0) to many preschools across Singapore.

This scheme will enable these preschools to raise quality, lower fees and strengthen teacher support so that early childhood education remains accessible and sustainable for families.

Among the appointed are Christian preschools — centres committed not only to readiness for primary school, but also to nurturing young lives in the truth and love of God.

We receive this news with gratitude. In many ways, this grant is not loud fanfare, but God’s quiet assurance that He is watching over us, guiding us and sustaining the work He has entrusted to His people.

It is a tender reminder that while we labour diligently, He remains the One who builds the house. This moment encourages us to continue serving faithfully, humbly and excellently.

A call to stewardship

It is important to recognise, however, that the POP 3.0 appointment is not simply about those who received it.

It is a reminder of the collective mission of Christian preschools in Singapore — a mission to shape hearts early, to anchor children in God’s truth and to reflect Christ’s love to families.

POP 3.0 strengthens many, but it also deepens our responsibility to steward this trust for the good of God’s Kingdom.

Those who have been blessed with support now carry a greater call to serve generously, share resources freely and uplift others who continue the work without the same grant.

In the Kingdom, blessing is never hoarded — it is multiplied.

There are still many Christian preschools not under POP 3.0. Not because they lack calling or quality, but because policy unfolds in seasons and doors open in God’s timing.

Their work is no less meaningful or faithful. They continue to sow seeds of truth and love, often quietly and sacrificially.

Children learning about local bird species as part of this year’s Creation C.A.R.E. (Children’s Action to Rescue Earth), a community initiative that involves various Christian preschools.

We honour their perseverance. We stand with them. And we believe God will continue to strengthen them in due season.

The body of Christ does not divide into “those with” and “those without” — we rise together as one body because there is only one mission and one Master.

And in this Kingdom, there is only one account — God’s account, not ours. Those with more must help those with less because generosity is obedience, not strategy.

Enabling children to know their Creator

A beautiful illustration of what Christian preschools can do together is seen in the Creation C.A.R.E. initiative.

In this project, children explored God’s creation through birds, trees and ecosystems — learning not merely science, but worship.

They observed hornbills and sparrows, created sculptures from recycled materials, walked through parks and marvelled at God’s imagination. And they did this together — across multiple centres, involving seniors, families and teachers.

No single preschool could have mounted such a movement on its own. It required shared manpower, shared inspiration and shared faith.

When Christian preschools walk together, projects like Creation C.A.R.E. become possible — and children get to see not just nature, but also the Creator behind it.

The Creation C.A.R.E. project does not just teach facts – it shapes stewards of creation.

We must say this clearly: If Christian preschools do not tell the story of God’s creation, no one else will tell it for us.

Children may learn to love the earth, but not know the One who made it. They may admire beauty, but never know the Artist. They may speak of nature, but not speak to the Creator.

Our mission is not merely to educate minds, but to awaken wonder and worship in little hearts.

Co-labourers, not competitors 

In a competitive landscape and a season of low birth rates, it is tempting to view one another as rivals. But Christian preschools are not competitors; we are co-labourers in God’s vineyard.

When one school receives strength, we rejoice. When another struggles, we carry them. When one celebrates, we all sing.

Unity is not sentimental — it is spiritual obedience.

As Scripture teaches, “then make my job complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2).

The world may measure success by resources and numbers; we measure by love, obedience and faithfulness.

A collective effort: Let us come together to nurture our next generation.

So, this is our invitation to the Christian community across Singapore — pastors, church leaders, parents, educators and believers.

Pray for Christian preschools. Support them. Plant your children in environments where they will hear the name of Jesus spoken with joy and reverence. Encourage educators who serve with tender hearts and tired hands. And where God has given abundance, may we use it to strengthen those who carry heavy burdens.

We are one body, and every child we serve is precious in His sight.

As we step forward into this new season, we hold fast to the truth that God remains faithful. Some will move ahead with new resources; others will press on in faith and perseverance. But we all move under the same Shepherd.

As Scripture reminds us, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine … to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever” (Ephesians 3:20–21).

May we abide deeply in Christ and abound in every good work.

May we serve humbly, love generously and walk together courageously.

For His children. For His Kingdom. For Singapore.

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