Bianca Tan (left) and Zita Tan (right).
From a young age, Ms Bianca knew she wanted to work with children. She started her career by studying Early Childhood Education at Temasek Polytechnic.
From the get-go, Mrs Zita was determined to stay rooted in her beliefs. She wanted to be hands on with running the school, training educators, and working with families. Balancing the responsibilities of raising three children with running a preschool and attending night courses is a notable aspect of Mrs Zita’s long career in Early Childhood.
1. Pebble has always been inspired by families, for families. We work with like-minded families who believe in what we do—creating meaningful learning experiences for children. We do not teach. We care for the children, providing a safe space where they can express themselves and gain knowledge along the way.
2. We have always been a community, supporting families, our educators, and their families. We have always believed that our educators are the curriculum. They are the core of all that we do. When my daughter took on a leadership role, it was heartwarming to witness how she ensured that both the team and children were well taken care of.
3. While at Pebble, I discovered that life experiences shape an educator’s beliefs and practices. Being someone with special needs, I have always advocated for learning through play. Having struggled academically myself, I understand and empathise with children facing similar challenges.
4. Similarly, the educators at Pebble bring their own experiences into their practice. We support each other by identifying our strengths and areas for growth. My role involves ensuring that work doesn’t feel like just work, facilitating problem-solving for managing children’s behaviour and making sure everyone is well-fed. All these aspects contribute to a ‘good’ day at Pebble.
5. Building relationships with each child is a big part of our work. When we reflect on our own childhood memories, we often remember the emotions we felt when around particular people. We guide our educators in discovering the kind of educator they want to be and the lasting impression they want to leave with each child. We also facilitate continuous growth by supporting both their professional practice and personal development.
6. Having my own children at Pebble Place allows me to see firsthand how the sense of community spirit grows within them. Knowing that this is the environment I want for my own children reassures other families that their children are in a safe space—one where they can build resilience, eat well and play well while at Pebble.
Together, we hope that the third generation of family members who pass through Pebble will continue to foster the positive and enriching environment that has shaped us.