Course Title

Seeing the light of every child: Kindergarten inclusive education teacher empowerment

Lecturer

Lao Yuqing

Lecturer’s Profile

Ms. Lao Yuqing holds a master's degree in early childhood education and an Advanced Certificate in Learning and Performance (ACLP) under the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) framework. She has over 20 years of experience working in the early childhood education sector in Singapore. She has served as a preschool Chinese language teacher, an adjunct lecturer and practicum mentor at the National Institute of Early Childhood Development (NIEC), and an adjunct lecturer and programme mentor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS). She is currently a lecturer at the Singapore Chinese Language Research Centre. Her areas of expertise include preschool teachers’ professional growth and development, children’s play and inquiry, multicultural and bilingual education in early childhood, young children’s social and emotional development, and infant and toddler care and education (ages 0–4).

Course Overview

Diversity has become the norm in early childhood education. A key challenge in teaching practice is how educators can effectively respond to the learning needs of neurodiverse children—such as those with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or speech and language delays. This workshop is structured around the Seven Components of Positive Niche Construction proposed by Thomas Armstrong, aiming to help teachers reframe their understanding of "differences"—shifting from a problem-oriented perspective to one that focuses on uncovering potential, and fostering inclusive learning environments in everyday teaching.

Through a combination of theoretical input, case analysis, hands-on practice, and reflective discussion, this workshop equips educators with strategies to identify and nurture children's strengths, enhancing both the warmth and professionalism of early childhood education.

Course Objectives

Understand the meaning of neurodiversity and its impact on child development.

Explain the key components of Positive Niche Construction.

3. Design teaching activities tailored to neurodiverse children by applying at least three components of niche construction.

Take-home Course Resources

Apply niche elements to design teaching activities adapted to neurodiverse children

course overview