I recall an occasion when I brought my children out to play in the heavy rain with their raincoats and jumping in muddy puddles with my spouse. It is a simple activity that my children enjoy, but I recall receiving numerous stares from passers-by who looked at us in disbelief, particularly after my son climbed down into the drain on his own to pick up a ball that had rolled down. How has the once-normal sight of children playing in the rain come to be seen as odd, reshaped over the years by advancements in technology, evolving lifestyles, and changing societal norms? These experiences of play aren’t the only ones that have transformed in many ways. In fact, parenting during the preschool years in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world likewise comes with unique opportunities and challenges. Many modern and young parents are required to balance traditional parenting practices with the demands of contemporary lifestyles and advancements in education.

The Evolution of Preschool Education

Preschool education has always laid the foundation for lifelong learning and development. But in the new era, driven by advancements in technology, changing family dynamics, and a rising focus on the importance of early childhood development, preschool has undergone significant transformation in many ways. Preschools now have more dynamic spaces designed with the emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children in mind to nurture them in creative and engaging ways. In recent years, parental partnership has also evolved where parents are more aware and involved in their children’s development in preschools. Parental partnership is about building a cohesive, collaborative environment where parents and educators now work together to support children’s growth and mental well-being. Parents are seen as active partners, and preschools make concerted efforts to foster communication, engagement, and collaboration.  Young fathers take on a more active role now in partnership with the schools and are seen as playing an equal role as mothers in providing holistic parental support. Grandparents are more technology savvy and are keen to participate in activities with the schools such as Grandparent’s Day and are willing to collaborate for other school activities. With the rise of technology in recent years, it has certainly transformed many aspects of how schools and parents engage with one another. This new era demands a collaborative approach, which is often referred to as parental partnership.

Embracing Technology in Partnerships

Communication in preschools has become more open and accessible, offering various platforms such as mobile applications, updates, and newsletters to share insights into daily activities, diet, routines, and themes, all aimed at supporting further learning at home. The open and regular communication also allows teachers and parents to have consistent check-ins to discuss any changes, challenges, or achievements in the child’s behaviour. With educational technologies like online learning platforms, parents are increasingly involved in their children’s education. This collaboration creates a cohesive learning environment that extends beyond the classroom to support the children holistically. These platforms also facilitate consistent updates and dialogue. Parents are encouraged to share photos of projects that children participate in at home with family members. This active communication with teachers and schools helps parents understand how technology now plays an integral part in the children’s learning.

Technology not only plays a huge role in communication between schools and parents, but children are also learning how technology can be used in many ways. Schools and parents had to learn and adapt  quickly in using technology for online lessons during the Covid-19 pandemic. This highlighted the potential for virtual learning in early childhood settings though it also underscored the challenges of remote learning for young children. As technology continues to move at a  fast pace, we see how automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are also changing the future job market. This encourages preschools and parents to focus further on teaching children critical thinking, problem solving and adaptability skills that are vital for the future.  As technology becomes more prevalent, there is a strong push to ensure that screen time is balanced with hands-on activities and real-world interactions. Technology has blurred the lines between work, school, and communication, often leading to screen fatigue and mental health concerns. Both adults and children must navigate the fine line between leveraging technology for education and avoiding overexposure.

Mental Well-Being

Childhood is a critical period for brain development. Addressing a child’s mental distress early can prevent severe mental health issues in the longer term.  In this new era, we see how mental well-being is being brought to the forefront.  We see more emphasis on mental well-being as preschool curriculums now integrate activities that promote social-emotional learning (SEL), teaching children develop soft skills like empathy, self-regulation, and cooperation. Social emotional development refers to the process where children develop the ability to understand, manage and express their emotions. These skills are taught and enhanced further through small group learning and games.  Teachers are trained to recognise signs of stress and behavioural challenges and adopt practices such as mindfulness and breathing exercises to help children regulate. Parents are informed that preschools are partnering with local health providers to ensure children have access to necessary health services such as vision, hearing screening and mental health support. In doing so, we are also equipping our children with coping mechanisms that will benefit them throughout life.

Mental well-being education for parents is a vital part of fostering healthy families. Families are invited to learn more about the importance of social-emotional development through parental workshops and engagement sessions.  The ability to regulate emotions in healthy ways, think before acting, and reflect on behaviour are essential skills that families can teach their children – especially in an era of increased physical and online interactions. Schools play a crucial role by conducting workshops on child development, early learning strategies, and mental health, empowering parents to better support their children’s growth. Parents are more attuned to the emotional and psychological needs of their children and are encouraged to foster open discussions about feelings and stress management. Fostering socio-emotional development during the preschool years ensures that children grow into emotionally intelligent and socially competent individuals. Mental well-being is a crucial aspect of a child’s development. Addressing these socio-emotional skills early can prevent more severe issues later in life as it plays a fundamental role in overall mental health and well-being and is essential for success in both academic and personal life.

Diversity, Inclusion and Cultural Awareness

Preschool education has moved to prioritise play-based learning over rote learning, where children explore concepts through hands-on activities, storytelling, and imaginative play. Parents will have to look at education as holistic learning that celebrates academic achievements differently. With the shift in mindset to allow young children to explore learning with their hands using clay and paints rather than paper and pencil, it brings a strong message that education is now moving towards developing creative thinkers. This experiential learning ensures that children understand concepts deeply through experiences rather than rote memorisation. Schools use qualitative assessments to understand each child’s strengths and areas for growth, creating customised learning plans to meet individual children’s needs. At the same time, preschools today strive to create a more inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. This holistic, child-centred approach may be different from how parents received their education years ago, as the focus is to develop children holistically and empower them with relevant skills for life. The learning and understanding of different cultural practices are not only shared during festive celebrations but incorporated as part of the curriculum. Preschools often work with local cultural organisations to ensure their curriculum reflects the values, languages and traditions of the families they serve. This approach allows children to recognise differences, teaching acceptance and build mutual respect towards others.

Empowering Parents

Parenthood is, of course, a lifelong journey. Empowering parents is about equipping them with the tools, knowledge and support from schools to be confident and effective caregivers. By providing education, fostering emotional well-being, encouraging positive parenting practices, and building a strong support network with other parents, it will help to create an environment that promotes the overall development and well-being of their children. When parents feel empowered, they are better able to navigate challenges and build resilient, healthy families. Measuring this family-school partnership can also provide valuable information on how teachers are progressing in areas such as communication with parents, responding to parental needs and incorporating suggestions about their children.  With dual-working parents becoming common, time management and quality interactions with children are crucial. We see how the gender roles in parenting have likewise evolved and there is a growing trend towards shared responsibilities in some households. Both parents are generally more involved in sharing of childcare, parental partnership and housework. With many parents now working from home or having more flexible hours, it allows them to spend more time with their children while managing the boundaries between work and family. Preschools offer support groups where parents can discuss challenges, share experiences, give suggestions to the school as well as seek advice from educators and other parents. This sense of community helps parents feel less isolated and more confident in their parenting. By providing insights about their child’s interests, strengths and areas for growth, teachers are able to tailor the classroom learning experiences to each individual child. Similarly, educators work with parents to share classroom’s activities that parents can reinforce at home. Modern parenting is a collaborative and dynamic partnership, with parents increasingly recognising the importance of being actively involved in their children’s learning and participating in school-led initiatives. However, some parents may find this challenging as they navigate the dual demands of adapting to technological advancements in education while managing household responsibilities.

Conclusion

Preschool partnerships in the new era are about recognising that early childhood education and development are best supported through collaboration with families, schools, and communities. These collaborations foster more holistic, inclusive and equitable learning environments that better prepare young children for future success. In working closely together, parents and educators can create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel secure and equipped to handle the world around them. This strong partnership not only strengthens individual families but also contributes to the development of healthy, resilient communities. By embracing technology, prioritising mental well-being, fostering diversity and inclusion, and empowering parents, we can ensure that preschool education in the new era meets the needs of children and their families. This collaborative approach lays the groundwork for a brighter future, where children are supported, understood, and prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Fadilah Adnan holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood and is an adjunct lecturer with National Institute of Early Childhood (NIEC).  She has spent more than a decade being an educator, preschool centre leader, lecturer as well as a field supervisor.  Currently, she has moved her focus towards the Malay language curriculum for 3-6 year olds as she believes in ensuring that children are able to preserve their mother tongue language.