CNA – At 24, Andre Joachim Fernandez, a drum-loving, football-playing Spider-Man fan, defies stereotypes as a preschool teacher at Star Learners Child Care, overseeing a group of over 20 children aged five to six.
In the predominantly female world of early childhood education in Singapore, where less than one per cent of preschool educators are men, Fernandez stands out.
According to the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), there are currently 217 male educators in the preschool sector, a number that has grown over the years but still positions men as a rare presence.
During Fernandez’s studies in child psychology and early education at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, he was one of only two men in a class of approximately 20, highlighting the gender disparity in the field.
“The public still sees caregiving as a woman’s role because many of us grew up watching our mums do it,” said Fernandez. “But I don’t think caring for young kids has to be a woman’s role.”
WHY NOT MEN AS PRESCHOOL TEACHERS?
None of Fernandez’s friends pegged him for a preschool teacher. In fact, many of them were confused by his decision. Even Fernandez himself did not expect to veer in this direction.
Fernandez had been in the school band throughout his schooling years – he plays multiple instruments including the trumpet, French horn and drums. It was during musical performances at the Esplanade and shopping malls that he interacted more closely with young kids.
“Half the crowd at these performances are kids, and they would sometimes come forward and ask to try the drums. That was when I realised that I enjoy interacting with children,” he said. Presently, serving as the only male preschool educator in the school where he is employed, he teaches 23 children in the Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2 classes, alongside a fellow teacher.
Although there were initially a few parents at the infant and childcare centre who were concerned about having a male preschool teacher, the principal reassured them that Fernandez would not be involved in routine physical care work such as changing diapers and bathing the kids.
A DAY AT WORK
Fernandez is not just the teacher, he is a friend to his charges, discussing superheroes, supervillains and their latest travel adventures together. He is also their resident deejay and musician. “Sometimes, I will play songs in my playlist to them when we are playing musical chairs, especially if I had been listening to these songs on the way to work,” he said.
FINDING HIS INNER CHILD
Fernandez believes that early childhood education is a meaningful pursuit. “The first five years of a child’s life are very important.
“We are the first few responders to the child and need to ensure that he or she grows up well and makes his or her progress into primary school easily. So we need to be kind, loving and caring,” he said.
But Fernandez also doles out tough love where necessary, because it was a big part of his own upbringing. Both his parents gave him tough love – they were strict but also doted on him.
In return for his tireless care, his students love him affectionately. He recalled how one child gave him a Spider-Man balloon on her own birthday, and another child lugged back a Spiderman tumbler because they knew of he love Marvel superhero.
“It was a small gift but very heartwarming,” he said. – Annie Tan
