Preschools and Social Services Need Closer Collaboration to Better Support Families: MWS
21st December 2025

Preschools and Social Services Need Closer Collaboration to Better Support Families: MWS

With families today facing increasingly complex challenges – including rising reports of abuse and higher divorce rates – there is a growing need for closer collaboration between the early childhood and social service sectors to better support families with children, said Yeow Ming Zhen, Associate Director, Strategic Development of Family Services at Methodist Welfare Services. 

Ming Zhen, who holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education with over 20 years of experience working with children across various settings, was speaking to preschool educators at the “Reigniting your Passion” seminar held on 26 April 2025. Organised by Preschool Market and held at New Life Preschool Head Office, the session encouraged educators to gain fresh perspectives, reflect on their professional journey, and reconnect with the purpose that first drew them to the field. 

In her presentation, titled “The Role of Early Childhood Educators in the Changing Dynamics of Families Today”, Ming Zhen drew from real-life experiences on the ground to highlight the evolving needs of families and the critical role educators play in supporting them. 

“Preschool and social service sectors (need) to work more closely together – not only during times of crisis, but also through upstream, preventive efforts that support families during life transitions and periods of cumulative stress,” she said.

Ming Zhen with fellow speakers and the participants.

She added that by fostering strong relationships with preschool principals and teachers – whose daily observations can offer valuable insight – social workers at family service centres are better able to access timely information about the children and their families. This, in turn, helps build a fuller understanding of a child’s well-being which enables more targeted support for both the child and their parents.

Signs that Preschool Educators Might Notice in a Child That Could Indicate Underlying Family Issues

• Irregular or inconsistent attendance
• Unexplained bruises or physical marks
• Heightened distress during drop-off or pick-up
• Sudden changes in emotional behaviour
• Shifts in eating or sleeping patterns
• Delays in developmental milestones
• Withdrawal or changes in social interaction

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