Joan Chen

With a demonstrated ability to lead a team and collaborate projects in different roles, my core experience is in the setup of child care centres and operational management of the schools which includes:

Principal at Maple Bear Learning Ladder Pte Ltd (HQ) (2018 – 2019)

(Awarded the “Best in Early Years Education Programme” consecutively in 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, Maple Bear utilizes a Canadian methodology and curriculum and currently educates more than 41,000 students in 447 Maple Bear Early Childhood Elementary, and High Schools worldwide.)

• Direct partnership with Mrs Patricia Koh, ex-founder of Pat’s Schoolhouse, Head of the Early Childhood Department at the then Institute of Education (now known as National Institute of Education) from 1978 to 1987.
• Groomed under the personal mentorship of Mrs Patricia Koh.
• Completed business development of setting up 2 branches: 2 Highgate Walk (Bukit Timah) and 77 Pasir Ris Ave
• Achieved full enrolment at Bukit Timah branch within a year after business takeover of Learning Ladder.
• Managed and provided guidance to a team of professional teachers from different centres such as Mindchamp, NTUC First Campus, Etonhouse.
• Strengthened procedures in the child care centres.
• Developed accounting reports, children’s portfolios, led parent-teachers meetings and hosted concerts.
• Organised a combined mega event for Children Day celebration with participation of 50 branches.
• Led a fund raising collaboration with Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children’s Wishing Well raising $107,777 for less fortunate children.
• Led cross border projects to foster stronger partnerships across international branches.

Principal at Cherie Hearts Kids-At-Play Pte Ltd (2017 – 2018)

(Cherie Hearts is a Spark credited school with centres located island wide.)

• Enrolled more than 50 new children at 34 Westlake Ave.
• Achieved renewal of 2 years license by ECDA (Early Childhood Development Agency) on July 2018, managing the audit requirements.
• Implemented and planned cost saving measures
• In charge of building renovation works and refitting of facilities such as gardening projects with Nparks and Skill Enhancement Education & Development (SEED).
• Collaborated with enrichment vendors like Kidsmove
• Worked with IT vendors – software of accounting system, attendance and temperature-taking software, communication tools (with internal and external parties) and child progress reports.
• Headed marketing and strategic planning for the centre
• Improved and implemented programmes and curriculum.
• Successful acquisition by another management group in 2020.

District Manager at Talent Plus Playgroup Pte Ltd (2013 – 2016)

(Talent Plus has 90 branches island wide in Singapore specialized in providing preschool education)

• Managed 10 branches in the East and West District.
• Conducted teacher training for 100 teachers.
• Managed staff movements and daily routines.
• Collaborated with Community Centres and Resident Centres under People’s Association.
• Conducted programmes to incorporate partial Montessori learning.
• Implemented character building programmes.
• Offered co-directorship role for finance, management, curriculum development and staff training.
• In charge of strategic tie-ups with other enrichment vendors such as Kindermusik

Vice Principal (training) at Pat’s Schoolhouse Pte Ltd (Knowledge Universe) (2010 – 2012)

(Pat’s Schoolhouse runs 15 preschools and 2 infant care centres throughout Singapore and is the top 4 schools to achieve Sparks accreditation)

• Taught as a vice principal in training at Pat’s school house HQ in Serangoon, Lim Ah Pin branch which houses 500 students
• Set up the pioneer batch of toddler group interviewed by MCYS and MOE departments for research documentation.
• Conducted ABC Music for students of different levels
• In charge of renovation, K2 mega graduation concert held at 5-star Raffles Hotel
• Led the team for combined Dinner & Dance at Hard Rock Café Hotel ballroom with schools under Knowledge Universe group.
• Led the team for Staff Incentive Family trip event to Sentosa Universal Studio

Administration Officer at Singapore Christian Home For The Aged (2008 – 2010)

(Singapore Christian Home is a not-for-profit outfit committed to caring for destitute and persons from low-income families requiring long term medical and nursing care)

• Performed daily office routine, answer phone calls and queries.
• Prepared CPF for staff.
• Carried out mean test for Residents (apply subsidy).
• Prepared weekly bed vacancy report, monthly in patient list, monthly programme fee collection report and recurrent funding report etc.
• Ensured fixed assets are labelled.
• Handled voluntary workers schedule and appointments.
• Assisted Nursing Administrator when necessary.
• Guided visitors to SCHA.
• Recorded and collected donation in kind and storage.
• Collected donations from various organization and individual.
• Corresponded with MOH and AIC.
• Subvention (recurrent funding) to be submitted to Ministry of Health.
• Conducted an induction programme / orientation for new nurses.
• Worked with the nurse agent for employment of nurses.
• Worked with IT operators to set up an online web- based programme for the operation of the Home.
• Wrote proposals such as to request for funding from NCSS and MOH.
• Liaised with donors like participating and assisting in Fund Raising Events.
• Liaised with internal and external auditors.

Form English Teacher at Eager Beaver Schoolhouse (Yishun Safra Club) (2007 – 2008)

(Eager Beaver Schoolhouse is an appointed a Partner Operator (POP) by the Early Childhood Development Agency)

Form English Teacher at Allcare Pte Ltd (2006 – 2007)

(All Care is a home estate preschool with more than 20 years of track record).

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education (Hons) in Early Childhood Education – Knowledge Universe

Asian International College Accredited by University of Wales (United Kingdom) (2010 – 2012)

Diploma in Pre-School Education (Leadership) Principal Training course in Pre-School Education (Leadership) – SEED Institute (Singapore) Previously RTRC

Accredited by MCYS and MOE (2008 – 2010)

Diploma in Pre-School Education (Teaching) in Pre-School Education (Teaching) – Modern Montessori International (Singapore)

Accredited by MCYS and MOE (2006 – 2007)