Around 70 Kinderland preschool educators and staff came together for Comm+Connect, a day of learning, reflection, and connection. Through meaningful discussions and practical insights, participants strengthened their ability to communicate with empathy, understanding, and purpose when supporting children and their families.
A teacher’s role extends far beyond delivering lessons in the classroom. Every day, educators communicate, guide, reassure, observe, and build meaningful relationships with children and their families. From helping a child navigate big emotions to partnering parents in supporting their child’s development, effective communication lies at the heart of quality early childhood education.
Recognising the importance of these skills, Kinderland Malaysia’s management, Crestar Education (M) Sdn. Bhd. (CEM) recently organised Comm+Connect, a professional development programme designed to strengthen communication, emotional well-being, collaboration, and meaningful connections among its educators.
Mr Danial Roy led an engaging session on the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication, highlighting how these cues can strengthen understanding and foster more meaningful connections.
Bringing together 70 teachers and CEM staff from centres across Malaysia at Pustaka Raja Tun Uda, Shah Alam, the programme provided opportunities for participants to learn, reflect, reconnect, and grow as one Kinderland family. Through engaging and experience-based learning, the training focused on practical skills that educators can apply both in and and beyond the classroom.
Facilitated by trainers from Tactevo Consulting, the programme featured a series of insightful sessions exploring communication and emotional intelligence. HR and learning development consultant Mr Danial Roy led “Speak, Connect, Inspire”, exploring how verbal and non-verbal communication can strengthen relationships with children and foster more meaningful classroom interactions.
Participants were encouraged to look beyond a child’s actions and understand the emotions driving them. Rather than viewing challenging behaviour as a problem to be corrected, educators were guided to recognise them as a form of communication. By responding with empathy, patience, and curiosity, teachers can better support children in managing their emotions while building trust, confidence, and a greater sense of security.
Through an insightful session, Ms Deanna Tung explored the emotions behind children’s behaviours and how educators can respond with empathy and understanding to better support their emotional development.
Educators also attended “Big Feelings, Little Learners”, conducted by Ms Deanna Tung. The session highlighted how emotional intelligence plays a vital role in supporting young children, and in strengthening relationships with families. Educators learnt strategies for approaching sensitive conversations with empathy, listening without judgement, and communicating concerns constructively. These skills help build trust between educators and parents, ensuring both work together in the best interests of the child.
Many Kinderland educators were deeply moved as Dr Ann Yuri shared her personal journey as a mother of a child with special needs. Through her heartfelt experiences, she reminded participants that empathetic communication goes beyond simply delivering a message — it is about offering understanding, reassurance, and support to both the child and their family.
Adding a deeply personal perspective, Dr Ann Yuri, a former lecturer, autism advocate, and mother of a child with autism, shared her family’s journey navigating diagnoses, interventions, and educational support. Speaking from both professional and parental perspectives, she gave educators valuable insights into the emotions, concerns, and hopes many parents experience when discussing their child’s development.
One of the key takeaways was the importance of delivering difficult news with sensitivity and compassion. Whether raising developmental concerns or discussing behavioural challenges, educators were reminded that parents need understanding, reassurance, and partnership rather than judgement. By approaching conversations with empathy, active listening, and a genuine commitment to supporting each child’s growth, teachers can help families feel heard, respected, and empowered to take the next steps together.
The mood shifted into high spirits as participants came together in teams to tackle a variety of communication-based challenges, putting their listening, teamwork, and problem-solving skills into practice.
The second half of the programme shifted from learning to practice, with interactive team-building activities that reinforced the day’s lessons. Working in teams, educators and staff enthusiastically participated in games, charades, problem-solving challenges, and a light-hearted theatrical performance that showcased their creativity, teamwork, and sense of humour.
Reflecting on the programme, Teacher Kim from Kinderland Preschool @ Maisson Ara Damansara mentioned that the training provided educators with practical knowledge while providing valuable opportunities to connect with colleagues. CEM staff member, Ms Syakira, echoed these sentiments, adding that the communication techniques learnt would be especially useful during parent enquiries and when engaging prospective families.
The day concluded with participants leaving not only with new knowledge and practical skills, but also with a renewed appreciation for the power of meaningful communication in building stronger relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
These shared experiences reinforced one of the programme’s key messages — that meaningful communication goes beyond words, and is built on active listening, empathy, mutual respect, and genuine human connection.
Comm+Connect reflects Kinderland’s commitment to nurturing not only the development of children, but also the educators who guide, support, and advocate for them every day. By strengthening communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy, Kinderland equips its teachers with the skills to build meaningful relationships with children and families, creating a supportive learning community where every child can thrive.
Article contributed by:
Ainil Fadzlina
HR Department, Crestar Education (M) Sdn. Bhd.