Cheers Learning and Assessment Services

23/02/2026

All in a day’s work: Career talks 2026 ✨

Grateful to be invited back to two secondary schools again this year — returning for the second and third year always feels extra meaningful. I truly enjoyed spending time with the students. Having previously taught at the secondary level, engaging with them feels very natural — the sessions were lively, fun, and wonderfully interactive.

The students asked thoughtful, insightful questions, which made the discussions especially rewarding. It is always encouraging to see curiosity, reflection, and genuine interest. I may even have spotted a few budding psychologists in the group 😊

Hoping these conversations will gently inspire and guide those considering pathways in psychology and community service.

Cheers

Thank you to the teachers who took the pictures:
Bukit Panjang Government High School - Bpians
Beatty Secondary School - Beattyians

15/02/2026

“What happens when my child grows up?”

The above is a common question many parents with special kids of substantial needs quietly ask themselves.

School provides structure, support, and intervention — but adulthood is a much longer journey.

This transition is often described as the "post-18 cliff effect".

The reassuring news is that Singapore has been steadily building stronger pathways for adults with special needs 🌱

There are organisations supporting young adults and adults through:

✨ Vocational & employment support
✨ Life skills & independence training
✨ Day activity programmes
✨ Social & community engagement

Some key support systems include:

Eden Centre for Adults
https://www.autismlinks.org.sg/programmes/ecfa

Autism Resource Centre Singapore (E2C)
https://www.autism.org.sg/core-services/e2c

St Andrew’s Adult Autism Services
https://www.saac.org.sg/dignity-of-work/

MINDS
https://www.minds.org.sg/for-adults/open-employment-programmes/

APSN Centre for Adults
https://www.apsn.org.sg/employability-services/

TOUCH Community Services
https://www.touch.org.sg/get-assistance/special-needs/day-activity-centre.html

SG Enable
https://www.enablingguide.sg/im-looking-for-disability-support/training-employment

A visit to the Eden Centre for Adults: https://www.facebook.com/reel/774886152036521

Because developmental differences are lifelong —
support should be lifelong too 💛

06/02/2026

Growth isn’t linear—and that’s okay. 🌱
There are ups, downs, and moments where progress feels slow, but every step still counts. Be kind to yourself, keep going, and trust the process.

We’ll get there. 💛

26/01/2026

I just concluded my very first webinar-cum-charity event, “The Science of Play”, for parents of preschoolers and preschool educators. We had 14 attendees — not bad at all, considering I only started sharing about it actively a week before and was honestly quite apprehensive.

I remember quietly telling myself: If nobody signs up, I’ll just cancel it. Thankfully, it didn’t come to that.

Watching the recording was humbling. I learnt that I need to slow down, make sessions more interactive, give more concrete examples, practise my script, speak with more confidence — and yes, even remove my progressive spectacles so I don’t keep looking down and squinting. There is still so much to learn.

Public speaking has never come naturally to me. I still remember my first speech back in secondary school, standing in front of the entire cohort, not sleeping the night before, imagining everything that could go wrong. Being naturally shy, speaking to a group has always felt intimidating.

Over the years, I didn’t become a teacher, lecturer, or speaker because the fear disappeared — but because I kept choosing to move one step beyond my comfort zone, again and again. It was rarely comfortable, often painful, and always filled with self-doubt.

What kept me going for this webinar was exactly that: choosing growth over comfort. And also, a cause very close to my heart.

A student of mine — despite multiple diagnosed physical health conditions — continues to show remarkable courage. She once told her mother that for every 10 injections she had to endure, she wanted $10 to be donated to charity. That simple act of giving, even while suffering, deeply moved me.

So I thought — why not combine learning and giving back?
This webinar was our small step towards raising funds to support children with cancer.

Our next webinar will be on
📅 Thursday, 26 March 2026, 7pm
🎯 “Supporting Diverse Learners in Inclusive Classrooms”
👥 Suitable for teachers, counsellors, and SEN officers

If you believe in learning and giving back together, we hope to see you there.

🔗 https://calendly.com/cheerslearning/cheers-webinar-2026

19/01/2026

Complimentary Webinar & Charity Event: The Science of Play

Play is more than fun — it shapes the developing brain.
Join us on January 26, Monday from 7pm - 8pm via Zoom for a complimentary webinar cm charity event:

“The Science of Play: How Early Experiences Shape the Brain.”

Designed for preschool educators, early childhood therapists, and parents, this event explores how early play experiences strengthen emotional, cognitive, and language growth.

Speaker's Profile:
Mrs Lee Ming Ying — Registered Educational Psychologist (SPS) & SRP-approved supervisor. She brings over a decade of MOE teaching experience across mainstream and special education settings (Pathlight, SOTA). She previously conducted assessments at DAS, MindChamps Allied Care, and CareCorner ETS, and has served as a lecturer/supervisor at NIE and the College of Allied Educators.

Key Takeaways:
✔ Neuroscience behind play & executive functioning
✔ Play types that build problem-solving & social skills
✔ Guided play strategies for home and classrooms

This webinar is complimentary, and we will also be raising funds for the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) to support children with cancer and their families in Singapore.
Donations are optional, and any contribution is appreciated.

Register here: https://calendly.com/cheerslearning/cheers-webinar-2026?month=2026-01

Learn, share, and give back together.

16/01/2026

27,000 Special Needs Kids in Mainstream School, Some are Undiagnosed

I watched this CNA video on supporting students with special needs in mainstream schools and it made me reflect deeply. Today, we have around 27,000 students with special educational needs in mainstream schools, and many are still undiagnosed. They struggle with school routines, social situations, or behaviour, often without understanding why.

Recently, I met a few young adults who sought assessments on their own. One shared that his parent had hidden an ADHD diagnosis from him. He spent years being punished for impulsive behaviour and received very little support. It was only when he referred himself and started medication that his behaviour and friendships improved significantly.

Many parents fear the “label”. That fear is real. But we also need to consider the cost of waiting. Most families only seek help when something forces it – before national exams (for access arrangements), when gaming becomes a coping mechanism, when school discipline escalates, or even as late as national service or work internship when functioning demands are much higher. By then, precious time is lost.

There is always shock, grief, or hesitation at the start. But denial does not solve challenges. Once families shift towards forward planning and acceptance, things become clearer. Knowing the root cause means knowing how to help.

Assessment is not about defining a child. It is about understanding them so we can support their learning, confidence, and relationships. That, in itself, is a form of love.



https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/back-school-supporting-students-special-educational-needs-5827106?

12/01/2026

We are happy to share that CHEERS is renewing our commitment as a Social Enterprise.

Since 2015, our heart has always been in social impact—supporting children and youth with special needs and providing services at highly subsidized rates for families who need them most. We are thankful for the trust from parents, schools, and partners over the years.

As we step into the next phase, we will continue to build an inclusive and supportive community for our clients and their families. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Every child deserves support that is accessible, dignified, and meaningful.

01/01/2026

As we step into a new season, we take a moment to appreciate all the good that has shaped us so far. With gratitude for the journey, we welcome new opportunities to grow, learn, and explore—together.

We’re also excited to share that our refreshed website is now live:
🌐 https://cheerslearning.com

Thank you for being part of our story. Wishing everyone continued growth, good health, and all things well.

24/12/2025

Yesterday, a girl came to me and shared how competitive she feels — how strong her need to win is, even to the point of breaking rules. What stood out was not the competitiveness itself, but how hard she was being on herself.

This is a message I often share with children (and adults) who place immense pressure on themselves:

"You don’t have to be 100% better than everyone else. Nobody is perfect. You just need to be 1% better than yourself yesterday."

This idea, inspired by Atomic Habits by James Clear, helps shift the focus away from constant comparison and perfectionism, and toward personal growth and emotional regulation.

When children learn that progress matters more than winning, they begin to build healthier motivation, resilience, and respect for boundaries.

Sometimes, winning isn’t about being the best — it’s about becoming a little better, one step at a time.

14/12/2025

I recently read this Straits Times story about the “Batik Uncle” of Holland Village celebrating his 100th birthday.
👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/batik-uncle-of-holland-village-celebrates-100th-birthday-in-style

Beyond the celebration, it felt like a tribute to a life marked by consistency and presence. Over the years, he became a familiar part of the neighbourhood — not through grand gestures, but through simply being there.

In a fast-paced world, this story gently reminds us that meaning is often found not in how much we do, but from showing up with purpose and passion over time.

The founder of Wellie Batik has provided tailored batik pieces to a discerning clientele since 1978. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

21/11/2025

Hello dear parents!

It’s officially the season where we all hope to slow down… while our kids somehow power up like little energizer bunnies 🤣

Sending you warm wishes for peace, joy, and beautiful memories with your loved ones this holiday season.
Happy holidays to your family! 💛

22/10/2025

We all need motivation — adults and children alike.
For adults, it might be a paycheck, a coffee break, or a well-deserved vacation.
For children, it might look like a sticker, a toy, or a word of praise.

It’s not bribery — it’s reinforcement. ❤️
Children learn best when their efforts are recognized and encouraged. While tangible rewards can motivate, your intangible gifts — love, quality time, words of affirmation, hugs, and acts of care — make the deepest impact.

Let’s fill our cups of love this week and share it with the little ones (and big ones!) around us. 💕

📸 Credit: