I REFER to the Forum Online letters, "Why preschools should be nationalised" and "Preschool education should be MOE's baby" (Oct 16).

Caring for young children involves both the education and care dimensions. They are inseparable entities. If the Ministry of Education were to oversee the preschool sector, it would need to look into both these dimensions, and that includes nutrition and child health.

Before we consider nationalising preschools, we need to ask the most fundamental question: What are preschools for?

From an economic point of view, the fundamental task of education is to equip a person with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the labour market. From a civic and moral point of view, education aims to nurture a person of integrity - one who has the welfare and interests of others and the nation at heart. The preschool years tend to focus on developing knowledge and essential skills to equip children academically for a smooth transition to Primary 1.

But more importantly, the preschool years should be a crucial period to inculcate moral values and social etiquette in young children. Preschoolers should also be given opportunities to participate in social causes, such as caring for the environment. Very often, children's contributions and participation are taken for granted. We would be surprised at how exploring their perspectives could provide us with invaluable insights and challenge our own beliefs.

A society's values, and social and cultural norms also help define the role played by early childhood education and care. The recent rise in promiscuity among teenagers and young adults and the abandoning of elderly parents justify the need to step up moral education and inculcate values in children and teenagers.

What about social graces and acts of kindness, such as giving up one's seat in the MRT train or bus for the disabled, the elderly, pregnant women and young children? Do we need to be reminded by posters to give up our seats to those who need it more?

Preschool age is definitely the best time to start inculcating moral values and acts of courtesy and kindness so as to build a gracious and cohesive society in the near future.

Lee-Teo Lay Yan (Mrs)