Zahirah began her journey in Early Childhood Education thirty years ago and has since developed a rich tapestry of experience across the educational spectrum. Her career spans roles as an educator, supervisor, lecturer, and trainer, working with children and adolescents with a range of learning styles, in both mainstream settings and Early Intervention programs.

Her passion for understanding and supporting children with unique needs ignited early in her career, during her tenure at a childcare centre where she first encountered children with unique needs. Driven to deepen her understanding and enhance her ability to support these children, Zahirah pursued further specialization by completing a course on “Supporting Children with Autism in the Mainstream Classroom” at Rainbow Centre, followed by a Master’s in Education (Special Education) from Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Zahirah is a staunch advocate of focusing on children’s capabilities and their potential to grow and learn, a perspective inspired by Dr. Temple Grandin’s philosophy, “There needs to be a lot more emphasis on what a child can do instead of what he/she cannot.” She believes that learning is an omnipresent process, facilitated not only by educators but also by caregivers and the environment, all of which contribute to a child’s educational journey in significant ways.

Aiming to empower her students towards achieving self-independence and success at their own pace, Zahirah tailors her teaching methods to meet each student's unique needs and learning styles. She integrates both concrete and abstract experiences into her classroom, ensuring that each child’s educational experience is engaging, inclusive, and supportive of their individual paths to success.