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This International Women’s Day, it’s crucial to celebrate women who are not only breaking barriers in their fields but also making a tangible difference in their communities. One such woman is Janice Tay, Founder and Clinical Director of Bridging the Gap, an early intervention centre dedicated to supporting children with developmental delays.
Janice’s journey is deeply personal. When her son, Emmanuel, was born prematurely and later diagnosed with apraxia and global developmental delay (GDD), she struggled to find the right support system. The gaps in Singapore’s early intervention landscape were glaring—long waiting lists, siloed therapy options, and a lack of holistic care. Determined to change this, Janice left her corporate career in finance to create what was missing: an inclusive, multidisciplinary early intervention centre that provides speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational therapy, and social skills training under one roof.
A mother’s mission: From finance to special education
“I was working in the financial sector when I became pregnant with Emmanuel, focused on a demanding job and aiming for a promotion,” Janice recalls. But when Emmanuel was born at just 32 weeks, her world shifted. “His premature birth, followed by medical challenges and developmental delays, changed everything.”
Initially, Janice hoped that he just needed more time, but as she watched him struggle with communication and social interactions, she realised that the mainstream education system was not equipped to support his needs. “Instead of helping, early childcare settings increased his anxiety, leading him to withdraw further.” Frustrated by the lack of guidance and comprehensive care, Janice took matters into her own hands. She pursued further studies in Special Education, Educational Psychology, and therapy techniques, eventually co-founding Bridging the Gap in 2017 with her husband.
Identifying gaps in Singapore’s early intervention system
From her personal experience and years of working with families, Janice has identified several key issues within Singapore’s early intervention landscape. “One of the biggest challenges was the lack of guidance and access to resources,” she explains. Long waiting lists often delay much-needed therapy, and many intervention programmes focus on just one aspect of a child’s development, rather than taking a holistic approach.
“Many centres focus on only one type of therapy, such as speech or occupational therapy, rather than addressing the child’s overall development,” Janice says. Additionally, there is limited collaboration between early intervention centres and preschools, making it harder for children to transition smoothly into mainstream education. Cost is another major barrier. “Many private intervention programmes remain expensive, making them inaccessible to middle-income families who may not qualify for government subsidies.”
Bridging the Gap: The importance of a multidisciplinary approach
Bridging the Gap was designed to counter these challenges. By offering speech therapy, occupational therapy, educational therapy, and social skills training, the centre ensures that children receive well-rounded support tailored to their individual needs.
“Children with developmental delays often require support in multiple areas—speech, motor skills, social skills, and cognitive development—rather than just one,” Janice explains. A multidisciplinary approach helps bridge these gaps, equipping children with essential life skills and boosting their confidence in a structured, nurturing environment.
Supporting parents through an overwhelming journey at Bridging the Gap
For parents navigating early intervention, the process can be daunting. Janice understands this firsthand and prioritises emotional and practical support for families. “I openly share my own journey, the challenges, uncertainties, and frustrations I faced when seeking a diagnosis for my son,” she says. By providing guidance on therapy options, education pathways, and advocacy strategies, she helps parents make informed decisions.
More importantly, Janice encourages parents to care for their own well-being. “Caring for your emotional health is essential for maintaining the strength to advocate for your child,” she emphasises. She reminds parents that progress happens in steps, not leaps, and that every child has their own unique strengths.
Pushing forward despite challenges
Running an early intervention centre comes with its own set of hurdles. Funding has been a persistent challenge, as Janice and her team work to keep programmes affordable while maintaining high-quality care. Raising awareness about early intervention has also required persistent effort, particularly in encouraging parents to seek support sooner rather than later.
Despite these challenges, the impact keeps her motivated. “The growing awareness of early intervention and the positive impact on families continue to push us forward,” she says. Watching children progress and seeing relieved parents find a support system keeps her mission alive.
Advice for parents navigating special needs care
When asked what advice she would give to other parents, Janice’s response is simple yet powerful: Trust your instincts. “If you feel something is off, seek professional advice early and don’t be afraid to push for answers,” she says. She also stresses the importance of building a support network, whether through other parents, professionals, or therapy centres.
“Celebrate small milestones,” she adds. “Progress happens in steps, and every little achievement counts. You are not alone, and there are resources available to help.”
A legacy of empowerment
Janice Tay’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and empowerment. By turning her personal struggles into a mission to help others with Bridging the Gap, she is not only changing the landscape of early intervention in Singapore but also ensuring that no parent has to feel as lost and unsupported as she once did.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, her journey is a reminder that strong women build strong communities—and that every child, no matter their challenges, deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more about Bridging the Gap at https://bridgingthegap.com.sg
[…] Bridging the Gap was truly a turning point for us,” Sharifah says. “Janice’s hands-on approach and the team’s personalised care addressed Anaqi’s specific needs in a way we had never […]