What is an Allied Educator (Learning and Behavioural Support) in Singapore?
An Allied Educator (Learning and Behavioural Support), often called AED(LBS), supports students with mild special educational needs in Singapore's mainstream schools. AEDs identify learning and behavioural needs, plan individual programmes, run small-group or in-class support, work with teachers and engage parents. MOE has sponsored AEDs for a full-time Diploma in Special Education at the National Institute of Education.
What this means in practice
Singapore educates about 80% of children with special educational needs in mainstream schools, so AEDs are a key part of the support system alongside teachers trained in special needs and literacy programmes.
What AED(LBS) do
- Screen and identify students who need extra help.
- Plan individualised strategies and programmes.
- Deliver in-class or small-group support, often for dyslexia, ADHD and autism.
- Collaborate with class teachers on adaptations.
- Engage and guide parents.
- Support students' transitions between levels.
Qualifications and training
Government career guides list a diploma in child psychology or early childhood education as preferred. MOE sponsors AEDs for training, including a 10-month full-time Diploma in Special Education at NIE. Estimated pay in 2026 career guides is around SGD 2,600 to 3,900 a month.
How it compares with other roles
AED(LBS) sits between a teacher and a support assistant. It resembles a resource teacher in India or a learning support specialist in Gulf international schools.
Practical next steps
- Check MOE and career portal listings for AED vacancies.
- Build relevant diploma-level study in child psychology or education.
- Gain experience with students with mild SEN.
- Prepare examples of individual planning for interview.
What to keep in mind
Requirements and pay are set by MOE and may change. Use official sources for current information.
Common follow-up questions
Do AEDs need a teaching degree?
Not necessarily; a relevant diploma is often preferred and MOE provides training.
What is TSN in Singapore?
Teachers Trained in Special Needs: mainstream teachers who complete specialised training, often over 100 hours.
Sources
- National Youth Council Singapore: Allied Educator (Learning and Behavioural Support) career guide
- NIE Singapore: What do we know about special educational needs
- MOE Singapore: Parliamentary reply on Allied Educators (2020)
Sources inform the explanation; examples are educational illustrations, not individual clinical advice. How these answers are prepared.