SUBANG JAYA: The government is working towards making preschool education compulsory under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), says Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek (pic).
She said achieving this would require not only expanding access to preschool education but also engaging parents on the importance of early learning.
“That is why we are currently working hard to expand access and engage with parents to help them understand how important early education is — starting from early childhood education, to preschool and then progressing through the subsequent stages of learning,” she said.
Fadhlina was speaking at the launch of the Early Childhood Education Programme at Sunway University here on Thursday (Sept 17).
Also present were Sunway Education Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee and Sunway University School of Education dean Prof Dr Malissa Maria Mahmud.
Prof Lee said investing in young children, particularly during their formative years, was an investment in the country’s future.
“When we invest in young children, we invest in the future of our families, our communities and, in the broader context, our nation,” she said.
She said research showed that more than 80% of brain development takes place before the age of five.
Prof Lee also stressed the importance of ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, belong and succeed.
At the event, Sunway University announced the introduction of three new programmes - the Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Conventional), Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Open and Distance Learning) and the Bachelor in Early Childhood Education with Special Needs (Honours).
The two-year diploma programme is designed to give students a strong foundation in areas including child development, play-based pedagogy, curriculum design and inclusive practices for children with special needs.
The open and distance learning option offers a different mode of study for those balancing their education with other responsibilities.
