Early Childhood Education in Malaysia

Abstract

In Malaysia, early childhood education (ECE) provision is divided into two age groups. Children under the age of 4 attend nurseries or childcare centers known as “TASKA,” while children aged 5–6 attend preschools. The Department of Social Welfare oversees TASKA, and the Ministry of Education oversees preschools. ECE in Malaysia is provided through the public and private sectors. The private sector makes up 71% of the TASKA enrolment, while the public sector dominates 60% of the preschool sector. The gross enrolment rate of preschool children in Malaysia is about 86%. Most of the public preschools cater to low-income and disadvantaged children. Several policies and domestic legislations govern the regulation of ECE in Malaysia. A national curriculum and quality standards have been put in place to ensure the quality of ECE and teacher certification. However, the fidelity of implementation remains a challenge for policymakers. Preschool teachers in Malaysia need to have a minimum qualification of Diploma in ECE (DECE). There is currently an exercise to professionalize and upskill all preschool teachers without the minimum qualification. The lack of minimum qualification among ECE workers, poor career prospects, remuneration, and status are among the main challenges faced in the ECE sector in Malaysia. Remote learning due to school closures has created new challenges in access and equitability in ECE for Malaysian preschool children.