Early Childhood Education
The meaning of early childhood education Early childhood education refers to the learning process provided to children aged 0 to 6 years. It is an important phase in the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of children before they enter formal education in primary school. Types of early childhood education in Malaysia In Malaysia, early childhood education can be categorized into several types: Childcare Centre (TASKA) For children aged 2–4 years Managed by government and private agencies Supervised by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) Private Kindergarten (TADIKA) For children aged 4–6 years Managed by private agencies under the Private Education Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) Community Kindergarten (TABIKA) For children aged 4–6 years Managed by the government under the Community Development Department (KEMAS) and the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) Preschool Provided in government schools under the Daily School Management Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) Open to children aged 5–6 years
TASKA provides care and early education services for children under 4 years old. In Malaysia, all TASKA must be registered with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) under the Childcare Centre Act 1984 (Act 308) to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards. Check for registered TASKA: Parents can verify whether their chosen TASKA is registered with the government via: Importance of choosing a registered TASKA: Safety: Ensures a secure environment for children Hygiene: Maintains cleanliness and child’s health Quality: Provides quality care and education Qualified caregivers: Trained and certified caregivers By choosing a registered TASKA, you can ensure that your child receives the best early education in a safe and secure environment
MOE Preschools MOE preschools are early childhood education programs for children aged 5 and 6 years before entering Year 1. The programs are offered at government primary schools. Features: Based on the National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK) by MOE Classes conducted in national schools Healthy meals provided according to nutrition guidelines Admission Requirements: Malaysian citizen Aged 5–6 years in the school year applied Priority given to low-income families (B40) and rural areas Application Method: Online through the MOE e-Preschool system Application period: March 1 – April 30 (the year before) Application forms can also be obtained at primary schools that offer KPM preschool programs. Application period: March 1 – April 30 (the year before) You can also check the list of registered pre-schools Reference:
TABIKA KEMAS is managed by the Community Development Department (KEMAS) under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW). To provide quality early childhood education for children aged 4–6 years, especially in rural, remote and B40 communities. Features: National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK) by MOE Focuses on rural and low-income communities to ensure access for all children Admission Requirements: Malaysian citizen Aged 4–6 years in the application year Priority given to B40 and rural children How to Apply Submit completed registration forms with supporting documents directly to the nearest TABIKA KEMAS The TABIKA Selection Committee will issue an Accept/ Reject response letter to the parents/guardians of the children involved. TABIKA Selection Committee issues Acceptance/Rejection letters by the 4th week of November
(JPNIN) under the Ministry of National Unity. The facility provides preschool education for children aged 4–6 years, emphasizing ethnic unity and national integration from an early age. Features: National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK) by MOE Focus on instilling unity values among children from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds Admission Requirements: Malaysian citizen Children aged 4 to 6 years during the school year (priority given to children aged 5-6 years) Preference given to residence or workplace within 10 km of the location of TABIKA Perpaduan Students who do not have special needs Participation is open to all ethnicities with the goal of increasing national unity and integration How to Apply Applications can be made via: The Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) offices in their respective districts. Through the online TABIKA Perpaduan registration system Through teachers or management of TABIKA Perpaduan in the area where you live.
Private kindergartens in Malaysia are early childhood education institutions managed by private entities. They offer education for children aged 4–6 years to build a strong foundation before entering primary school. Types of private kindergartens in Malaysia: Private Kindergarten Providing early education for children aged 4 to 6 years. Using the National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK) and additional programs such as QDEES or BIR ALI Kindergarten at International School Using foreign curriculum such as the British, Australian, Canadian or American curriculum Only operates in international schools All private kindergartens must be registered with the relevant government agencies: Private Kindergarten – Registered under the Private Education Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) Islamic Kindergarten/ Tahfiz Center – Must be registered with the State Islamic Religious Council or State Islamic Religious Department (JAIN) if offering religious curriculum
