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Ensuring the Economic Vitality via Early Childhood Education

March 2018

Though early childhood education programmes are usually perceived as a way of ensuring quality childcare, it should be portrayed as an economic development initiative. Since early childhood education concentrates on the development of children – our hopes for the future – it actually benefits the vitality of the economy further along the way.

If quality early childhood education were made universally available, especially to those who are disadvantaged, it would not only benefit everyone but also cost-effective economic investment one could make.

“Early childhood education prepares our young children to succeed in school and become better citizens with higher earning potential” said Fasihah Rusli, Programme Coordinator for Early Childhood Programme, I-Systems College Kuching (ISK) in a press release recently.

“Until now a large ‘blind spot’ has blocked the public from considering the field of early childhood education from the perspective of economic terms or thinking of creative ways to strengthen and enhance its growth.”

Under the Education National Key Area (NKEA), the government has identified the quality of early childcare education (ECCE) teachers as a key success factor to the development of a high standard across the education sector.

Currently, it is estimated by the Performance Management & Delivery Unit (PEMANDU) that 93 percent of Early Childhood Care Education teachers in the private sector do not possess any accredited teacher training certification.

Furthermore, the 10th Malaysia Plan supports the Education NKEA mandate towards a minimum diploma level qualification for all ECCE teachers. This means that unqualified teachers would need to upgrade themselves with a Diploma in Early Childhood Education that takes about two-and-a-half to 4 years to complete – depending on the mode of study – either full time or part time.

I-Systems College Kuching has taken the initiative to joint in the effort to provide training and accreditation for pre-school teachers and childcare practitioners. The college offers Diploma in Early Childhood Education to SPM school leavers and pre-school teachers who still lack the required qualification.

“Professionals trained in early childhood education are always in demand. Career options include educator, owners of nurseries or childcare centres, pre-school management consultant , kindergarten teachers, educational product researcher and many other related jobs prospects” said Fasihah.

Graduates in this programme will be all-rounded, committed and versatile educators who are knowledgeable in theory and competent in practical skills.

For more information about I-Systems Group of Colleges’ programmes, please visit www.i-systems.edu.my or contact the Course Counselor at 082-363787 / 082-369887or SMS to 016 889 3089. Students are encouraged to visit the campus and meet its course counselors at No.1, Jalan Usahajaya, Muara Tabuan, 93350 Kuching, Sarawak.

(Press Release)


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