Early childhood education ensures future economic vitality of nation

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SIMULATION ROOM: SEGi College Sarawak is equipped with childcare simulation rooms that replicate actual childcare settings.

KUCHING: Though early childhood education programmes are usually perceived as a way of ensuring quality childcare, it should also be portrayed as an economic development initiative.

Since early childhood education concentrates on the development of children — our hope 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 among those who are disadvantaged, it would not only benefit everyone but also be the most cost-effective economic investment one could make.

“Early childhood education prepares our young children to succeed in school and become better citizens with a higher earning potential,” said Elina Tiu, Head of Academic, SEGi College Sarawak 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 Economic 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) under the Prime Minister’s Department that 93 per cent of Early Childhood and Care Education (ECCE) 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 three years to complete.

The government, as the champion for Entry Point Project (EPP) 2 under the NKEA to develop integrated early childcare education in the country, has appointed several institutions of higher learning as approved centres to help the government achieve its goal.

SEGi College Sarawak is one of those approved centres. SEGi as a
champion of the government initiative expects to play a key role in the provision of training and accreditation for pre-school teachers and childcare practitioners.

The College offers a Diploma of Early Childhood Education to SPM school leavers and pre-school teachers who still lack the required qualifications.

“Professionals trained in early childhood education are always in demand. Career options include becoming early childhood educators, owners of nurseries or childcare centres, pre-school management consultants, kindergarten teachers, educational product researchers, and many other related job prospects,” said Tiu.

Diploma of Early Childhood Education graduates will be all-rounded, committed and versatile educators who are knowledgeable in theory and competent in practical skills.

Further information can be obtained at 1-300-88-7344 or 082-252566, email [email protected]; or visit the main campus at 211, Jalan Bukit Mata for immediate registration. Enquiries can also be sent to www.facebook.com/segiswk or visit www.segi.edu.my.