Early childhood education should be given greater attention as the early years play a critical role in shaping children’s development and lifelong learning, Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek said.
She said quality early education depended on having well-prepared educators who could support children’s cognitive, social and emotional development, including those with different learning needs.
“Early childhood education is not merely preparation before entering Year 1. These early years are among the most important stages in a child’s growth and exploration of the world. I believe that the best start for children begins with the best preparation for those who educate them.”
Fadhlina was speaking at the launch of three new early childhood education programmes at Sunway University, comprising a Bachelor in Early Childhood Education with Special Needs (Honours), a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education through Open and Distance Learning.
The programmes place particular emphasis on inclusive education and developing educators who can respond to children with diverse developmental and learning needs.
Professor Malissa Maria Mahmud, Dean of Sunway University’s School of Education, said the role of early childhood educators extended beyond teaching to understanding how children learn, develop and interact with the world.
“Early childhood education is not simply about preparing children for school. It is about understanding how children learn, develop and experience the world, and creating environments where every child feels supported, included and able to participate meaningfully.”
She said investing in educators would also improve the quality of experiences children receive during their formative years, particularly by creating more inclusive learning environments.
