KUCHING: A total of 39 participants attended a roundtable discussion on childcare issues faced at home and at early childhood education centres.
Chaired by Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family, and Childhood Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah (pic), the discussion took place at Grand Margherita Hotel here yesterday.
“There are four areas of concern namely monitoring, welfare, registration, and safety.
“We have listened to the problems faced by childcare operators on not being able to send many of their caretakers for courses or else there would be nobody to help take care of the children.
“They also have the issue of turnover whereby if their caretakers could secure government jobs, then they would leave their present job.
“Suffice to say, what we have discussed are issues and challenges faced by operators in terms of sustainability such as income and minimal fees,” she said.
Fatimah also spoke on the importance of sending caretakers for more training so as to enhance the basic knowledge and skills that they have.
“Though it is important to have the minimum knowledge and skills required, we encourage them to go further than just a diploma or degree in early childhood education.
“But having said that, one very important factor that we look for is in terms of attitude; these are children who are still young and impressionable and you have been given the responsibility to educate them so that they have a strong foundation instilled in them that will help them later in life.
“No doubt qualification and knowledge are important, but what’s equally important is the right attitude to nurture and care for a child.
“We did not manage to solve everything today, but it has been an eye opener for us which needs to be further discussed about,” Fatimah said.
