KUCHING: All teachers working at SeDidik must possess at least a diploma qualification in Early Childhood Education (ECE) by 2021, said Welfare, Community Well-Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
She added that the requirement would involve all childcare and preschool centres under the government.
“As of today, 46.83 per cent of the teachers at SeDidik are Diploma holders in ECE.
“About 1.56 per cent possess degree while 35.16 per cent are currently enrolled in diploma courses in ECE,” she said during the launching ceremony of Randau Early Childhood Development 2019 at Pullman Hotel here yesterday.
Apart from encouraging teachers to further their studies in ECE, Fatimah explained that developing workshop programmes and courses were important so as to improve the quality of early childhood education in Sarawak.
“The ministry has organised various training courses including workshop on children’s special needs, occupation safety and health seminar, English Fun Learning Sharing Workshop (EFL), National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK) seminar.
“Qualified, educated and skillful educators and caregivers would ensure high quality early childhood care and education in Sarawak,” she added.
To ensure that public ECE meets quality standard, Fatimah revealed that her ministry is committed to providing the best childcare and preschool centres while aiming for inclusivity.
“RM16 million will be distributed equally to 73 kindergartens and 18 nurseries to instill healthy eating habits, promote a conducive learning environment, and more,” she said.
At present, Sarawak has a total of 1,027 kindergartens and 87 childcare centres with a total of 5,326 teachers and 418 caregivers working in ECE, serving 82,141 children throughout the state.
