KUCHING: SIDMA College in Sarawak, a pioneer in private higher education, is agreeable to providing special education to teachers interested in educating and caring for children with special needs.
Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah hoped such courses can begin this year.
Following a discussion on the idea with college chairman Marzuki Umi she said it recognises the importance of early education from childcare to kindergartens.
“I was informed, hopefully, these courses will be offered this year,” she said at the SIDMA College 8th convocation today (Jan 31).
“Congratulations to SIDMA College for aligning with our inclusive and unity-focused policy. Such courses will boost our teachers’ confidence in assisting and educating special needs children,” she said.
Fatimah said last year, Sarawak had 3,033 Early Childhood Education Institutions (ECEIs), comprising 2,801 kindergartens and 232 childcare centres.
Sarawak achieved a 98.71 per cent enrollment of Year 1 children for the 2023/2024 pre-school education, surpassing the national achievement of 88.81 per cent, she revealed.
“Sarawak aims to reach 100 per cent enrollment in preschool by 2030, collaborating with agencies like SeDidik Sdn Bhd, Sarawak State Education Department (JPNS), Department of Community Development (KEMAS), Department of National Unity and Integration, and Association for Kindergarten Operators (AKO).
“The ministry also aims for 100 per cent of SeDidik teachers to have at least a Diploma in Early Childhood Education by 2025.”
She said the adoption of an open policy guarantees the admission of children with special needs to all SeDidik ECEIs.
Last year, 49 out of 100 SeDidik kindergartens accommodated 129 children with special needs.
“In 2024, the ministry will emphasise experiential learning in ECEIs, with a focus on outdoor activities such as field trips. Part of the Annual Special Grant (GTK) in 2024 will be allocated for such activities.
“GTK aims to improve the quality of early childhood care, guidance, and education services. For 2024, RM14.0 million has been allocated, benefiting 2,218 ECEIs with expenditures of RM11.05 million,” she said.
The convocation saw 97 graduates getting their Diplomas in Early Childhood Education and 18 graduates in the Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia.
