There are several privately owned pre-schools – nurseries and kindergartens. In urban settings, it is common for children to have more than two (2) years of pre-school education before they enter Standard One. Children living in rural areas are also being assisted by various government agencies such as Kemas, Perpaduan and local primary school’s pre-school annexes.

Many private pre-schools are introducing computer education to children as young as three (3) years old. Many newly set up pre-school classes in publicly run primary schools have one (1) set of computer, equipped with educational software for children whose ages range from 4 to 6.

Kindergarten or pre-schooling is advised for children from 4 to 6 years of age in Malaysia. Primary school teachers expect children to have mastered simple sentence structures and basic Mathematics before admittance to standard one.

Pre-school (pra-sekolah) institutions are often known as tadika (taman didikan kanak-kanak) tabika (taman bimbingan kanak-kanak) and taska (taman asuhan kanak-kanak) nursery, kindergarten etc.

Although the Ministry of Education does not fund and operate all pre-schools in Malaysia, it does have the responsibility for preparing the pre-school curriculum. Subjects taught under this curriculum include Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese, Tamil, Islamic Studies, Science, Maths, Moral, Arts, Music and Physical Education.

Pre-school teachers are required to have formal training in Early Childhood Care and Education before being permitted to teach.


Source: National Pre-school Curriculum (2003) Ministry of Education

Some centres offer after school child care for children from 5 to 15 years of age. The objective of such centres is to keep a close watch on the students so that parents will know that their child is safe. Most such centres offer tutorial guidance and assist the children in their school work.

* The above centres from (2 – 3) must have valid licenses issued by the Ministry of Education.

Maria Montessori

The Montessori method is based on the theories of child devcelopment by an Italian educator Maria Montessori in the late 19th and early 20th century. Her method combines philosophy with a practical approach which allows the child freedom to work within the classroom.  

Although the name Montessori maybe used by many pre-schools today, parents are advised to check before they register their children as many of these centres are only advertising their organizations and not necessarily propagating the true Montessori spirit.

Thus, it is legally possible to use the term ‘Montessori’ without necessary adherence to a particular training or teaching method.

The Montessori Method

The method is characterized by an emphasis on self-directed activity on the part of the child and clinical observation on the part of the teacher often called a ‘director,’ ‘directress’ or ‘guide.’

It stresses the importance of adapting to the child’s learning environment and the role of physical activity in absorbing academic concepts and practical skills.

Centres in Malaysia

Most Montessori centres in Malaysia have incorporated the national pre-school curriculum into their syllables. Some centres have additional activities such as swimming, gymnastics, art and music.

Parents need to check on the centres concerned for the type of activities offered as each centre may vary in their overall teaching methodology but still retaining most of the Montessori concept.

The schedule

The schedule in these centres may vary from three to four hours each day. The emphasis is on concrete learning whereby a child completes a cycle of activity centred on a cognitive, learning process.  

Multi-age grouping

Children are normally grouped in mixed ages according to their ability to adapt to the environment. Most centres have 5-6 years old children. There is constant interaction and socialization to assist in the total development of the child.

Teaching Method

The child learns by handling objects and the teachers constantly observe to enable the child to improve. It is not a teacher centred learning process or emphasis on rote method.

Teaching Ratio / Class Size

Teaching ratios differs from centre to centre. Some centres have a ratio of 1:10 and some 1:25. Usually there are no assignments or dictate on what to study or read.

Basic Lessons

Teachers are trained to recognize a child’s ability to learn and are prepared to give individual guidance. Some centres incorporate practical life exercises, language & literacy, sensorial exercises and field trips.

Assessment

These centres do not grade a child on a given task but work towards an enhanced early childhood education programme by providing play opportunity for children while the teachers monitor their progress.