Early childhood education
Published on: Monday, April 01, 2019
Text Size:
Early childhood education prepares young children for their transition into elementary school. Sending pre-school-age children to one of these early childhood education programs can make a positive impact on her and give her a head start toward a bright future.
Why is Early Childhood Education important?
The capacity of your child’s brain to soak up new learning peaks when your child is 3 years old.
At this point in your child’s life, she has the highest potential for learning new things.
While attending an early childhood education program, your child will improve her language and motor skills, while developing the learning and cognitive skills necessary to move on to primary school.
Attending a quality early childhood education program can benefit your child’s health as well.
Approximately 60 to 70 per cent of pre-school-age children attend an early childhood program or child care programme out of the home.
In addition, your child’s socio-emotional development is less likely to be adversely affected, with a decreased chance of needing behavioural or mental health care once she enters primary school.
Importance of Screenings
One of the many benefits of your child receiving an early childhood education is the opportunity to participate in early childhood screening.
This screening is provided for 3- to 5-year-olds and tests things like health, cognitive development, speech, vision, hearing, coordination, emotional skills and social skills.
Screenings can identify any development or health issues that need to be taken into consideration, to prevent learning delays.
Where can you study Early Childhood Education?
The Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) is offered by the Open University of Malaysia (OUM).
The programme at OUM contributes to the all-rounded development of ECE teachers by updating their knowledge, skills and attitude as ECE professionals.
The programme is tailor-designed for Early Childhood principals, administrators, teachers, care takers, childminders and those involved with young learners to ensure that they have the necessary and enriched knowledge about child development and assessment, curriculum content, children arts and music, learning and pedagogy, health and safety, and ECE-centre management skills.
Entry Requirements
The Normal Entry requirements are:
i. Pass SPM/SPMV/MCE or its equivalent, with minimum a credit in 3 subjects; or
ii. Pass UEC with minimum Grade B in 3 subjects; or
iii. Pass O-Level with minimum Grade C in 3 subjects; or
iv. Pass SKM Level 3 in Early Childhood/ Preschool Care and pass SPM with minimum a credit in 1 subject; or
v. Pass Community College Certificate equivalent to MQF Level 3 in related field and pass SPM with minimum a credit in 1 subject; or
vi. Pass Early Childhood Education Certificate (MQF Level 3) in related field with a minimum CGPA of 2.00; or
vii. Pass STPM or equivalent with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) in 1 subject; or
viii. Pass STAM with minimum grade of Maqbul; or
ix. Other qualifications recognized as equivalent by the Malaysian Government.
Note: Matured students above the age of 20 years with working experience can also apply provided they pass the APEL Assessment Test conducted by OUM.
Tuition Fee
The total tuition fee For the Dipolma programme at OUM is RM 12, 780. The Duration of the course is four years. Financial aid is available to those who are eligible from:
1) PTPTN
2) EPF (Account 2)
3) Education or Personal Loan from commercial banks
4) HRDF (subject to employer’s eligibility)
5) OUM Flexible Payment Scheme.
The OUM Advantage
Those who are interested in pursuing the Diploma programme with OUM have the added advantage to “ Word and Study”.
If you are a school leaver or an adult interested in this programme you can work and take up this course on a part-time basis. For details contact the nearest OUM centre.
Q and A
If you have a career related question send to: [email protected]
