LETTERS: In Malaysia, early childhood care and education is overseen by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry (for children up to age 4), and the Education Ministry (for children aged 5 and 6).
In recent years, the demand for childcare services in Malaysia has surged as work constraints reduce the time parents spend with their young children.
As such, childcare services have become inevitable and led to the rapid increase in the number of childcare centres.
Though parents have numerous options, this abundance of choice also comes with the challenge of finding quality care.
The heart of quality childcare lies in the classroom, which depends heavily on the teachers.
A well-trained and experienced teacher is crucial as infants and toddlers spend much of their day at these centres.
Recognising this, the government mandated minimum qualifications for early childhood teachers as part of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025.
By 2020, all early childhood educators are required to have completed the Permata Childcare Course, which is accredited by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, or hold a diploma in early childhood education.
This has led to many universities offering specialised courses in this field.
However, a significant gap remains: while these programmes focus on educational techniques, they often overlook the practical aspects of caring for very young children.
Many new teachers face a steep learning curve, as they have little or no training.
In my years of lecturing, I have seen many students face a "culture shock" and are unprepared for tasks like changing diapers or preparing formula milk.
Although modern technology allows for quick access to information, it doesn't replace hands-on experience and the confidence needed for such care.
The gap still exists as the curriculum does not nurture teachers' confidence.
Without adequate preparation, teachers may be overwhelmed, leading to them losing their temper and hurting those under their care, or panicking in cases of emergency.
We have time and time again heard stories of accidents or injuries involving young children in childcare centres.
The Child Care Centre Act 1984 was enacted to protect the safety, health and wellbeing of children in these centres, highlighting the need for properly trained staff.
Infant and toddler care is an often overlooked area, despite being an extremely important aspect of early childhood.
Early childhood educators need to know the intricacies and be competent in the art of caring as much as they are in the art of teaching.
Providing exceptional care for our youngest citizens is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it's about nurturing the skills and confidence of those entrusted with their wellbeing.
REVATI RAMAKRISHNAN
Senior lecturer
School of Education
Taylor's University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times