Malaysia Association of Early Childhood Care and Education Malaysia (NAECCEM) held the 2024 Inclusivity in Early Childhood Education Conference (IECEC) from the 3rd to the 5th October 2024, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Johor Bahru.
The conference aims to promote best practices in inclusive early childhood education. It serves as a unique platform to engage a diverse audience and provide insights into integrating children with special needs and diverse backgrounds into mainstream education.
A first of its kind, the conference focused on building a robust framework for inclusive education that goes beyond the classroom. It aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice, empowering educators to create inclusive environments where all children, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
Themed “Intervention Before Inclusion,” the conference brought together local and international experts, educators, practitioners, and policymakers to explore innovative approaches and research that advance inclusive practices in early childhood settings.
It emphasised creating environments where every child, including those with disabilities or developmental delays, can learn and thrive together.
According to NAECCEM, the IECEC 2024 served as a critical platform for stakeholders, including educators, researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and parent to exchange insights on effective strategies for supporting diverse learners in early education. This focus on inclusive education aligns with the broader goal of fostering equitable learning experiences for all children and enabling them to reach their full potential.
The conference’s highlight was the keynote address by Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development. “Together, we share a powerful belief in the value of inclusive education and its impact on the lives of young children, families, and our communities. It is about shaping the very foundation of our future society, beginning with our youngest learners,” she said.
IECEC 2024 featured diverse lineup of masterclasses and workshops, which catered to the varied interests and needs of early childhood education professionals.
In addition to the expert-led sessions, the conference featured panel discussions that brought together a range of voices — including parents, educators, therapists, and service providers to share their experiences and collaborate on solutions for advancing inclusion
These discussions offered a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive early childhood education environments, promoting a shared understanding among various stakeholders.
“The conference’s theme of “Intervention Before Inclusion” reflects its commitment to laying a solid foundation for inclusivity through early identification and support.”
“It recognises that inclusion is not simply about placing children with diverse needs in mainstream classrooms but ensuring they have the support, resources, and interventions required to thrive. By addressing the individual needs of each child early on, educators can create learning environments that are genuinely inclusive and responsive,” said NAECCEM.
Ultimately, the 2024 Inclusivity in Early Childhood Education Conference aims to set a new benchmark for inclusive practices in Malaysia and the broader region.
As Malaysia works towards achieving its educational and developmental goals, events like the IECEC 2024 play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all young learners.
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