It is notable that by prioritising quality early childhood education programmes, depending on the curriculum and target population, the long-term benefits may come in different ways, especially for low-income groups children and children who are at risk, be it in the form of reducing learning disabilities, higher graduation rates from secondary schools, decreasing dependence on social welfare programmes as well as lowering involvement in criminal activities. [1]
It is important to know that the first few years of a child’s life marks a crucial period for learning. Placing importance on efforts for early childhood development must be of priority during these years for the greatest efficiency and effectiveness. Having the right stimuli in a quality early childhood education setting will nurture a child’s natural curiosity, foster creativity and build a love for learning, which provides a strong foundation for their future learning and success.
Preschools provide a supportive and structured environment where children can learn through play, interact with their peers and develop essential life skills. These early interactions allow them to understand, express and manage their emotions. They learn crucial social skills such as self-regulation and empathy, developing a healthy sense of self. Social-emotional skills are essential for forming and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and others, which will in turn shape their future academic and life journey.
However, the rising costs of early childhood education places financial pressure on parents, often forcing them to enrol their children in more affordable alternatives or even homeschooling[2]. While some alternatives may provide similar educational content, they may lack appropriate facilities such as playgrounds, gym mats, sports programmes, and toys for appropriate ages. Additionally, nutritious meals might not be priority, while there may be limited opportunities for social interaction with peers for those who are learning from home.
While the Education Ministry has acknowledged the importance of exposing children at an early stage to the value and usage of the Bahasa Melayu and English Language, as well as plans to focus on reforms to improve education quality, accessibility and relevance for students nationwide, more has to be done. [3]
By focusing on quality early childhood education, it can reduce achievement gaps between children from different socioeconomic backgrounds, which emerge even before young children enter preschools. For instance, 2 year-old children from low-income groups may only use as few as 10 words, compared to their affluent peers who know up to 450 words[4]. By providing high quality early childhood learning environments for all children, the government can help to reduce the disparities before it sets firm, addressing social inequalities in the long run.
Beyond children’s education, investment in high quality early childhood education by the government also supports and encourages more women to join the workforce. According to the data collected by International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2023, 55.59% of mothers with children under the age of six are part of the workforce in Malaysia. Accessible and affordable preschools are essential to support women, enabling them to have a greater workforce participation while ensuring their children receive developmentally appropriate care and education. This investment serves as both an educational foundation and a vital family support system for families, creating economic benefits beyond the children served. Parents with reliable early childhood education access demonstrate higher productivity and lower absenteeism.
As we look forward to the new Malaysian Blueprint 2026 – 2036, we hope that preschool education is prioritised, with it being a key pillar in the nation’s education and economic policies By investing in quality early childhood education programmes, the government must make choices that align short-term expenditures with long-term fiscal responsibility while advancing core societal values of opportunity, equality and potential human development.
Ng Kim Chu and Michelle Huan are lecturers in the Diploma in Early Childhood Education programme at Taylor’s College, bringing over a decade of experience in the field. Kim Chu is actively engaged in industry collaborations, organising visits to various early childhood settings to provide her students with real-world learning experiences, while Michelle is passionate about equipping future educators with the skills and knowledge needed to support every child to the best of their abilities.
