Early childhood education is critical as a preparation for children to enrol in primary school. This is to develop a balanced and holistic human capital that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and social aspects. The business potential in the early childhood industry has recently grown rapidly. This has attracted more young entrepreneurs including graduates. In general, businesses in early childhood education centres are still open for local entrepreneurs to explore, as it is a requirement for parents to ensure their children's readiness before starting school. As a result, young entrepreneurs interested in venturing into this field must not only have expertise and skills in childcare centre management but they must also understand the needs and desires of children as they age.
Today's issue in this field is that the early childhood educators' credentials are the real problem. Early childhood educators need to have academic credentials in this sector in addition to having a passion for and compassion for children because they will be working with children who need the appropriate kind of example. This can be challenging for them. This provides job opportunities for early childhood education graduates to enter this business, and attend the Early Childhood Care and Education Course (KAAK). It is a course recognised by the Malaysian Social Welfare Department in carrying out care and child education in nurseries.
According to Mrs. Rosmaria Mohd Sahat, Managing Director of Rehal Solutions Sdn. Bhd., one of the organisations recognised by the Malaysian Social Welfare Department (JKM) for organising the KAAK, this sector is drawing more young entrepreneurs as one of the potential businesses in generating income and being profitable. There are a lot of participants and demand for KAAK courses, including lecturers who are interested in the world of entrepreneurship and early childhood education.
One of industrial experience in the early childhood field, Puan Hajah Intan, mentioned that today's early childhood educators must not only be experts in theory but must also prepare with the knowledge and experience necessary to deal with the children. Most centres had many experiences in hiring teachers. Unfortunately, they lack education and care skills even though they possess a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Thus, today's educators should resist the mentality of taking children's early education for granted because they believe that young children are incapable of understanding the lessons.
In this situation, to help students develop their personalities and instill moral principles in their daily lives, MAHSA University develops future educators through Diploma in Early Childhood Education to be more inventive in recognising the extent of growth that students can attain. Theories and books are not enough to be the best early childhood practitioner. The truth is that young children can be taught without the use of formal methods. In fact, it is more like playing. Therefore, proper skills and knowledge must be taught in promoting children's development and growth through play and other enjoyable activities in the centre. Today's educators and caregivers must be proficient in this.
Therefore, it is essential to put the skills and knowledge of today's early childhood education graduates to good use in order to produce high caliber human capital. They are essential to the growth of the early childhood education sector and the subsequent creation of a generation of outstanding, illustrious and eminent national successors. It is thought that if a child receives a good foundational education, they will go on to achieve in the schooling pathway as well!
References:
Fang, lianhua (Issues and Trends in Early Childhood Education)
Hajah Intan Maziah binti Ismail (Little Caliph Branch Director)