Early Entry May Increase Stress on Young Children, Warns Educators | KiddyNews

Allowing children to enter Year One at a younger age from 2027 may appear to give them an early start, but education providers warn it could place unnecessary stress on children who are not developmentally ready for formal schooling.

The Penang Education Institution Operators Association (PPIPP) cautioned that the policy could affect children’s emotional well-being and shape their attitudes towards learning in the long term.

Developmental Readiness a Key Concern

PPIPP chairman Datuk Dr Lim Beng Suat said the revised entry age means some children may begin Year One at six or even five-plus, despite still developing essential emotional and self-regulation skills.

From a developmental perspective, she said many five-year-olds are still learning to manage focus, emotions and classroom routines, abilities that are critical before transitioning into a more structured academic environment.

Introducing them too early, she warned, risks exposing children to stress that could negatively affect their relationship with learning over time.

Preschool Years Could Be Effectively Shortened

Dr Lim noted that under the new policy, some pupils entering Year One in January 2027 will still be five years old, turning six only later in the academic year.

This would result in classrooms made up of children at different developmental stages and could effectively shorten early childhood education by one year.

She added that kindergartens provide a crucial phase for social, emotional and behavioural development, one that may be compromised if children move too quickly into primary school.

Age Alone Does Not Reflect Readiness

Dr Lim highlighted that public confusion has arisen partly due to differences in how age is calculated across countries.

In many Asian education systems, children are considered six at entry but turn seven within the same academic year, allowing for greater maturity.

She added that even under the current system, where children enter Year One between six and seven, some struggle to adapt. These are challenges that may intensify if the entry age is lowered further.

Children born earlier and later in the same year, she said, can differ significantly in emotional and cognitive maturity.

Preschool Plays a Critical Role in Emotional Foundations

Dr Lim stressed that preschool should remain a strong foundation for building emotional resilience, social skills and confidence, especially as schools face rising concerns over mental health, bullying and emotional distress.

She warned that focusing only on chronological age risks overlooking individual readiness and disadvantaging children who simply need more time to develop.

Children who begin primary school with secure emotional foundations, she said, often catch up academically and perform better in the long run.

System-Wide Preparation Needed

Dr Lim said a policy shift of this scale requires thorough preparation across all levels of education.

Kindergartens may need to revise programmes so that school readiness begins earlier and progresses gradually, while the Education Ministry should review the Year One curriculum to ensure it is appropriate for five- to six-year-olds.

She also noted the need for teacher retraining and possible facility adjustments, including child-friendly furniture, play-based learning spaces and suitable toilet facilities for younger pupils.

Pressure on Parents and Preschools

While parents are given the option to delay entry, Dr Lim cautioned that the policy may unintentionally pressure families to accelerate their children’s readiness.

She added that kindergartens may also feel compelled to adopt more academic approaches, potentially eroding the core principles of early childhood education.

Instead of reducing stress, she warned, the policy could heighten anxiety and competition among parents and educators alike.

Rethinking Education Pathways

Dr Lim said if the goal is for students to complete schooling earlier, reforms at the secondary level may be more appropriate.

She noted that most Asian education systems begin formal schooling between six and seven, with students completing their education around the age of 18.

Preserving the integrity of early childhood education, she said, remains essential to supporting children’s long-term learning and well-being.

Source:

The Star  – “Early entry may place kids under stress”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.