Kemas To Open 132 Preschool Classes For Children With Autism Nationwide | KiddyNews

The Community Development Department (Kemas) will open 132 preschool classes for children with autism nationwide from January 2027, with admission screening set to begin next month.

The expansion is expected to benefit nearly 2,000 children, following what Kemas director-general Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Man described as strong demand from parents.

The screening will be conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to assess children applying for admission.

Small Classes To Support Children’s Needs

Each class will accommodate between 10 and 15 children and be supported by three teachers.

Mohd Hanafiah said the arrangement allows one teacher to supervise about five to seven children, in line with established standards for the programme.

The smaller class sizes are intended to provide children with more individual attention as they take part in their early learning experience.

PwD Card Required For Admission

One of the admission requirements is a Persons with Disabilities (PwD) card issued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

Mohd Hanafiah said the requirement is intended to align the programme with policies set by the Ministry of Education, particularly those relating to assistance for children with special educational needs.

He explained that children enrolled in special education classes under the Ministry of Education receive an allowance as children with special needs. Registering children with JKM would similarly allow eligible Kemas pupils to access the planned assistance.

The expansion marks a significant increase in preschool opportunities for children with autism, while providing families with additional access to early education and support closer to their communities.

Source:

Malay Mail – “Kemas expands preschool places for children with autism, 132 classes to open nationwide in Jan 2027”

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