Private Preschool Operators Urge Delay in Year One Entry Plan, Call for Transition Period | KiddyNews

The Malaysian Private Early Childhood Educators Coalition has called on the government to postpone the implementation of voluntary Year One entry at age six under the National Education Plan 2026–2035, citing concerns over preschool readiness and the absence of formal consultation with private operators.

While supporting the government’s broader goal of strengthening early education and national learning standards, the coalition said private kindergartens need time to adapt to structural changes that will directly affect preschool operations nationwide.

One-Year Transition and Pilot Projects Proposed

In a statement, the coalition urged the government to allow at least a one-year transition period before nationwide implementation. It also proposed pilot projects and structured consultations with private kindergarten operators to ensure changes are introduced smoothly.

“The structural changes are expected to have significant implications for the private kindergarten and preschool ecosystem nationwide,” the coalition said, stressing the need for careful planning.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced last week that children would be allowed to enter Year One at age six from next year, instead of seven. The move, which is optional, is intended to introduce structured learning earlier and align Malaysia’s education system with international practices.

Preschools Raise Readiness and Planning Concerns

The coalition noted that the policy was announced without a clear transition framework or impact study on workforce, operations and financial sustainability within the private preschool sector.

Industry stakeholders met in Cyberjaya on Saturday to discuss the announcement and its implications. Following the meeting, a social media group comprising kindergarten operators, association representatives and stakeholders was formed, with 516 members as of press time.

The group highlighted concerns over daily preschool operations, enrolment planning, class structures, teacher–child ratios and the financial impact on families.

Private Kindergartens as a Foundation for School Readiness

The coalition said private kindergartens have long played a key role in preparing children for entry into government schools, offering holistic early learning environments focused on social, emotional and character development.

“This sudden change has disrupted student enrolment planning, affected class structures and created operational and financial uncertainty for thousands of private kindergartens,” it said.

Malaysia is estimated to have more than 8,000 registered private kindergartens employing over 100,000 teachers, most of whom are women with long-term careers in early childhood education.

Concerns Over Children’s Well-Being

The coalition cautioned that introducing academic expectations and early assessments for children as young as five could increase emotional stress and anxiety, shifting early education away from holistic development towards academic performance.

It also highlighted the role of kindergartens in religious and character education, particularly for Muslim children, warning that an early transition to Year One could disrupt this formative phase.

Call for Clear Governance and Collaboration

In addition to postponement, the coalition proposed the creation of a special licensing framework and a dedicated department under the Education Ministry to oversee kindergartens, childcare centres and care facilities.

“The coalition is committed to working constructively with the government to ensure education reforms are implemented in a planned and inclusive manner that safeguards industry stability and the well-being of children,” it said.

The group is expected to submit its recommendations to the prime minister today, calling for continued dialogue to ensure preschool readiness remains central to the reform process.

Source:

The Sun  – “Private kindergartens call for postponement of Year 1 plan”

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