Selangor to Launch First Thousand Days Programme to Support Children’s Readiness for Preschool and Early Schooling | KiddyNews

The Selangor government will introduce the First Thousand Days of Children programme to strengthen early childhood development and better prepare young children for entry into preschool and the formal school system.

State Women’s Development and Social Welfare Committee chairman Anfaal Saari said the initiative will be rolled out beginning this June through the Selangor Women’s Career Carnival Tour Series in Hulu Selangor, Kuala Selangor, Sepang, Gombak and Petaling.

Supporting Children Before They Enter Preschool

Anfaal stressed that the first six years of life are critical to a child’s development, with parents playing a central role in ensuring children are ready for preschool and early learning.

“Parents are responsible for ensuring a healthy environment, adequate nutrition and appropriate exposure for their children before they enter school,” she said after launching the Selangor Women’s Leadership Academy for local authority council members.

The programme aims to raise awareness of early development needs, helping families build strong foundations before children step into preschool classrooms.

Aligned With National Education Direction

The state initiative comes as the federal government prepares to allow six-year-old children to enter Year One starting in 2027. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim previously announced that the policy will be optional and subject to parental consent.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek has since clarified that early entry will be implemented flexibly and only for children and families who are ready, reinforcing the importance of preschool preparation and developmental readiness.

Reminder on Nursery Safety and Registration

Separately, Anfaal said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) will investigate an alleged case involving the death of a baby at a nursery branch in Bangi in 2023, following the circulation of a video by the child’s mother on social media.

She said the Hulu Langat JKM has been instructed to look into the matter, as the nursery involved is located in Bangi.

Guidance for Parents Choosing Childcare

Anfaal reminded private nursery operators in Selangor to comply with JKM regulations, obtain licences from local authorities and meet safety standards set by the Fire and Rescue Department.

She also advised parents to ensure their children are enrolled only in nurseries registered with JKM and verified as safe.

“Many parents are unaware that some nurseries or daycare centres that appear reputable and are heavily marketed are, in fact, not registered with JKM,” she said.

The First Thousand Days programme, she added, reflects Selangor’s broader commitment to safeguarding children’s well-being and strengthening early foundations before preschool and primary education.

Source:

Malay Mail  – “Selangor to roll out First Thousand Days programme to prepare children for early school entry”

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