So your child has celebrated his third or perhaps the fourth birthday. What’s next? Now for many parents, deciding WHEN to send your child to preschool is a milestone worth celebrating. It’s a start, a big start in education decision. The most important question of all, one that all parents have to consider:
Should I send my child to preschool?
If yes, when? 3 or 4 years old?
Early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Malaysia
According to schoolmalaysia.com, early childhood care and education (ECCE) in Malaysia is divided into two age groups:
- 0-4 years old
- 4-6 years old
The first group (0-4 years old) involves:
- childcare centers
- nurseries
- taska
The second group (4-6 years old) involves pre-school education:
- preschools
- kindergartens
- tadika
Preschool vs Kindergarten
Most Malaysian children start to attend preschool at the age of 3-4 as preschool programs are generally more flexible; it’s like a kindergarten training ground. Kindergarten is then attended between the ages of 4 to 6. In other words, kindergarten is the first step in your child’s formal education.
The choice is yours to make.
Some parents may choose to skip preschool altogether and send their child to kindergarten at 5 or even 6 years old. However, although age is the main indicator, we would like to highlight other factors that should be taken into consideration before you enroll your child in a preschool.
How to know my child is ready for preschool?
Here’s a preschool readiness checklist to help you out:
Has basic self-care skills
Basic self-care skills include knowing how to use zippers and buttons, washing hands, and eating a meal without adult assistance. It’s best if your child is fairly independent and self-sufficient to make the most out of his time attending preschool.
Potty-trained
Most preschools do enforce the requirement that your child must be potty-trained. Teachers won’t have time for diaper changes. Your child may feel insecure and ashamed when he sees other kids are not wearing diapers. Furthermore, preschool is where your child should be learning and developing new skills, not hindered by the lack of confidence due to not being able to go to the toilet on his own.
Understand simple directions and can follow a structured schedule
As your child grows, he learns things more easily including understanding and following instructions and schedules. A progress in this area is a good sign that your child is ready for preschool.
Comfortable around other adults and children
The first few days of tears shouldn’t be an issue when your child starts attending preschool. They should be able to adapt to his new environment pretty soon if they are comfortable to be with teachers and other children around his age. So, do take time easing him into a similar environment when they are younger such as enrichment program and playgroups.
Able to cooperate and take turns while interacting with other children
Preschool activities are usually set up in a group environment. So it would be best if your child has some form of social skills such as being able to cooperate and take turns while interacting and participating in activities with other children. Every child is different in terms of cognitive progress. We believe readiness to attend preschool is better based on their development in oppose to age. Some children may already begin to speak well at 2 years while some may only be so at 4 years old.
So, do take your time to nurture your child until he’s ready for preschool and beyond!
Image credit:
- https://www.applechildcare.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/about-750x475-750x475.jpg
- http://chilternhouse.com.my/wp-content/uploads/JGC-92-1-e1463374223924.jpg
- https://static.parade.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/kids-in-kindergarten.jpg
- https://www.todaysparent.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/is-kid-ready-to-potty-train.png
- https://purewows3.imgix.net/images/articles/2019_05/Group-of-preschoolers-in-cooperatie-type-of-play-with-blocks.jpg?auto=format,compress&cs=strip
In collaboration with Ethissa.
