PORT DICKSON: Parents who want the best for their children should send them to preschools which have qualified teachers and which use the curriculum approved by the Education Ministry, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.

The Deputy Education Minister said although all preschools were only required to have their teachers trained in early childhood education by 2020, it was important that preschool children were taught by teachers who had at least a diploma in the discipline.

“Preschools are required to register with us but many have yet to do so.

“So, we do not really know how qualified their teachers are or if they are using our curriculum.

“In fact, I would not be surprised if some of these teachers only have Sijil Rendah Pelajaran or Standard Six qualification,” he said after a visit to SJKC Tanah Merah Site C here.

Chong also officially opened a new preschool and a new single- storey block of the school during the visit.

He said it would be unfortunate if children learnt nothing while in preschool as this would put them at a great disadvantage when they enrol in Year 1.

“Preschools of today are no longer like preschools of yesteryear which were more nurseries and daycare centres.

“We must prepare these kids from a tender age so that they are ready for formal education after that,” he said.

Chong said the ministry would not extend the 2020 deadline for all preschool teachers to have at least a diploma.

“We first made the announcement three years ago, and they still have time to comply.

“It is our hope that all preschool operators comply with this requirement,” he said, adding that the teachers could enrol at any recognised private or public institution of higher learning either full-time or part-time.

-The Star-