Early Childhood Education Course in Malaysia : Complete Guide for International Students

Early Childhood Education- Top Universities, Admission, Fees, Scholarships in Malaysia

Early childhood education focuses on a child's cognitive and learning skills (e.g., attention, memory, and thinking), motor skills (e.g., balance, holding objects), and social-emotional development e.g. making friends.

It is a crucial period in a child's life because it is at this time that they learn how to connect with others, such as peers, instructors, and parents, as well as acquire hobbies that will last throughout their lives.

What is Early Childhood Education (ECE)?

In Malaysia, early childhood care and education (ECCE) is divided into two age groups: 0-4 years and 4-6 years.In Malaysia, ECCE is divided into two age groups: 0-4 years and 4-6 years. Students will study how to teach youngsters in absorbing knowledge through effective teaching techniques.Child development, newborn and toddler care, learning and play, communication skills, and other topics will be covered.

ECCE is made up of the following components:

• Infant / Baby: 0 to 1 years
• Toddler: 1 to 2 years
• Pre-school: 3 to 4 years
• Kindergarten: 5 to 6 years
• Middle school: 7 to 8 years

Graduate Diploma (part-time)

The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education (GDipECE) is for ECCE educators who desire to further their academic and professional knowledge. This curriculum can be completed entirely online, making it convenient for kindergarten instructors, primary school teachers, and other educators.

• Incorporate Teaching Practicum sessions, which will focus on honing practical classroom abilities.

Bachelor's degree

This course of Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education in Malaysia is provided by the top university of Malaysia as a full time course of 30 months.In terms of scope, the graduate EDU-CAREER to-be embarks on a broad foundation journey that spans the development of the young child from birth to junior primary school in a variety of contexts.

short course

This course is the foundation course in childhood education for 2 years.This course gives a brief idea about the caring of the preschoolers.

How much does it cost to study Early Childhood Education in Malaysia

There are different universities offering this course of early Childhood education in Malaysia but the estimated cost of the course is nearly the same.The top Malaysia universities having Early Childhood Education are as below with the requirements and tuition fees:

Segi College Subang Jaya

• Campus: Subang Jaya, Selangor
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• General Intake: January, May & September
• The indicative fee of 2.5-years (Full-time) (2019): RM24,600
• BA (Hons) in Early Years Education 3+0
• General Intake: January, May & September
• The indicative fee of 3-years (Full-time) (2019): RM60,400

HELP University

• Campus: Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• General Intake: January, May & August
• Indicative fee of 2.5-years (Full-time) (2019): RM18,600
• Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Hons)
• General Intake:  January, May & August
• Indicative fee of 3.5-years (Full-time) (2019): RM64,800

Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)

• Campus: Kuala Lumpur
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• General Intake: March & August
• Indicative fee of 2.5-years (Full-time) (2019): RM20,930

Best Universities for Early Childhood Education in Malaysia

Early childhood educators have a crucial role in producing next-generation children with improved learning abilities and IQ, but they are frequently undervalued by society because they are regarded as unpaid positions. Early childhood education, according to research, is critical in preparing children to enter and flourish in a post-kindergarten school setting, as well as improving social-emotional mental health and increasing self-sufficiency as they mature and approach adulthood.The best universities in Malaysia offering early childhood education course are as:

• Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK)
• University of Malaya
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
• SEGi University
• Monash University
• HELP University
• Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)
• Open University Malaysia
• Quest International University

Universiti Tun Abdul Razak

Universiti Tun Abdul Razak, or UNIRAZAK was established on 18 December 1997 and is one of the first private universities in Malaysia. 

The university offers world-class educational programmes on early childhood education, accounting, business, arts and social science, English language etc. It enables students to develop as young professionals who can contribute either as teachers, providers and/or trainers in shaping the future of the younger generation.

University of Malaya

The University of Malaya, or UM, Malaysia’s oldest university is situated on a 922-acre campus in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur. 

The University of Malaya is committed to conduct teaching and learning, carry out research and provide quality services on a global level, and generate and enhance knowledge through continuous improvement efforts for the benefit of all stakeholders, especially University of Malaya’s students.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

Universiti Sains Malaysia is the first university in Malaysia to be selected by the Malaysian government to participate in the Accelerated Programme for Excellence (APEX), a fast-track programme that helps tertiary institutions achieve world-class status.

USM offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that are conducted in their three campuses: Main campus, engineering campus and health campus.

SEGi University

Known as one of the largest private higher education providers in Malaysia, SEGi University now serves more than 25,000 students in five major campuses located in Kota Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Penang and Sarawak. 

It has experienced significant growth by adapting to the increasing demand for tertiary education and professional qualifications in Malaysia by providing a wide range of programmes.

Monash University

Monash University Malaysia is the third-largest campus of Monash University - a premier research-intensive Australian university ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. 

Their campus offers a distinctly international and culturally rich environment and students are taught by highly qualified academic staff from across the world. 

HELP University

HELP University was founded in 1986 to provide affordable educational opportunities for Malaysians and offers a wide range of programmes covering business, law, social sciences and humanities, communication, economics, IT and more at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) was established under the UTAR Education Foundation as a not-for-profit organisation and currently offers more than 100 academic programmes across nine faculties, three centres and three institutes.

To date, the university has established formal collaborations with over 180 institutions to facilitate international exchanges, research and training.

Open University Malaysia

As a private university in Malaysia, Open University Malaysia leverages on their prestige and expertise to add value to their wide range of academic programmes.

OUM provides a study mode where face-to-face tutorials are not needed; students are required to attend live forums on their learning management system and this gives students options to learn depending on their preferences and learning styles. 

Quest International University Perak (QUIP)

Quest International University Perak (QUIP) is a private and comprehensive research-led university that believes in blending theory and practice in education. The industry-relevant programmes utilise motivational teaching methods which are highly effective. To provide opportunities for Malaysians to pursue their studies, QUIP offers international standard programmes at affordable prices. 

Entry Requirements and Qualifications for Early Childhood Education

You will typically need the following to obtain a degree in Early Childhood Education:

(1) O-Level / SPM Qualification
A minimum of 5 credits is required.

(2) Pre-University Credentials

• A-Level: A minimum of two passes is required.
• A minimum CGPA of 2.0 is required for STPM.
• Depending on the university, a CGPA of 2.0 is required for a foundation in science or the arts.

Duration of the Early Childhood Education in Malaysia

A three-year degree in early childhood education is typical. A Diploma in Early Childhood Education, on the other hand, would normally take 2 to 2.5 years to complete.

Major Subjects in Early Education in Malaysia

• Child Development- The series of physical, language, mental, and emotional changes that occur in a kid from birth to the beginning of maturity is referred to as early child development.
• Learning and Play- Play enables youngsters to communicate ideas and understand people through social contact, laying the path for deeper understanding and stronger bonds in Early childhood. Children play to make sense of the world around them and to relate new experiences to something they already know.
• Children's Safety- The primary part of a childcare centre is the safety of the children, and it should be a top priority. As a result, as an early childhood educator, you must be knowledgeable in this area in order to provide a safe workplace and avoid errors.
• Nutrition- It is such an important aspect during study of Early childhood education in Malaysia of every child's growth, the link between nutrition, health, and learning is unquestionably strong. Assuring that children acquire the proper nutritional balance for their growth and development is an important element of an early childhood educator's job, and it must be learned..
• Patience- At Foundations for Learning, we recognise that you have specific expectations of your child care provider, one of which is patience.
• Creativity- The most liberating form of self-expression is creativity. Nothing is more pleasant and fulfilling for youngsters than being able to freely express themselves without fear of being judged. Children's emotional health can be reflected and nurtured by their ability to be creative, to create something from their feelings and experiences.
• Communication- Young children's communication development includes learning to understand and communicate their thoughts, feelings, and knowledge.

What are the job opportunities after Early Childhood Education in Malaysia

In most cases, the entry-level employment is that of an assistant teacher, who works under the supervision of a more experienced mentor which the student can take after completing studies in the course of Early childhood education. Preschool instructors will be able to work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, child care centres, and industry care centres, among others.

Long-term courses in child development, psychology, teaching, and management are some of the other alternatives for becoming future-ready. Teachers must also prepare to work with technology as a partner. If educators can master digitization, it opens up an entirely new playing field for them.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, special education teachers who work in the field of early childhood education can earn nearly six figures each year, making them one of the highest-paying occupations in the sector.

The given below is the list of a few job career paths one can go after an early childhood education programme:

• ECCE Lecturer
• ECCE Curriculum Developer
• Preschool Teacher
• Educational Toy Consultant
• Daycare Teacher
• School Teacher