GOOD WORK BY THE GIRLS: WANITA MCA ROLLS OUT PACKAGE TO HELP PRESCHOOL TEACHERS OBTAIN DIPLOMA

KUALA LUMPUR – Wanita MCA has come up with a study plan to help preschool teachers obtain diploma qualification, to fulfil the Education Ministry’s academic requirement which will be fully enforced by 2020.

“The package will provide up to 60% discount in tuition fees for preschool teachers to obtain a Diploma in Early Childhood,” said Wanita MCA chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie, adding that this was done together with the International Institute of Management and Technology (Iimat) and the Early Childhood Teachers Association.

It was reported that the Education Ministry had made it compulsory for preschool and nursery teachers to possess at least a diploma in early childhood education by 2020. This regulation involves both government and private organisations.

Speaking to reporters at Wisma MCA here, Heng said the two-and-a-half-year part-time study plan is open to all preschool teachers nationwide, regardless of race.

“There are 100 places up for grabs for the first stage of the programme. We will have further discussion with Iimat when all the places are taken up,” said Heng.

The course offered by Iimat is Malaysian Qualifications Agency-accredited and recognised by the Higher Education Ministry and the Public Service Department (JPA).

Qualified applicants who register with Wanita MCA will receive a 60% discount on the RM18,000 tuition fee.

“They only have to pay RM8,000 for the course. This is probably one of the cheapest in town,” Heng added.

She said out of the 27,000 registered preschool teachers, fewer than 10% of them have an early childhood diploma qualification.

Applicants can also apply for PTPTN loans, failing which, they can apply for loans from Wanita MCA.

– ANN